4th century
Saint Autonomus
A bishop who fled Italy during Diocletian's persecution and was stoned to death in Asia Minor while celebrating the liturgy, in 313.
Biography
Autonomus was a bishop in Italy, known for his extensive Christian work. When the persecution under Diocletian broke out, he left his see and fled to Soreoi in Asia Minor, where he was sheltered by a Christian named Cornelius and continued teaching the Gospel.
He ordained Cornelius first deacon and later, seeing the fruit of his labours, priest and finally bishop, while he himself went on preaching in Lycaonia, Isauria and the region of the Black Sea. His God-pleasing work so angered the pagans that they stoned him to death while he was serving the liturgy, in 313.