Discovering St. Felix And Theban Legion Relics Today

For many years, two beautiful gold-framed reliquaries have rested quietly inside Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Orchard Park, New York. While admired for their craftsmanship and reverent presence, the identity of the saints whose bones they contain has remained a mystery—until now.

Out of personal devotion and curiosity, I began a closer examination of these relics. I want to emphasize that I am not a professional historian or theologian—just an amateur with a deep love for the faith and a desire to understand more about these sacred items. What follows is my best educated guess, based on close observation and research.

To investigate further, I took high-resolution photographs of both reliquaries from multiple angles. After downloading and enlarging them on my computer, I was able to decipher the Latin inscriptions written on the old labels inside the cases.

I then utilized AI-assisted research tools and traditional resources to examine the meanings of these inscriptions, as well as the potential identities of the saints.

This short report offers the findings of that research, including anatomical observations, historical background, and possible identifications of the saints whose relics have long been part of our parish’s quiet spiritual heritage.

II. Description of the Reliquaries

The two reliquaries in our parish are nearly identical in form and structure, clearly crafted as a matching pair. They appear to be made primarily of wood at the base and back, with intricate external detailing fashioned from plaster or gesso, which has been gilded with gold-colored paint to resemble traditional Baroque-style church art.

At the center of each reliquary is an oval glass window through which the sacred relics are visible. Inside, the relics are secured with a thin, twisted gold cord, adding to their reverent and ornate presentation. The relics themselves—one a skull fragment, the other a pelvic bone section—rest on a red velvet-like surface, which further enhances the solemnity of the display.

Each cord is tied through a decorative yellow gemstone or bead, likely made of glass, amber, or resin, that simulates precious stones such as topaz or citrine. These cords extend to the back of the reliquary, where they are secured with a wax seal—a common traditional method used by church authorities to authenticate relics and prevent tampering. In many authenticated relics, this wax seal bears the imprint of a bishop or a religious order, although we have not yet examined the reverse side for markings.

The reliquaries are topped with a large golden crown, symbolic of heavenly reward and saintly kingship, and each crown supports an orb surmounted by a cross, representing Christ’s dominion over the world.

Below the central window, a cherubic face rests at the base, nestled among gilded clusters resembling grapes or laurel, which are common Christian symbols of resurrection and victory.

The overall design and ornamentation are consistent with those of European Catholic reliquaries from the 17th to 19th centuries, particularly those created in Italy, France, or Spain during the Baroque and Rococo periods. The craftsmanship, use of gilded ornamentation, and angelic motifs were popular in ecclesiastical art, meant to inspire awe and devotion.

Despite some minor wear on the base and lower edges of the frame—expected with age—the reliquaries are in remarkably good condition, continuing to testify to the care with which they have been preserved over the years.

III. “Os St. Felicis Martyr” – The Bone of St. Felix, Martyr

One of the reliquaries contains a fragment of bone with an aged ribbon bearing the Latin inscription “Os St. Felicis Martyr.” This translates to “Bone of Saint Felix, Martyr.” The use of “Os” (Latin for “bone”) is traditional in labeling first-class relics, which are parts of the actual body of a saint.

Anatomical Observations

The relic appears to be a section of the pelvic girdle, likely including part of the sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spine that connects to the hip bones. The shape, thickness, and natural curvature are consistent with load-bearing structures of the lower axial skeleton.

Which St. Felix?

There have been many saints named Felix, particularly among the early martyrs. While it is difficult to confirm exactly which one this relic belongs to, several candidates are historically venerated as martyrs:

St. Felix of Nola (3rd century): A priest imprisoned and tortured for his faith, though not killed, he is sometimes venerated as a martyr due to his sufferings.

St. Felix of Rome (d. c. 304): Believed to be a soldier martyred under Emperor Diocletian.

St. Felix of Thibiuca (modern-day Tunisia): Martyred around 250 A.D. during the Decian persecution.

Given that this is a martyr relic and the label simply refers to “St. Felix the Martyr,” without further geographic identification, we are left with informed speculation. In the 17th–19th centuries, relics of early Roman and North African martyrs were frequently distributed throughout Europe and the New World during times of missionary expansion and religious renewal.

This relic, then, is a precious, tangible connection to the early Church, likely from a third-century martyr, and was preserved in a time when devotion to the saints served as both catechesis and consolation during eras of persecution or reform.

IV. “Unius Martyris Agteau Thebeorum” – A Martyr of the Theban Legion

The second reliquary contains what appears to be a portion of a human skull, tied securely with gold cord and a gemstone, and labeled with an ancient ribbon scroll bearing the inscription:

“Unius Martyris Agteau Thebeorum.”

Interpreting the Inscription

The first part of the phrase, “Unius Martyris,” is relatively clear and straightforward. In Latin, it means “of one martyr”, indicating that the bone belongs to one individual martyr, rather than a specifically named saint. This phrase is commonly used in relics where the precise identity of the saint is unknown, but the origin or context is known.

The second word, “Agteau,” is more difficult to decipher. The final letters “gteau” are clearly legible, but the first letter or letters are obscured—possibly from a burn mark, and a small tear in the scroll. After careful examination of the lettering and in comparison with the surrounding style, I believe the word is most likely intended to be “Agaun.”

This educated guess is supported by the final word in the inscription: “Thebeorum.”

Who Were the Thebeorum?

“Thebeorum” is the genitive plural of “Theban”—referring to the Theban Legion, a legendary Roman military unit composed entirely of Christian soldiers from Thebes in Egypt. Around the year 286 A.D., under the command of Saint Maurice, the Theban Legion was sent by Emperor Maximian to suppress a rebellion in Gaul. Upon arriving in the region of Agaunum (now Saint-Maurice, Switzerland), they were ordered to take part in pagan sacrifices and to persecute local Christians.

The legion, faithful to their Christian beliefs, refused. As punishment, Maximian ordered a “decimation”—executing every tenth soldier. When the survivors still refused, the executions continued until the entire legion, estimated to number 6,600 men, was massacred.

The site of this martyrdom, Agaunum, became a place of pilgrimage. The monastery Abbey of Saint-Maurice was built over the site and still exists today. The name “Agaun.” often appears on relic labels written in Gothic or Latin abbreviations, with a trailing “e” to indicate abbreviation (e.g., “Agaun.e”), which could easily be misread as “Agteau” if handwritten in an ornate Gothic script or damaged over time.

Saints of the Theban Legion

Several prominent saints are associated with the Theban Legion and are venerated individually:

St. Maurice – the commander and most well-known figure

St. Candidus

St. Exuperius

St. Victor of Solothurn

St. Ursus of Aosta

Their collective story has served as a powerful testament to Christian loyalty, conscience, and martyrdom under military authority.

“Unius Martyris” vs. “Os St. Felicis Martyr”

Unlike the first relic, which is labeled “Os St. Felicis Martyr” and refers to a named and known saint (Felix), this second relic is marked as “Unius Martyris”—one unnamed martyr of a specific and venerated group: the Theban Legion. This distinction reflects a different kind of veneration: a shared legacy of faith rather than an individual saint’s biography.

The label suggests that the bone inside this reliquary may have come from a larger collection of relics preserved at Agaunum or distributed from there during the post-Tridentine era, when authenticated relics were shared with churches around Europe and the New World to inspire the faithful.

V. Conclusion: Honoring and Preserving Our Parish’s Sacred Heritage

The two reliquaries housed in Nativity of Our Lord Parish—one containing the bone of St. Felix the Martyr, the other a skull fragment of a martyr from the Theban Legion—are not only devotional treasures but also links to the early Church’s legacy of faith and sacrifice. For many years, they have stood quietly, admired for their beauty but shrouded in mystery. Through a careful process of observation, magnification, and research—assisted by modern tools such as AI—we can now begin to understand who these saints may have been, and why their relics matter.

As we move forward, there are several important next steps to ensure these sacred relics are respected, preserved, and better understood:

1. Documentation and Research

A formal attempt should be made to locate any historical records or authenticate documents that may exist in parish archives, diocesan records, or from the church’s original founders or donors.

Contacting relevant diocesan offices or religious communities (especially those connected with missionary or European origins) could provide clues about the source and timeline of acquisition.

2. Preservation of the Wax Seal

The wax seal at the back of each reliquary plays a crucial role in verifying the authenticity of the relic. It should be protected from heat, movement, and moisture.

Any conservation work should be done only in consultation with experts in ecclesiastical relic preservation.

3. Protection from Light and Heat

The scrolls inside the reliquaries, especially the one in the Theban martyr’s case, show signs of age-related wear, including what may be burning or fading from sunlight exposure.

Going forward, the reliquaries should be displayed away from direct sunlight and harsh artificial lighting. If possible, use UV-filtering glass and rotate their exposure time if left out for public viewing.

4. Catechesis and Devotion

These relics present a beautiful opportunity for teaching and devotion, especially during Lent, All Saints’ Day, and other liturgical seasons.

A small printed explanation or plaque could be placed nearby to help parishioners understand the relics’ significance and history.

Encouraging private prayer or even a brief blessing on feast days associated with these martyrs can deepen parish connection to the Communion of Saints.

May this small rediscovery renew our appreciation for the saints who have gone before us in courage and faith, and may Nativity of Our Lord Parish continue to be a place where the memory of the martyrs inspires devotion, reverence, and the pursuit of holiness.

🙏 Continue the Journey—Body and Soul

While this article highlights sacred relics and the treasures of our faith, the greater mission of this website is to help you honor the temple of your body through natural health strategies.

Here you’ll find practical, science-backed ways to lose weight, control blood sugar, and lower blood pressure—without relying on prescription medications. Our goal is to help you live a longer, stronger, and more joyful life, rooted in wisdom and care for God’s gift of health.

🩺 Explore next:

Let’s care for our bodies with the same reverence we give to our faith.

References

Hahn, Cynthia. Strange Beauty: Issues in the Making and Meaning of Reliquaries, 400–circa 1204. Pennsylvania State University Press, 2012.
https://books.google.com/books/about/Strange_Beauty.html?id=nOmW46tr3_QC
“The Coptic encyclopedia, volume 7”. Coptic Encyclopedia. Macmillan Publishers. 1991. https://ccdl.claremont.edu/digital/collection/cce/id/1821/
Butler, Alban. Lives of the Saints. Edited by Herbert Thurston and Donald Attwater. Christian Classics, 1956.
(Reference for St. Felix, St. Maurice, and other early martyrs.)
The Roman Martyrology. Translated by the Archbishop of Baltimore. Benziger Brothers, 1916.
Public Domain Edition: https://archive.org/details/roman-martyrology-1916
(Official listing of saints recognized by the Catholic Church, including the Theban Legion.)
Abbey of Saint-Maurice, Switzerland.
https://www.abbaye-stmaurice.ch
(Historic site of the martyrdom of the Theban Legion.)
“Theban Legion” in Wikipedia.
Rubin, Miri. Corpus Christi: The Eucharist in Late Medieval Culture. Cambridge University Press, 1991.
(Background on relic veneration practices in post-Tridentine Catholicism.)
Personal photographs and magnified examination of the relics taken at Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Orchard Park, NY (2025). (Used to decipher scroll inscriptions and analyze physical characteristics of the reliquaries.)
AI-assisted historical and anatomical comparison tools (ChatGPT & image enhancement software)
(Used for Latin translation support, and relic origin research.)

Image credit: By Unknown author – https://en.orthodoxe-heilige.ch/die-ikone, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=155428114

By Jesse Santiano, M.D.

Orchard Park, N.Y.

Don’t Get Sick!

💡 Support This Work

Creating well-researched articles, maintaining this website, and keeping the information free takes time and resources.
If you found this article helpful, please consider donating to support the mission of empowering people to live healthier, longer lives, without relying on medications.

🙏 Every contribution, big or small, truly makes a difference. Thank you for your support!

Follow me on Truth Social, Gab, Twitter (X), Facebook, Follow, and Telegram.

References:

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Discover more from Don't Get Sick!

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Saints Among Us: Uncovering the Relics of St. Felix and the Theban Legion

I. Introduction:

II. Description of the Reliquaries