He was a disciple of Saint Peter the Apostle. He came with Saint Peter from Antioch to Rome. Saint Peter consecrated him the first Bishop of Ravenna, in eastern Italy. He performed great miracles there and converted multitudes to the Catholic Faith. He was seized, imprisoned and beaten by pagan enemies until he died. A beautiful church has been built on the spot where he was martyred.
Saint Apollinaris, first bishop of Ravenna. Detail from the 6th century Byzantine mosaic in the apse of the basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe (source)
