Acacius (or Achates)
Acacius (Or Achates)
ST., bishop OF ANTIOCH (prob. in the province of Caria ),was cited together with bishop Pison of Troy (in Phrygia) and a priest, Meander, to appear before the tribunal of Marcianus. the governor of the province, March 29, 251. Although strictly interrogated, he continued firm in the faith, whereupon the governor forwarded the articles of examination to the emperor Decius, who was so pleased with the answer of Acacius that he set him at liberty. Hence there is no reason to suppose that he suffered a violent death, or that it occurred on March 31, two days after his confession. May 7, however, is the day on which the Greeks celebrate his festival. The Acts of St. Acacius are considered authentic. See Ruinart, p. 139; Baillet, vol. 1, March 31; Butler, March 31.
