Hierarch Honoratus, Archbishop of Arles

Holy Hierarch Honoratus was born around 350 into a noble Gallo-Roman family (according to one version, in Treveri/Trier), receiving an excellent classical education. His pagan (or catechumen) father opposed his ascetic aspirations.

Turning to Christian asceticism, Honoratus, together with his elder brother Venantius (whom he himself had inspired toward the monastic path) and their spiritual guide St. Caprasius, undertook a pilgrimage to the East — according to various accounts, to Greece (Methone) or by a more extensive route through Palestine, Syria, and Egypt — to study the Eastern (particularly Pachomian) monastic tradition. Venantius died during this journey (according to tradition, in Greek Methone); Caprasius survived the journey, later settled on Lérins, and died there around 440.

After his brother's death, Honoratus returned to southern Gaul. Around 400-410 he settled on the previously uninhabited island of Lérins (according to tradition, a spring of water miraculously appeared upon his arrival) and founded a monastery that later became the famous Abbey of Lérins, introducing a rule combining Pachomian cenobitic monasticism with eremitic elements. Lérins quickly became one of the chief spiritual and intellectual centers of Gaul; John Cassian dedicated part of his "Conferences" to Honoratus and Eucherius. St. Hilary of Arles was a disciple of Honoratus at Lérins, having sold his property and placed himself under his guidance — he later inherited the see of Arles.

He was elected Archbishop of Arles in 426/427 after the death of Bishop Patroclus. His brief episcopate was marked by works of charity, including using accumulated diocesan funds to ransom captives. He died in 429, shortly after his election.