Denis of Paris

Who they were

Denis, a Christian of Rome of Gaulish origin, was among the seven bishops sent to Gaul in the third century and was given Lutetia, today's Paris. Around 250 he was martyred with the priest Eleutherius and the deacon Rusticus, a sign that the Church there was already organised.

The life of St Genevieve, written in 520, speaks of the basilica she built where he died, which grew into the great abbey of Saint-Denis; the hill took the name Montmartre, 'mount of the martyrs'. He was at times confused with Dionysius the Areopagite converted by St Paul in Athens.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: Denis has been honoured as a martyr since the early centuries. He is regarded as the founder of the Church of Paris and of France.

Why that counted as sanctity

Denis brought the Gospel to Paris and sealed it with his blood together with his priest and deacon.

Connected on this site

• Dionysius the Areopagite Saint
  “He was at times confused with Dionysius the Areopagite converted by St Paul in Athens.” — this site's research
• Genevieve of Paris Saint
  “She was involved in two major construction projects in Paris, a basilica in the honour of Saint Denis of Paris in 475 and the Basilica of the Holy Apostles, dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul c.” — Wikipedia
• Paul the Apostle Saint
  “Some accounts placed this during Domitian's persecution and incorrectly identified St Denis of Paris with the Areopagite who was converted by Paul the Apostle and who served as the first bishop of Athens.” — Wikipedia