Hieromartyr
Hieromartyr Philip of Fermo
сер. III в. (полулегендарно)
Also known as: с Александром Фермским
Hieromartyr Philip of Fermo — per Western tradition, one of the earliest, semi-legendary bishops of Fermo, Italy, martyred in the mid-3rd century; modern scholars question whether the figure existed historically at all; no evidence of Orthodox veneration was found.
CRITICAL IMAGE NOTE: the previous sole image turned out to be Fra Angelico's famous tondo painting "The Adoration of the Magi" — a Renaissance masterpiece depicting the Nativity scene, with no connection whatsoever to any bishop of Fermo; removed as gross contamination. DATE CORRECTION: the previous date "November 8" was not confirmed — the official Fermo diocesan calendar gives October 22. HONEST CAVEAT: this saint is semi-legendary — 18th-century historian Michele Catalani, relying on Cardinal Baronio's Roman Martyrology, names the first bishops of Fermo as martyrs Alexander (d. c. 248) and Philip (d. c. 251–253), but other compilations give a conflicting account placing his death under Aurelian (c. 270); modern scholars question whether these figures existed historically at all. No evidence of Orthodox veneration was found in any source.
According to Western tradition, Philip of Fermo was one of the earliest bishops of Fermo in the Marche region of Italy, martyred for Christ in the mid-3rd century. No reliable historical data survive about his life or ministry. Local tradition holds his relics rest in Fermo Cathedral. Saints Alexander and Philip remain on the Fermo diocesan calendar.