May 29 - St. Maximinus of Trier
Born: 332
Died: 349 or 352
Nationality: German
Vocation: Bishop
Attributes: bishop with a bear
Patronage: Trier; invoked as protection against perjury, loss at sea and destructive rains
Canonization: pre-congregation
Born to Gaelic nobility, St. Maximinus of Trier was the brother of St. Maxentius of Portiers. Maximinus was educated and ordained by St. Agritius, the bishop of Trier. He ultimately replaced his mentor as the Bishop of Trier.
He established close ties with two emperors and was a friend of St. Athanasius. When Athanasius was exiled for his condemnation of the Arian heresy it was Maximinius who hosted him. In a similar manner he hosted the banished bishop Paul of Constantinople as well.
Maximinius was a stalwart defender of Orthodox Christianity, opposing the Arian heresy whenever possible. He had a major role in the Church Councils of Milan, Sardica, and Cologne. He was also known to work miracles.
St. Jerome called him, “One of the most courageous bishops of his time.”
St. Maximinus of Trier, pray for us.