Commemoration and Associated Martyrs
Vitalius is commemorated on July 23 alongside Apollinaris, the two being listed together in the Orthodox synaxis as bishops of Ravenna. The tradition associated with this commemoration honors Vitalis 'from time immemorial' together with the martyrs Valeria, Gervasius, Protasius, and Ursicinus, and connects his name with the building of a major basilica in the city.
Ravenna venerates a Saint Vitalis as its principal patron, and the celebrated octagonal Basilica of San Vitale stands on the purported site of his martyrdom. In the better-documented historical accounts this Vitalis appears not as a bishop but as a layman — described as a wealthy citizen of Milan and perhaps a soldier — who by legend accompanied the judge Paulinus to Ravenna, encouraged the martyr Ursicinus at his execution, and was himself put to death by being cast into a deep pit and covered with stones and earth. That figure, husband of Valeria and traditionally father of Gervasius and Protasius, is commemorated on April 28, and scholars note that the narrative is partly legendary. The relationship between that martyr and the 'Bishop of Ravenna' honored on July 23 is not clearly resolved in the available sources.