Andeolus was a second-century subdeacon and missionary who traveled from Smyrna to evangelize southern Gaul. Accompanied by Benignus, he reportedly navigated through Corsica and Marseilles before moving inland along the Rhone and Saône rivers. During his mission, he is said to have converted Symphorianus, a noble who later became a martyr himself. His travels eventually led him to the Vivarais region, where his life ended during the reign of Septimius Severus.
Life and death
After reaching Autun, Andeolus continued his missionary work toward the Vivarais region. While passing through this area, the emperor Septimius Severus ordered his execution. He was martyred on May 1, 208, at a Gallic settlement known as Bergoiata, which is the site of modern Bourg-Saint-Andéol. Following his death, his body was cast into the Rhone River, though it was eventually recovered and placed in a sarcophagus by the daughter of a senator.
Veneration and legacy
He is commemorated as a saint and hieromartyr in Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. His feast day is observed on May 1. In 1865, a sarcophagus believed to belong to him was uncovered during excavations at a chapel in Bourg-Saint-Andéol. While some historians have questioned the reliability of early legends regarding these specific martyrs, he remains a figure of religious significance in the region.