Your Faith Journey with EWTN
As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
377–457
St. Valerian, bishop, is honored as a faithful shepherd of the early Church. Although the exact details of his life are sparse, tradition says he served as a bishop in the region of Abbenza in North Africa.
During the fifth century, the Vandals, a Germanic Arian Christian tribe, rose against the Church for condemning the heresy of Arianism. Their king, Gaiseric, led attacks against Christian churches across North Africa, forcing clergy to relinquish their religious books and sacred vessels to the Arians or be exiled.
St. Valerian was 80 years old, yet he boldly refused to cooperate with the demands of the Vandals. He was exiled from Abbenza into a harsh environment with no shelter or assistance. According to tradition, the Vandals prohibited the people of Abbenza from offering St. Valerian any help.
Details of his death are not recorded, but it is believed he died from exposure. His courage to stand for truth emboldened other churches to resist. St. Valerian is honored as a martyr for the Faith.
The Vandals were an Arian Christian group, and they attacked Nicene Christians in North Africa to establish Arianism as their doctrine. The Church had condemned this heresy at the Council of Nicaea. They persecuted those who accepted the Nicene Creed. After conquering North Africa, the Vandal kings implemented policies to suppress Nicene Christianity by taking over churches, exiling bishops, and persecuting those who believed in the Nicene Creed. This religious conflict was a key source of tension in North Africa.
The first Council of Nicaea condemned Arianism in 381. The heresy spread during the mid-fourth century under the rule of emperors like Constantius II. Arian missionaries spread the error in parts of the Roman Empire. Certain groups migrating into the Roman Empire adopted Arian Christianity. These new Arian kingdoms, such as the Vandals, zealously opposed believers of the Nicene Creed. The elimination of Arianism in these kingdoms took two centuries to complete.
King Gaiseric was the king of the Vandals, a Germanic people who migrated into North Africa in the fifth century. His conquests challenged the Roman Empire in several ways. He dominated Roman territories in North Africa and plundered Rome in 455. This historical event significantly contributed to the decline of the Western Roman Empire. He was renowned for his military leadership and for challenging Rome’s authority.
Sign up below for the free 2025 Advent and Christmas Reflections pocket guide, featuring meditations by Fr. Joseph Mary Wolfe, the EWTN Chaplain. His video series will also be sent to your email each Sunday of Advent and throughout the Christmas season. When you request the pocket guide by mail, we’ll also email you the eBook version. Or you may choose to receive just the eBook version and video series.
Send me the Physical Pocket Guide
Only available to homes in the U.S.A., while supplies last.
Send me the eBook
As we deepen our relationship with the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ, we grow in grace and are transformed by His love and mercy.
STEP 1
We’re here to serve you. Let us help you complete your gift with confidence.
Send a message to Mission Advancement.
Guidance for DAFs, stock, IRA, and more.
Manage your gifts and preferences.
