(A.D. 304.)
[By the Greeks on Aug. 25th; by the Latins on this day, or March 6th
or 25th. Authorities:--The authentic Acts of his martyrdom.]
S. Irenæus, bishop of Sirmich or Mitrovitz on the Save, in Pannonia,
the modern Hungary, died on March 25th, in the year 304. He was
arrested by order of Probus, the governor of Pannonia, and was led
before his tribunal. All his family were present. His mother, wife,
and children surrounded him, and some of the younger children clung to
his knees and implored him not to leave them. His wife cast her arms
round his neck and burst into tears on his breast, and conjured him to
submit to the imperial edict so as to preserve himself for her and his
innocent children. The governor joined in this attempt to shake his
constancy. But S. Irenæus said, "Our Lord Jesus Christ hath declared
that the man who loveth father or mother, wife or children, more than
Him, is not worthy of Him, so that I forget I am a father, a husband,
and a son."
Irenæus was then ordered to have his head struck off and his body cast
into the river Save.