Saints Nereus And Achilleus: Christian Martyrs in the Roman Army

•Martyrs
•Feast day: May 12
•First Century

Saints Nereus and Achilleus, brave Praetorian Soldiers from the first century, chose to leave the Roman Army after embracing Christianity. As a consequence, they were sent into exile on the island of Terracina and eventually executed during the reign of Trajan.

Their resting place is located in the Catacombs of Domitilla along the Ardeatine Way, where a basilica now stands in their honor.

Reflecting on their lives, St. Gregory the Great remarked: “These saints, before whom we are assembled, despised the world and trampled it under their feet when peace, riches and health gave it charms.”