Religious Leader of Turkish Immigrants in France

The famous city of Lyons (in what is now France) experienced a great influx of immigrants from what is now Turkey. They brought their religion with them and caused a great deal of suspicion and friction. The authorities cracked down and many were martyred, including the bishop. Irenaeus, a member of the immigrant community, was named the new bishop and served for a quarter century. He not only rebuilt the local church community but also worked hard to help build up the Church throughout the world, writing powerfully against the recycled pagan mysticism known as Gnosticism that was enjoying popularity inside and outside the Church. His greatest work Adversus Haereses is still widely read. He also played a critical role in Scripture scholarship. St. Irenaeus died in 202.