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early Christian saint and first bishop of Catania

Birillus

Birillus

Birillus was an early Christian saint and the inaugural bishop of Catania in Sicily. Originally hailing from Antioch, he was appointed to the priesthood by Saint Peter. Following his ordination, he traveled to Sicily, where he served as a primary evangelizer for the growing Christian community in the region.

Life and ministry

Born in Antioch, Birillus became a priest through the hands of Saint Peter. He eventually moved to Sicily, where he played a foundational role in spreading the faith. As the first bishop of Catania, he established the early ecclesiastical structure of the city during the first century.

Veneration

He is recognized as a saint within the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. His memory is honored annually on March 21. Because he lived during the pre-schism era, his legacy is part of the ancient Christian heritage.

In 12 languages

Редакція Factograf · Published October 23, 2026 · Partly based on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source article