Saint Irenion of Gaza

Irenion of Gaza, Saint Irenion (Latin: Irenionus; died between 389–393), was the first bishop of Gaza and a saint of the Catholic Church. Mentions of the saint are found in the Vita Porphyrii, authored by the historian and deacon Marcus, a collaborator of Saint Porphyrius, and in the Ecclesiastical History of Socrates. It is known that Irenion participated in the Synod of Antioch (361–363) and built the first church (Irene, from the Greek εἰρήνη, meaning "peace") in pagan Gaza, located in the Quarter of Peace, upon assuming the office of bishop. He was succeeded by Aeneas, and in 395 by Saint Porphyrius (died 420), the true restorer of Christianity in the region. In the Catholic Church, the liturgical memorial of Irenion is celebrated on December 16, according to the Martyrology of Baronius.