Dionysius the Areopagite was a first-century Athenian judge who converted to Christianity following the preaching of Paul the Apostle at the Areopagus. According to the Acts of the Apostles, he became a believer after hearing Paul's sermon in Athens. He is traditionally recognized as the first bishop of Athens, though some accounts place Hierotheus as the initial leader. He is venerated as a saint in several Christian traditions, including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican, and is celebrated on October 3.