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.
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 group, 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]
^Kuefler, Mathew. The Making and Unmaking of a Saint: Hagiography and Memory in the Cult of Gerald of Aurillac, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2014, p. 104 ISBN9780812245523
