Theofrid

Theofrid (Chaffre, Theofredus, Theofred, Théofroy) of Orange (or of Carmery) (d. 728 or 732 AD) was an abbot of Calmeliac or Carmery-en-Velay (later called Saint-Chaffre, and today Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille^[1]), which is situated near Le Puy-en-Velay and was founded by Calminius.

Another St. Theofrid (or Théofroy) was a 7th-century monk at Luxeuil who became abbot of Corbie and a bishop.

See also Thiofrid of Echternach.

Saint Theofrid of Orange
Martyr
Born	Orange, Vaucluse, France
Died	728 or 732 AD near Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille, France
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church
Feast	November 18;[1] October 19[2]

A native of Orange, he joined his uncle Eudon, the first abbot of Calmeliac.^[3] Theofrid is venerated as a martyr, as Christian tradition holds that he was killed by Muslim raiders who had crossed into southern France.^[4]

Tradition states that the circumstances of his death are as follows: when the raiders neared Calmeliac, Theofrid ordered the other monks to hide in the forest.^[4] He remained near the monastery and was found in prayer, and was dragged away and mortally wounded in the head with a stone.^[5]

Abbey Church of Saint-Chaffre, Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille.

The legend further states that after Theofrid fell to the ground, the earth shook and a dark storm cloud unleashed lightning, hail, and winds that dispersed the raiders.^[4] Theofrid died seven days later.^[4]

Veneration

His cult spread in Southern France during the 11th century.^[1] In Piedmont, his cult was confused with that of the legendary member of the Theban Legion, Chiaffredo (Theofredus, Teofredo).^[1][6] Holweck says Theofrid is "identical with S. Teofredo of Joffredo (Gioffredo), patron of Cervera and Cherasco in Piedmont."^[3]