Zechariah of Lyon was a bishop who served the Christian community in Lyon during the late second and early third centuries. As the third individual to hold this episcopal position, he succeeded Saint Irenaeus. Historical records regarding his specific biography are extremely limited, though it is noted that he managed to evade the persecutions occurring around the year 202. He is recognized as a saint within both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions.
Life and ministry
Very few details exist concerning the life of this early church leader. He lived during a period of significant pressure for Christians, yet he successfully avoided the persecutions of 202. Following the leadership of Saint Irenaeus, he took up the role of bishop in Lyon, continuing the early development of the local church.
Veneration
Zechariah is honored as a saint in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. His memory is commemorated annually on June 28. Because of his historical role as an early successor in the see of Lyon, he remains a figure of importance in the tradition of the pre-schism church.