Leonides, St.

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LEONIDES, ST.

Martyr, father of origen; b. place unknown, 150160?; d. Alexandria, 202 (203?) during the persecution under Septimius Severus. It is unlikely that Leonides was a bishop; however, he was an excellent husband and father and a man of profound faith who took care to teach Holy Scripture to his seven sons. Origen, his eldest son, encouraged him to remain firm in his faith while in prison and not to be concerned about his family. His goods were confiscated after he was beheaded.

Feast: April 22.

Bibliography: eusebius, History Ecclesiastical 6:12 in Patrologia Graeca, 161 v. (Paris 185766) 20:524525. jerome, De vir. ill., 54 in Patrologia Graeca, 161 v. (Paris 185766) 23:664. Acta Sanctorum April 3:1011. j. l. baudot and l. chaussin, Vies des saints et des bienheureux selon l'ordre du calendrier avec l'historique des fêtes, 12 v. (Paris 193556) 4:564566.

[j. van paassen]