Saint Dionysius was born in Athens and received a classical Greek education. He later studied astronomy in Egypt, where he witnessed a solar eclipse at the moment of Jesus Christ’s Crucifixion. Upon returning to Athens, he became a member of the Areopagus Council and later converted to Christianity after hearing the Apostle Paul preach.
After spending three years preaching with Paul, Dionysius was appointed as the bishop of Athens. He traveled to Jerusalem to meet the Mother of God and was overwhelmed by her divine presence. Following Paul’s death, Dionysius continued to spread the Word of God in the West, converting many to Christianity.
In Gaul, Dionysius, along with Presbyter Rusticus and Deacon Eleutherius, were arrested during a persecution against Christians. They were martyred, with Dionysius miraculously celebrating the Divine Liturgy with angels before his execution. After his death, a woman named Catulla buried his relics.