Saint Maximinus of Trier

Biography

Saint Maximinus of Trier, also known as Maximinus of Treviri, Maximin, and Massimino, was born into the Gallic nobility in Silly, near Poitiers, France. He was the brother of another esteemed saint, Maxentius of Poitiers. Maximinus received a thorough education and was later ordained by the revered Saint Agritius, whom he eventually succeeded as the bishop of Trier in either 332 or 335. As the bishop of Trier, Maximinus held a position of great influence and authority, given that Trier was the government seat of the Western Empire. This brought him in close contact with Emperors Constantine II and Constans. Maximinus' remarkable character and devotion to the faith earned him the friendship and respect of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria. When Athanasius was forced into exile from 336 to 338, Maximinus provided him with shelter and treated him as an honored guest. Maximinus' dedication to orthodox Christianity became evident when he received the banished patriarch Paul of Constantinople in 341. Maximinus not only provided him refuge but also aided in Paul's eventual return to Constantinople. Maximinus adamantly opposed Arianism, a heretical belief that denied the divinity of Christ. In 342, when four Arian bishops arrived in Trier hoping to sway Emperor Constans, Maximinus firmly refused to receive them and successfully convinced the emperor to reject their proposals. Working in collaboration with Pope Julius I and Bishop Hosius of Cordova, Maximinus played a crucial role in persuading Emperor Constans to convene the Synod of Sardica in 343. It is believed that Maximinus participated in this synod, which aimed to resolve the ongoing conflicts surrounding Arianism. The Arians considered Maximinus to be one of their primary opponents and condemned him by name at their synod in Philippopolis in 343. Maximinus continued his efforts against Arianism by presiding over the Synod of Milan in 345, held in Italy. In 346, Maximinus convened a synod in Cologne, Germany, where he deposed Bishop Euphratas of Cologne due to the latter's leanings toward Arianism. Additionally, Maximinus sent Saint Castor and Saint Lubentius as missionaries to the valleys of the Mosel and the Lahn, spreading the teachings of Christianity. After a life of devout service, Saint Maximinus passed away on either September 12, 349, or May 29, 352, with records varying. In the autumn of 353, he was buried in the church of Saint John near Trier. In the 7th century, the Benedictine abbey of Saint Maximinus was established in Trier, and it flourished until 1802. Saint Maximinus of Trier was never officially canonized by the Catholic Church but is venerated as a saint nonetheless. His feast day is celebrated on May 29th. As the patron saint of Trier, Germany, Maximinus is represented iconographically as a bishop accompanied by a bear, symbolizing his ability to tame and convert the untamed or heretical thoughts of Arianism. Saint Maximinus of Trier's life and teachings have left a lasting legacy, inspiring countless Christians through the ages to defend and uphold the orthodox teachings of the Catholic Church. His unwavering faith and staunch opposition to heresy have made him a revered figure in the history of Christianity.