On April 10th, 304, it is said that the patron saint of Split, Saint Domnius, met his death, reports Dalmacija News on April 10, 2017.
Saint Domnius (or more commonly known in Split as Sv. Duje), was a saint of the Roman Catholic church, 3rd-century Bishop of Salona, and patron of the city of Split.
According to Grad Split, Saint Domnius was born in Syria to a prominent and wealthy family, and he was educated at the famous Christian University in Antioch (modern day Turkey). After his schooling, Domnius served as Bishop of Antioch and preached and established the faith in Antioch and the surrounding areas. Domnius then began missionary work in Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, where he became a Bishop of Salona (284-304).
During the persecution of Christians ordered by Roman Emperor Diocletian, Domnius and other martyrs were tortured and executed in Salona’s amphitheater in 304. The Saint Domnius Cathedral in Split contains the relics of the archbishop which were brought to the cathedral after his death.
The most valued tradition celebrated in Split is certainly the one celebrated for the patron saint of the city. The feast for Saint Domnius is celebrated each year on May 7th with a magnificent procession throughout the town center.
Stay tuned for the Day of St. Domnius full program for 2017.
