Notable Chronicle of the Hirsau Abbey of the Order of Saint Benedict

MONASTERY OF HIRSAU

...we have decided to put forward a brief summary of the life of the most holy bishop Aurelius, who was the cause of all these matters. This is so that whoever reads this may understand how great his merit was before God. Lest we be more wordy than the purpose of this work requires, we have reviewed the ancient history of his life that was presented to us in such a way that we omit very little or nothing of the meaning, even if we omit many of the original words.

The life of Saint Aurelius the bishop.

Aurelius was born to noble Christian parents and, as soon as his age allowed, he was committed to his studies. Instructed by divine providence, he soon made significant progress in the knowledge of all the scriptures. He turned everything he could learn or know toward the practice of divine love. Meditating on the divine law day and night, he began to turn his soul entirely away from earthly things and to lift it sweetly toward the contemplation of heavenly matters. As his years increased, he shone with every virtue and a special holiness. He became a model and example of Christian life to the admiration of all. Although he was a young man in age, he appeared older than many elders in his character and wisdom. For this reason, he earned the right to rise through all the ranks of the ecclesiastical order to the highest point of the priesthood in the city of Rediciana Rediciana, also known as Riditio, was a city in Armenia where Aurelius served as bishop during the 4th century.. He was chosen with the greatest applause from both the people and the clergy, though he was reluctant to accept. Once established in this office, he shone even more brightly in his virtues than he had in his previous honors.

Aurelius was a true bishop in both work and word.

He presented an irreproachable model for the Lord's flock. He moved the people to observe the commandments of God as much by his example as by his preaching. He was a father to the poor and a pious comforter to widows. Whatever he was able to possess, he gave entirely to the use of the needy. He lived a life of such holy and blameless character that there was no one in Armenia at that time who did not hold Aurelius, the servant of God, in fearful respect and high praise. He used to travel through the villages of the entire diocese of Rediciana in person, advising and preaching, and ministering the word of salvation to everyone. He educated the ignorant, comforted the faint-hearted, lifted up the cast down, and encouraged the good and humble to improve themselves further. He spurred on the lazy and called the proud and restless back to repentance.

Dionysius, the Bishop of Milan, is sent into exile in Armenia.

Meanwhile, while he was occupied with these holy works, it happened that the blessed Dionysius, Archbishop of the Church of Milan, was banished into exile in Armenia by order of the emperors. This was because he refused to subscribe to the blasphemies of the Arians Arianism: a theological movement that claimed Jesus Christ was a created being and not of the same substance as God the Father; it was considered a heresy by the orthodox Church.. He was sent specifically to the city of Rediciana, where Saint Aurelius was the presiding bishop.

This banishment of the most holy man Dionysius was carried out by the wicked bishops of the Arian faction under the Emperors Constantine, Constantius, and Constans, in the year of our Lord 361. This occurred while Pope Liberius presided over the Roman Church, who was himself also sent into exile in that same year.

The greatest charity existed between them.

When the blessed Dionysius arrived in his city of Rediciana, Saint Aurelius received him with great joy as a true disciple of Christ. Having learned the reasons for his coming, he embraced the man again and again. When he began to comfort him with tears, Dionysius said:

Restrain your tears, brother; the earth is the Lord’s and its fullness, and the whole world is a homeland to a Christian. original: "Lachrymas frater compesce, Domini est terra & plenitudo eius, omnisq; orbis Christiano patria est."

Bishop Dionysius was received with the greatest reverence by the blessed Aurelius. He was cared for by him with no less humanity of hospitality and generosity, and he remained in that same city in exile until his death.

Virtues and miracles performed in the name of Christ.

Once a habit of mutual conversation was introduced, a great friendship and familiarity grew between them. This friendship began in time, but it now remains and is perfected in eternity. Indeed, the holiness of both was so great that their fame traveled across all of Armenia and drew all men into admiration.