January 8
Saint Apollinaris the Apologist
Bishop
(Around 2nd Century – Around 179)
“We therefore grossly deceive ourselves in not allotting more time to the study of divine truths. It is not enough barely to believe them, and let our thoughts now and then glance upon them: that knowledge which shows us heaven, will not bring us to the possession of it, and will deserve punishments, not rewards, if it remain slight, weak, and superficial. By serious and frequent meditation it must be concocted, digested, and turned into the nourishment of our affections, before it can be powerful and operative enough to change them, and produce the necessary fruit in our lives. For this all the saints affected solitude and retreats from the noise and hurry of the world, as much as their circumstances allowed them.”
Saint Apollinaris the Apologist
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or on the Book Cover Image above to Buy it!
Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Born around the second century in an unknown location, little is known about Apollinaris Claudius’ early life and upbringing.
Bishop of Hierapolis
Around 161, Apollinaris became Bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia (in southwestern Anatolia, Turkey near Pamukkale, Turkey where the ruins of the cathedral are). He was an outstanding Christian teacher of the second century. His impact and influence on the early Christian community are well-documented.
Teacher and Author
Apollinaris became famous for his polemical treatises against the heretics of his day, whose errors he showed to be entirely borrowed from the pagans. He wrote two books against the Jews, five against the pagans, and two on “Truth.” In his prolific writings, Apollinaris distinguished himself as the author of apologetic writings against Greek philosophy, against the Jews and against Montanism.
Eusebius has given us, in his Church History, a fragment of a work composed by Apollinaris, in which the following words against Montanism and Monastists occur:
“The faithful of Asia, at many times and in many places, came together to consult on the subject of Montanus and his followers; and these new doctrines were examined, and declared strange and impious”.
Apologia
His most famous work, an “Apologia”, was written for the Christians, addressing Emperor Marcus Aurelius about 175. In this work, Apollinaris reminded the Emperor of a miracle he received because of the Christians. Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ army was nearly defeated in an attempt to conquer the Quadi, Germanic barbarians. They were surrounded by Quadi in Moravia and threatened with annihilation. In addition, his army could not maintain themselves long where they were for want of water.
Prayer’s Answered
Although Christianity was illegal at the time, the twelfth legion was chiefly composed of Christians. When the army was drawn up, exhausted with thirst, the Christians fell upon their knees, ” as we are accustomed to do at prayer “, says Saint Eusebius, and earnestly prayed for God’s aid.
Then, suddenly, the sky was darkened with clouds, and a heavy rain poured down just as the barbarians began their attack. The Twelfth Legion fought and drank at the same time, catching the rain as it fell in their helmets, and often swallowing it mingled with blood.
The Quadi would still have been too strong for them. However, the rainstorm was being driven by a violent wind into their faces with flashes of lightning and loud thunder. Then, the Germans, unable to see, were terrified to such a degree that they took to flight. Christians accounted it a miracle obtained by the prayers of this legion.
Christians Protected
In light of this miracle, Apollinaris requested the Emperor’s protection of Christians from persecution. So, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, out of gratitude to his Christian soldiers, published an edict, in which he confessed himself indebted for his delivery “to the shower obtained, perhaps, by the prayers of the Christians”. In his edict, the emperor forbade, under pain of death, anyone to accuse a Christian on account of his religion.
“Thundering Legion”
Apollinaris apparently referred to this miracle from the prayers of the Christian soldiers in the Twelfth Legion in his “Apologia” to this very emperor. As part of the acknowledgement of their success, Emperor Marcus Aurelius gave them the name of the “Thundering Legion”. This was so noted by Eusebius, Tertullian, Saint Jerome and Saint Gregory of Nyssa.
Apollinaris the Apologist
Apollinaris’ work earned him the moniker, “Apollinaris the Apologist.” His writings are largely lost while fragments of Apollinaris’ work can be read online at the Documenta Catholica Omnia. What we know of his work comes to us from other early Christian writers including Saint Jerome and Eusebius.
His Death
The exact date of his death is not known, but it was probably while Marcus Aurelius was still Emperor and is thought to be around 179. His dedication to defending the faith, writings against heresies, and interactions with other notable early saints and the Emperor Marcus Aurelius make him a significant figure in the early development of Christianity.
Born: Around the 2nd century in an unknown location
Died: Around 179 (Feast Day – Jan 8), in an unknown location
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: January 8
Patron Saint: None
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- CatholicSaints.Info » Saint Apollinaris the Apologist
- Father Lawrence Jagdfeld O.F.M. – St. Apollinarius Claudius
- Apollinaris Claudius – Ecumenical Encyclopedia of Saints (translated from German)
- Saint Apollinaris The Apologist – Saint for a Minute: Saints & Blesseds
- Rev Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St. Apollinaris, Bishop of Hierapolis
- Apollinaris Claudius – Wikipedia
Reflection
Saint Apollinaris the Apologist lived in the 2nd century of the Church, a time when Christians were often misunderstood, mocked, or persecuted for their faith. Gifted with intellect and courage, Apollinaris used reason, clarity, and respect to defend Christianity against false accusations. He showed that faith and reason are not enemies, but companions that together lead to truth.
Rather than responding to hostility with anger, Apollinaris answered with thoughtful explanation and witness. His apologetic writings sought not to win arguments but to reveal the beauty and coherence of the Christian faith. He reminds us that loving God with our whole heart includes loving Him with our minds—and that gentle clarity can be a powerful form of evangelization.
Saint Apollinaris’ defense of the faith to Emperor Marcus Aurelius mentioned a miraculous victory that resulted from the prayers of Christian soldiers in the Twelfth Legion or “Thundering Legion” as evidence of the efficacy of Christian belief. The Christian soldiers’ prayers were rewarded with rain to quench their thirst and thunder to blind the Quadi, Germanic barbarians. He also reminded the Emperor of his promise to protect Christians, emphasizing the value of religious freedom and tolerance.
When my faith is questioned or misunderstood, do I respond with calm confidence, like Saint Apollinaris, or do I retreat in fear or react in frustration?
Prayers
Saint Apollinaris the Apologist,
You were inspired to defend the faith with wisdom and humility.
Grant me clarity of mind, gentleness of heart, and courage to witness to God’s truth with love.
Help me to seek understanding, to speak with respect, and to trust that God’s truth needs no harsh defense.
May my words and actions draw others closer to Christ and reflect the light of the Gospel.
Saint Apollinaris the Apologist, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 8 January – Saint Apollinaris the Apologist (Died 2nd Century)
Catholic Lane – St. Apollinaris the Apologist, Bishop
Catholic Mom – Apollinaris the Apologist
Catholic Online – St. Apollinaris
CatholicSaints.Info – Saints of the Day – Apollinaris of Hierapolis – by Katherine I Rabenstein
Early Christian Writings – Claudius Apollinaris, Bishop of Hierapolis, and Apologist
Editions Magnificat – Saint Apollinaris the Apologist, Bishop († 180)
Good News Ministry – January 8 – Saint Apollinaris the Apologist
New Advent – Campbell, T. (1907). St. Apollinaris Claudius. In The Catholic Encyclopedia
Santi e Beati – Saint Apollinaris of Hierapolis, Bishop (in Italian)
The Station of the Cross – Saint Apollinaris the Apologist Bishop & Confessor
uCatholic – Saint Apollinaris
Venxara – January 8 + Saint Apollinaris the Apologist
Video Link
Know a Saint. St. Apollinaris of Hierapolis – YouTube Video (Ezer)