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Saint Viktor of Xanten | |
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 Statue of Saint Victor outside Xanten Cathedral | |
| Died | 4th century |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church,Eastern Orthodox Church |
| Majorshrine | Xanten Cathedral |
| Feast | October 10 |
| Attributes | Military attire |
Viktor of Xanten was a 4th centurymartyr andsaint recognized by theRoman Catholic Church and theEastern Orthodox Church. Since the 12th century, his presumedbones have been kept in ashrine, which is embedded in the high altar of theXanten Cathedral.[1] His feast day is October 10.
Tradition states that Viktor, as aPraefectus cohortis of aCohort of theTheban Legion, was not caught up in the decimation atAgaunum but then fell victim to the persecution under EmperorMaximian together with other companions in Xanten.[2] He was executed in theamphitheater ofCastra Vetera (the site of present-dayXanten) for refusing to sacrifice to theRoman gods. He was closely associated withUrsus of Solothurn, and is said to have been a relative ofSaint Verena.
Victor was first mentioned byGregory of Tours in connection with the discovery of the bones of a Mallosus in the village of Birten, today a suburb of Xanten.[3] The place name "Xanten" is also derived as "ze santen", which thus refers to a widely known and revered burial place.[2] According to legend,Helena of Constantinople recovered the bones of Victor and his legion and erected a chapel in their honour.
According to other traditions, he was a companion ofGereon of Cologne. The tradition of Victor as a member of the Theban Legion is mixed with that of Victor of Agaunum andVictor of Solothurn.[2]
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