Saints Nereus and Achilleus were early Christian martyrs who are commemorated together on May 12. According to tradition, they were soldiers in the Roman army who converted to Christianity during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Nereus and Achilleus, along with a third Christian, St. Pancras, were arrested for refusing to renounce their faith. They were eventually executed by beheading. Their martyrdom reflects their steadfast commitment to Christ and the early Church’s struggles under Roman persecution. Though little is known about their lives, their devotion and sacrifice have made them significant figures in Christian history, especially for the Roman Church.
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has decreed that this is a Holy Day of Memorial (Optional) to be observed in Canada.