St. Maximinus (d. May 29, 352), also called Maximin, was educated and eventually ordained by St. Agritius, the Bishop Trier.
He was born at Poitiers and was related to Maxentius, bishop of that city before St. Hilary. The reputation of the sanctity of St. Agritius, bishop of Triers, drew him to that city, and after a most virtuous education, he was admitted to holy orders, and, upon the death of Agritius, chosen his successor in 332.
When St. Athanasius the Great was banished to Triers in 336, St. Maximinus received him as a most glorious confessor of Christ, and thought it a great happiness to enjoy the company of so illustrious a saint. St. Athanasius stayed with him two years; and his works bear evidence to the indefatigable vigilance, heroic courage, and exemplary virtue of our saint, who was before that time famous for the gift of miracles.
St. Paul the Confessor, having been banished by Emperor Constantius II, found also a retreat at Triers, and a powerful protector in St. Maximinus. Our saint, by his counsels, precautioned the emperor Constans against the intrigues and snares of the Arians, and on every occasion discovered their artifice, and opposed their faction. He was one of the most illustrious defenders of the Catholic faith in the council of Sardica in 347, and had the honor to be ranked by the Arians with St. Athanasius, in an excommunication which they pretended to fulminate against them at Philippopolis. St. Maximinus is said to have died in Poitou in 349, having made a journey thither to see his relations. He was buried near Poitiers; but his body was afterwards translated to a monastery in Triers on the day which is now devoted to his memory. St. Maximinus, by protecting and harboring saints, received himself the recompense of a saint.
Lessons
1. St. Maximinus was known for his great hospitality, especially in providing refuge to two of the great saints of Orthodoxy. We can use his example to encourage us to open our home to our neighbours and to other distressed persons.
2. As well as giving aid, St Maximinus was also vocal in his defence of Christian truth, even when so many elements seemed to be against him. Our struggle is also great and we ought to remember his example of strength and charity.
