St. Irenaeus of Sirmium

Irenaeus was the young bishop of Sirmium, today’s Sremska Mitrovica in Serbia. Under Diocletian he was ordered to sacrifice to the gods. His wife, children and parents begged him to give in, but he refused, saying he had to keep faith with Christ. He was beheaded on the bridge over the Sava and his body thrown into the river.

• Feast: April 6 (New Calendar)
• Lived: died 304
• Place: Sirmium