Rome Folder, Central Italy, its Roman Roads and Tiber rivers.kmz

Rome Folder, Central Italy, its Roman Roads and Tiber rivers

Rome (Aniene River, Tiber River 5)
Rome; BENEDICT, FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); Myrrhbearer and Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene, Commemorated on July 22; Martyr Parasceva of Rome, Commemorated on July 26; Virginmartyr Seraphima (Serapia) of Antioch, Commemorated on July 29; St Germanus the Bishop of Auxerre, Commemorated on July 31; Hieromartyr Stephen the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 2 ; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5; Martyr Pontius, Commemorated on August 5 ; LAURENCE, DEACON AND MARTYR (10 AUGUST 258); Martyr and Archdeacon Laurence of Rome, Commemorated on August 10; Martyr Concordia of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; Martyr Hippolytus of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; St Macarius the Roman, Commemorated on August 15; Martyr Hermes of Rome, Commemorated on August 18; Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Lyons, Commemorated on August 23; St Liberius the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 27 ; Apostle Onesiphorus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 7 ; Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy, Commemorated September 12 ; NINIAN OF GALLOWAY, BISHOP, MISSIONARY TO SCOTLAND (16 SEP 430); CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE, BISHOP AND MARTYR (15 SEP 258) ; Martyr Sophia and her three daughters at Rome, Commemorated on September 17; JEROME, SCHOLAR, TRANSLATOR, AND THEOLOGIAN (30 SEP 420); Martyr Nazarius of Milan, Commemorated on October 14; St Abercius the Bishop and Wonderworker of Hieropolis, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia the Roman, Commemorated on October 29 ; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30 ; St Eustolia of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 9 ; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10 ; Apostle Rodion of the Seventy, Commemorated November 10 ; Martyr Elpidius who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on November 15 ; CECILIA OF ROME, MARTYR AT ROME, c. 280, Commemorated November 22; Martyr Cecilia at Rome, Commemorated on November 22 ; CLEMENT OF ROME, BISHOP (23 NOV 100) ; St Gregory the Bishop of Agrigentum, Commemorated November 23 ; Commemoration of the Weeping Icon of the Mother of God "œof the Sign"Â at Novgorod, Commemorated on November 27 ; St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7 ; Apostle Onesiphorus of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8 ; Martyr Anthusa at Rome, Commemorated on December 8 ; Martyr Justus at Rome ; Martyr Diomedes who suffered with Hyacinthus ; LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR, abt. 304, Commemorated December 13 ; Martyr Marinus and his wife and children and those with them at Rome ; Martyr Lucy at Rome, Commemorated December 13 ; Martyr Parasceva of Rome ; Blessed Yaropolk the Prince of Vladimir-Volhynia, in Holy Baptism Peter; Virginmartyr Seraphima (Serapia) of Antioch; Hieromartyr Stephen the Pope of Rome; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome; Martyr Pontius; LAURENCE; Martyr and Archdeacon Laurence of Rome; Martyr Hippolytus of Rome; Martyr Concordia of Rome; St Macarius the Roman; Martyr Hermes of Rome; St Liberius the Pope of Rome; Hieromartyr Cyril the Bishop of Gortyna; Apostle Onesiphorus of the Seventy; Martyr Sophia and her three daughters at Rome, Commemorated on September 17 ; Greatmartyr Eustathius (Eustace) Placidas with his wife and children of Rome, Commemorated September 20 ; Repose of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, Commemorated on September 26 ; Martyr Epicharis of Rome, Commemorated September 27 ; Martyr Nazarius of Milan; Martyr Anastasia the Roman; Apostle Linus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5 ; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; LEO THE GREAT BISHOP OF ROME, DOCTOR (10 NOV 461) ; Martyr Elpidius who suffered under Julian the Apostate; CECILIA OF ROME, MARTYR AT ROME, c. 280, Commemorated November 22; Martyr Cecilia at Rome, Commemorated on November 22; CLEMENT OF ROME, BISHOP (23 NOV 100); Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan; Martyr Anthusa at Rome, Commemorated December 8 ; St Spyridon the Wonderworker and Bishop of Tremithus, Commemorated December 12 ; Martyr Synetus of Rome, Commemorated December 12 ; LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR, abt. 304, Commemorated December 13 ; Hieromartyr Eleutherius the Bishop of Illyria, and His Mother, Commemorated December 15; Martyr Marinus of Rome, Commemorated December 16 ; Venerable Daniel the Confessor (in Schema Stephen) of Spain, and Egypt, Commemorated on December 17 ; Martyr Sebastian at Rome, and his companions, Commemorated on December 18 ; Martyr Boniface at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on December 19; Righteous Aglaida (Aglae) of Rome, Commemorated on December 19; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch; Greatmartyr Anastasia the "œDeliverer from Potions", Commemorated on December 22; Martyr Chrysogonus the Teacher of the Greatmartyr Anastasia; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24 ; Martyr Evanthia of Illyria, Commemorated on December 15; Martyr Boniface at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on December 19 ; Righteous Aglaida (Aglae) of Rome, Commemorated on December 19 ; St Gregory the Archbishop of Omirits, Commemorated December 19 ; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated December 20 ; Greatmartyr Anastasia the "œDeliverer from Potions"Â, Commemorated on December 22 ; Martyr Chrysogonus the Teacher of the Greatmartyr Anastasia, Commemorated December 22 ; St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of St Cyril and Methodius, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated December 23 ; Martyr Zoticus the Keeper of Orphans, Commemorated December 30 ; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31 ; St Sylvester the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 2 ; Apostle Mark the Evangelist of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated January 4 ; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Linus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; St Marcian the Presbyter in Constantinople, Commemorated January 10 ; Martyr Tatiana of Rome, and those who suffered with Her, Commemorated January 12 ; St Nino (Nina), Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated January 14; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated January 15; Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy and All-Glorious Apostle Peter, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Mark the Archbishop of Ephesus, Commemorated on January 19 ; Venerable Macarius the Roman of Novgorod, Commemorated on January 19 ; FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250) ; St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated January 21 ; LYDIA, DORCAS AND PHOEBE, CO-WORKERS WITH THE APOSTLES, 27 JAN. NT ; Virginmartyr Agnes of Rome, Commemorated January 21 ; Hieromartyr Clement the Bishop of Ancyra, Commemorated on January 23 ; Martyr Xenia of Rome, and her two female slaves, Commemorated January 24 ; AGNES OF ROME, MARTYR (21 JAN 304) ; Martyr Felicitas of Rome, and Seven Sons, Commemorated January 25 ; St Isaac the Syrian the Bishop of Nineveh, Commemorated on January 28 ; Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated January 29 ; Hieromartyr Hippolytus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated January 30 ; Martyr Tryphon of Campsada Near Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Virginmartyr Dorothy at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated Febuary 6 ; CORNELIUS THE CENTURION, Commemorated February 7; Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Sicily, Commemorated on February 9; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869) ; Repose of St Cyril, Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Commemorated on February 14; Virginmartyr Dorothy at Caesarea, in Cappadocia; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on February 15; Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro ("œthe Recruit"Â), Commemorated on February 17; St Auxibius Bishop of Soli, Cyprus, Commemorated on February 17 ; St Leo the Great the Pope of Rome, Commemorated February 18; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; St Agathon the Pope of Rome, Commemorated February 20 ; JOHN HENRY NEWMAN, PRIEST AND THEOLOGIAN, 1890, Commemorated February 21 ; EMILY MALBONE MORGAN, PROPHETIC WITNESS, 1937, Comemorated February 26 ; Venerable John Cassian the Roman, Commemorated on February 28; Hieromartyr Nestor the Bishop of Magydos in Pamphylia, Commemorated on February 28 ; Martyr Eudokia of Heliopolis, Commemorated on March 1; Martyr Nestor, Commemorated on March 1 ; Martyr Troadius of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on March 2 ; Monkmartyr Conon and his son of Iconium, Commemorated on March 6; Uncovering of the Precious Cross and the Precious Nails by the Empress St Helen in Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 6; Venerable Arcadius of Cyprus, Commemorated on March 6; St Emilian of Rome, Commemorated on March 7; St Caesarius, brother of St Gregory the Theologian, Commemorated on March 9; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604); Icon "œNot Made by Hands"Â from Lydda, Commemorated on March 12; Martyr Alexander of Macedonia, Commemorated on March 13 ; Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14 ; Hieromartyr Alexander of Side, in Pamphylia, Commemorated on March 15; Martyr Nicander of Egypt, Commemorated on March 15 ; Hieromartyr Alexander the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 16; PATRICK OF IRELAND, (17 MAR c461); St Patrick the Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland, Commemorated on March 17 ; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Aninas of the Euphrates, Commemorated on March 18; Martyr Chrysanthus and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on March 19; Martyr Pancharius at Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 19; Martyr Kyriake of Rome, Commemorated on March 20; Martyr Photina (Svetlana), the Samaritan Woman, and Her Sons, Commemorated on March 20; Martyr Drosis the Daughter of the Emperor Trajan, Commemorated on March 22; Martyr Philetus the Senator, his wife and sons in Illyria, Commemorated on March 23; The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on March 25; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26; Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; St Zosimus the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on March 30; Martyr Amphianus (Apphianus) of Lycia, Commemorated on April 2 ; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; St Methodius, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Moravia, Enlightener of the Slavs, Commemorated on April 6; Hieromartyr Zeno the Bishop of Verona, Commemorated on April 12 ; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Methodius, Commemorated on May 11; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on April 7; Martyr Calliopius at Pompeiopolis in Cilicia, Commemorated on April 7; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8; Martyr Pausilippus of Heraclea in Thrace, Commemorated on April 8; Martyr Processus of Rome, Commemorated on April 11; St Martin the Confessor the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 14; Apostle Pudens of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15 ; Martyr Basilissa of Rome the Disciple of Apostles Peter and Paul, Commemorated on April 15 ; St Agapitus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 17; Martyr Anthony at Rome, Commemorated on April 19; Hieromartyr Januarius the Bishop of Benevento, and his companions, at Pozzuoli, Commemorated on April 21; St Maximian the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on April 21; Martyr Sava Stratelates "œthe General"Â of Rome, Commemorated on April 24; MARK THE EVANGELIST, (25 APR NT); Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25; CATHERINE OF SIENA, REFORMER AND SPIRITUAL TEACHER (29 APR 1380); St Monica, Commemorated on May 4 ; Venerable Arsenius the Great, Commemorated on May 8; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); Martyr Pancratius, Commemorated on May 12; Martyr Alexander of Rome, Commemorated on May 13 ; Venerable Macarius the Archimandrite of Obruch (Kanev), Commemorated on May 13; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on May 14 ; Blessed Child Musa of Rome, Commemorated on May 16 ; Glorification of the Venerable Zebulon, the father of St Nino Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated on May 20 ; Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; JUSTIN MARTYR, PHILOSOPHER, APOLOGIST, AND MARTYR (1 JUNE 167); Martyr Chariton with his wife and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4; JOHN XXIII (Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli), BISHOP OF ROME, 1963; Martyr Concordius of Spoleto, Commemorated on June 4; Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Hieromartyr Sisinius the Deacon of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Priscilla of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; St Bassian the Bishop of Lodi in Lombardy, Commemorated on June 10; Apostle Bartholomew of the Twelve, Commemorated on June 11; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on June 11 ; Venerable Peter of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on June 12 ; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64); Martyr Agrippina of Rome, Commemorated on June 23; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or "œthe Roman"Â, Commemorated on June 26; St Sampson the Hospitable of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 27; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Peter, Commemorated on June 29; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Paul, Commemorated on June 29; PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64); Holy Wonderworking Unmercenary Physicians Cosmas and Damian at Rome, Commemorated on July 1; Martyr Hyacinthus of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on July 3; Martyr Marinus and his wife and children and those with them at Rome, Commemorated on July 6 ;

Italy
Italy; Myrrhbearer and Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene, Commemorated on July 22; Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy, Commemorated September 12 ; Martyr Sophia and her three daughters at Rome, Commemorated on September 17; ROBERT GROSSETESTE, BISHOP OF LINCOLN (9 OCT 1253) ; Hieromartyr Gregory (Peradze) of Georgia; Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome, Commemorated on December 31 ; ELIZABETH SETON, FOUNDER OF THE AMERICAN SISTERS OF CHARITY, 1821, Commemorated January 4 ; Venerable Timothy of Symbola in Bithynia, Commemorated February 21 ; EMILY MALBONE MORGAN, PROPHETIC WITNESS, 1937, Comemorated February 26 ; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4; St Emilian of Rome, Commemorated on March 7; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Martyr Philadelphus and 18 others in Sicily, Commemorated on May 10; Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 509 BC - 27 BC, Roman Republic
Rome, 509 BC - 27 BC, Roman Republic ;

Rome, 27 BC - 476 AD, Roman Empire (BC 27 - 476AD)
Roman Empire; MATTHEW; LUKE THE EVANGELIST, (18 OCTOBER) ; Greatmartyr Mercurius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated November 24 ; Venerable Pansophius of Alexandria, the Martyr, Commemorated on January 15; FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250) ; Holy, Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver, Commemorated on February 3; Translation of the relics of the Martyr Epimachus of Pelusium, Commemorated on March 11; ATHANASIUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, THEOLOGIAN, DOCTOR (2 MAY 373); Equal of the Apostles and Emperor Constantine with his Mother Helen, Commemorated on May 21; St Julius the Presbyter of Novara, Commemorated on June 21

Rome, 285-476, Western Roman Empire
Rome, 285-476, Western Roman Empire;

Rome, 291-568, Goths, Ostrogoths in Italy (absorbed by Lombards)
Ostrogoths; BENEDICT, FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); Totila the Goth; Battle of Taginae; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15 ;

Rome, 410, Sack of Rome by Alric the Visgoth
Rome, 410, Sack of Rome by Alric the Visgoth; AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430);

Rome, 452, Meeting with Atilla The Hun and Pope Leo the Great (Po River 3.5)
Mincio, 452, Meeting with Atilla The Hun and Pope Leo the Great; LEO THE GREAT, BISHOP OF ROME, DOCTOR (10 NOV 461);

Rome, 455, Vandal Sack of Rome
North Africa, 455, Vandal Sack of Rome; St. Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23;

Rome, 476, Fall of the Western Roman Empire
Fall of the Western Roman Empire, 476; Rome, Gothic king, 475-526, Theodoric the Great ; St Eutychius of Nursia, Commemorated on August 23;

Rome, 476-800, Dark Ages, Fall of Western Empire to Holy Roman Empire
Rome, 476-800, Dark Ages, Fall of Western Empire to Holy Roman Empire; COLUMBA, ABBOT OF IONA AND MISSIONARY (9 JUNE 597);

Rome, 493-553, Ostrogothic Kingdom
Rome, 493-553, Ostrogothic Kingdom; Rome, Gothic king, 475-526, Theodoric the Great ;

Rome, 568-774, Lombard Kingdom, 571 in Rome to Frankish Invasion 774
Rome, Lombard Kingdom, 568-774, 571 in Rome to Frankish Invasion 774 ;

Rome, 800-1806, Holy Roman Empire, Revived in 2009, Centered in Belgium
Rome, 800-1806, Holy Roman Empire, Revived in 2009, Centered in Belgium; Charlemagne, a Frank, first Holy Roman Emperor (800-814); Charlemagne Building; European Union Constitution, Nov 3, 2009;

Rome, 1303, Philip the Fair, King of France, captured Rome and the Pope
Rome, 1303, Philip the Fair, King of France, captured Rome and the Pope France, 1285-1314, King, Philip the Fair; CATHERINE OF SIENA, REFORMER AND SPIRITUAL TEACHER (29 APR 1380);

Rome, 1804-1815, Napolionic Era, Italy a Client State of First French Empire
France, 1804-1815, Napolionic Era, First French Empire; Translation of a Particle of the Life Giving Cross from Malta to Gatchina, Commemorated on October 12; Translation of the relic of the Right Hand of John the Baptist, Commemorated on October 12; St Peter of Cetinje, Commemorated on October 18;

Rome, 1815-1861, Kingdom of Sardinia (Savoy and Nice)
Rome, 1815-1861, Kingdom of Sardinia (Savoy and Nice); Rome, 1815-1861, Kingdom of Sardinia (Savoy and Nice); Rome, 1815-1861, Kingdom of Sardinia (Savoy and Nice); GREGORIO AGLIPAY, PRIEST AND FOUNDER OF THE PHILIPINE INDEPENDENT CHURCH, 5 Sept. 1940;

Rome, 1861-1946, Kingdom of Italy
Rome, 1861-1946, Kingdom of Italy; GREGORIO AGLIPAY, PRIEST AND FOUNDER OF THE PHILIPINE INDEPENDENT CHURCH, 5 Sept. 1940;

Rome, Land of the Latins (Central Italy)
the original latin tribe of central Italy; The meaning of the term latins was later expanded to include all the Roman Catholics like Spain, Portugal, France, Poland, Lithuania, and South America. Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Latium (Latin) Region (Rome, Italy)
Latium Region; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, Central Italy, Roman History Folder

Rome, 509-27BC, Folder, Roman Republic and Roman Empire

Rome, 509 BC - 27 BC, Roman Republic
Roman Republic, BC 509- BC 27;

Rome, 106 BC - 43 BC, Cicero, famous retorecian and politician, latin writer, championed return to republican govt
Rome, 106 BC - 43 BC, Cicero, famous retorecian and politician; Tullius Cicero[a] (3 January 106 - 7 December 43 BC) was a Roman statesman, lawyer, scholar, philosopher and Academic Skeptic,[3] who tried to uphold optimate principles during the political crises that led to the establishment of the Roman Empire.[4] His extensive writings include treatises on rhetoric, philosophy and politics, and he is considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists.[5][6] He came from a wealthy municipal family of the Roman equestrian order, and served as consul in 63 BC. influence on the Latin language was immense. He wrote more than three-quarters of surviving Latin literature from the period of his adult life, and it has been said that subsequent prose was either a reaction against or a return to his style, not only in Latin but in European languages up to the 19th century.[7][8][9] Cicero introduced into Latin the arguments of the chief schools of Hellenistic philosophy and created a Latin philosophical vocabulary with neologisms such as evidentia,[10] humanitas, qualitas, quantitas, and essentia,[11] distinguishing himself as a translator and philosopher. he was an accomplished orator and successful lawyer, Cicero believed his political career was his most important achievement. It was during his consulship that the second Catilinarian conspiracy attempted to overthrow the government through an attack on the city by outside forces, and Cicero suppressed the revolt by summarily and controversially executing five conspirators. During the chaotic middle period of the 1st century BC, marked by civil wars and the dictatorship of Julius Caesar, Cicero championed a return to the traditional republican government. Following Caesar's death, Cicero became an enemy of Mark Antony in the ensuing power struggle, attacking him in a series of speeches. He was proscribed as an enemy of the state by the Second Triumvirate and consequently executed by soldiers operating on their behalf in 43 BC after having been intercepted during an attempted flight from the Italian peninsula. His severed hands and head were then, as a final revenge of Mark Antony, displayed on the Rostra. rediscovery of Cicero's letters is often credited for initiating the 14th-century Renaissance in public affairs, humanism, and classical Roman culture.[12] According to Polish historian Tadeusz Zieliński, "the Renaissance was above all things a revival of Cicero, and only after him and through him of the rest of Classical antiquity."[13] The peak of Cicero's authority and prestige came during the 18th-century Enlightenment,[14] and his impact on leading Enlightenment thinkers and political theorists such as John Locke, David Hume, Montesquieu and Edmund Burke was substantial.[15] His works rank among the most influential in European culture, and today still constitute one of the most important bodies of primary material for the writing and revision of Roman history, especially the last days of the Roman Republic.[16]

Rome, BC 49-44 BC, Julius Caesar, Roman Republic Dictator
Roman Republic Dictator, BC 49-44 BC, Julius Caesar; JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF OUR LORD (19 MAR NT);

Rome, BC 44-31 BC, Mark Anthony (triumvir), Roman Republic Dictator
Roman Republic Dictator, BC 44-31 BC, Mark Anthony; Second Triumvirate ; JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF OUR LORD (19 MAR NT);

Rome, BC 44-33 BC, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (triumvir), Roman Republic Dictator
Roman Republic Dictator, BC 44-33 BC, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (triumvir); Second Triumvirate ; JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF OUR LORD (19 MAR NT);

Rome, BC 44-27 BC, Gaius Octavius (Augustus) (triumvirate), Roman Republic Dictator
Roman Republic Dictator, BC 44-27 BC, Gaius Octavius (Augustus) (triumvirate); Second Triumvirate ; JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF OUR LORD (19 MAR NT);

Rome, 27BC-476AD, Italy, Roman Empire
Italy, 27BC-476AD, Roman Empire; Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy, Commemorated September 12 ; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4;

Rome, BC 27 - 476AD, Great Rome, Imperial Rome, Lands of the Roman Empire
Great Rome, 27BC - 476AD, Imperial Rome, Lands of the Roman Empire; Repose of St Alexander Nevsky;

Rome, 27 BC-14 AD, Roman Emperor, Agustus
Roman Emperor, 27BC-14AD, Agustus ; Forefeast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos, Commemorated on November 20; The Entry of the Most Holy Mother of God into the Temple, Commemorated on November 21; The Conception by Righteous Anna of the Most Holy Mother of God, Commemorated on December 9 ; Commemoration of the Shepherds in Bethlehem who were watching their flocks, and went to see the Lord, Commemorated on December 25; The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, Commemorated on December 25; Icon of the Mother of God of œVilnaÂ, Commemorated on December 26; Joseph of Holy Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, along with David the King, and James the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on December 27; James of Holy Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, along with David the King, and James the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on December 27; THE HOLY INNOCENTS, (28 DEC NT) ; Forefeast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Commemorated on January 2 ; THE FEAST OF THE HOLY EPIPHANY, (6 January); Forefeast of the Meeting of our Lord in the Temple, Commemorated on February 1; FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, FEAST OF THE PURIFICATION OF THE VIRGIN, CANDLEMAS DAY (FEB 2); The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple, Commemorated on February 2 ; Holy, Righteous Anna the Prophetess, Commemorated on February 3; Holy, Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver, Commemorated on February 3; JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF OUR LORD (19 MAR NT); The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on March 25; THE ANNUNCIATION, OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (25 MAR NT); THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, (31 MAY);

Rome, 000, 1st Century, Folder, Roman Empire, Jesus

Rome, 1-33, Lord Jesus Christ
Jerusalem, 1AD-33 AD, Lord Jesus Christ; Venerable Simeon Stylites the Younger of Wonderful Mountain, Commemorated on May 24;

Rome, 10-66, Evodius, Syrian Saint, Bishop, writer, mary birth at 15, died under Nero in 66
Syrian Saint, 10-66, Evodius; Evodius or Euodias (died circa 69) was an Early Christian bishop of Antioch, succeeding Saint Peter. He is regarded as one of the first identifiable Christians, and venerated as a saint. is known of the life of Evodius. the time, Antioch was an opulent and cosmopolitan city where both Hellenized Jews and pagans were influenced by monotheism. According to the Book of Acts, one of the first evangelised communities were these Jews and pagans of Antioch. It was there that the term "Christian" was coined for these Gentiles, mainly Syrian and Greek converts.[citation needed] Peter became the bishop of Antioch and led the church there. Evodius is said to have been one of the pagans converted to Christianity due to the apostolic work of Saint Peter.[citation needed] eventually succeeded Peter as bishop of Antioch when Peter left for Rome.[1] Evodius was bishop of Antioch until 66 AD, and was succeeded by Saint Ignatius of Antioch. Catholic tradition says it is likely that Saint Evodius died of natural causes, however, the Eastern Orthodox tradition holds that he was martyred under Emperor Nero in 66 AD.[2] As one of the first pagans to come to the new church, he is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church as well as in the Eastern Orthodox Church and in Oriental Orthodoxy including the Assyrian Church of the East. His feast day is 6 May in the Catholic Church and 7 September in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated on August 21; Apostle Evodius (Euodias) of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 7; Holy Apostle Evodius of the Seventy was, after the holy Apostle Peter, the first bishop in Syrian Antioch. His successor, the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer (December 20), disciple of the holy Apostle John the Theologian, mentions him in his Letter to the Antiochians: “Remember your blessed father Evodus, who was made your first pastor by the Apostles.” Evodius served as bishop for 27 years and died as a martyr under the emperor Nero (54-68). Saint Evodus wrote several compositions. In one of them he writes that the Most Holy Virgin Mary gave birth to the Savior of the world at the age of fifteen. writings of the saint have not survived. A book entitled THE STAR is mentioned by the fourteenth century church historian Nikēphóros Callistus. Saint Evodus received the crown of martyrdom in the year 66. Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4;

Rome, 14-37, Roman Emperor Tiberius, red egg of resurrection from M Magdelen
Roman Emperor, 14-37, Tiberius; Luke 3:1-14, The Proclamation of John the Baptist; Hieromartyr Pancratius the Bishop of Taormina in Sicily, Commemorated on July 9 ; St Julian the Bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans) in Gaul, Commemorated July 13 ; Myrrhbearer and Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene, Commemorated on July 22; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated July 30 ; Hieromartyr Eutyches the Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on August 24; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated August 25 ; Return of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from Anastasiopolis to Lipari, Commemorated August 25 : By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon. ; Apostle Evodius (Euodias) of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 7; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 21; St Xanthippe Disciple of the Apostles, who died in Spain, Commemorated on September 23 ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 27; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated on October 3; Hieromartyr Hierotheus the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated October 4 ; Holy, Glorious Apostle Thomas, Commemorated on October 6 ; Apostle James the Son of Alphaeus, Commemorated on October 9; Apostle Philip of the Seventy, One of the Seven Deacons, Commemorated on October 11; Martyr Longinus the Centurion, who stood at the Cross of the Lord, Commemorated on October 16; Apostle and Evangelist Luke, Commemorated on October 18; LUKE THE EVANGELIST, (18 OCTOBER) ; Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on October 23; JAMES OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND MARTYR (23 OCT NT); Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30 ; Apostle Justus of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Tertius of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Amplias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Apelles of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Aristobulus of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Narcissus of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Urban of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Gaius of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Linus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Patrobus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Philologus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Rodion of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Sosipater of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Tertius of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Holy, All-Praised Apostle Philip, Commemorated on November 14; Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, Commemorated on November 16; Apostle Philemon of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 22; Apostle Archippus the Martyr of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 22 ; Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; ANDREW THE APOSTLE, (30 NOV NT) ; Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called, Commemorated on November 30; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Cephas of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Onesiphorus of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; THOMAS THE APOSTLE, (21 DEC NT) ; Commemoration of the Shepherds in Bethlehem who were watching their flocks, and went to see the Lord, Commemorated on December 25; Icon of the Mother of God of œVilna, Commemorated on December 26; STEPHEN, DEACON AND PROTOMARTYR (26 DEC NT); Joseph of Holy Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, along with David the King, and James the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on December 27; Icon of the Mother of God œthe Merciful, Commemorated on December 27; JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (27 DEC NT); Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen, Commemorated on December 27; James of Holy Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, along with David the King, and James the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on December 27; Apostle Nicanor the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 28; THE HOLY INNOCENTS, (28 DEC NT) ; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 30 ; The Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Commemorated on January 1; THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS, OR, THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST, (1 JAN); Apostle and Evangelist Luke of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Euodius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle James, of the Seventy, the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Justus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Mark the Evangelist of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Simeon, of the Seventy, the son of Cleophas, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Cleophas of the Seventy, the Brother of Joseph the Betrothed, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Philip the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Prochorus the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Nicanor the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Parmenas the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Philemon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Archippus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silvanus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crescens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crispus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epenetus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Amplias of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Urban of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Narcissus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apelles of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Aristobulus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Agabus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Rufus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Asyncritus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Phlegon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Patrobus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Linus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Gaius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Jason of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosipater of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Olympas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tertius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesiphorus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Carpus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, called John, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Zenas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Pudens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Trophimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Aquila of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Fortunatus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Feast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Commemorated on January 6; THE FEAST OF THE HOLY EPIPHANY, (6 January) ; Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Commemorated on January 7; St Mariamne the sister of the Apostle Philip, Commemorated on February 17; Venerable Conan, Abbot of the Pethukla Monastery, Commemorated on February 19; MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE, (24 FEB NT); JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF OUR LORD (19 MAR NT); Martyr Kyriake of Rome, Commemorated on March 20; Martyr Photina (Svetlana), the Samaritan Woman, and Her Sons, Commemorated on March 20; The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, Commemorated on March 25; THE ANNUNCIATION, OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (25 MAR NT); Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8; Hieromartyr Antipas the Bishop of Pergamum and Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on April 11; Apostle Zacchaeus, Commemorated on April 20; Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25 ; MARK THE EVANGELIST, (25 APR NT) ; Apostle James the Brother of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on April 30; James of PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES (1 MAY NT) ; Philip of PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES (1 MAY NT); Apostle Simon Zealotes, Commemorated on May 10; St Eutychius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on May 28; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 31 ; Righteous Martha the sister of Lazarus, Commemorated on June 4; Nativity of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, Commemorated on June 24 ; THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST, (24 JUNE NT); PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64); The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Paul, Commemorated on June 29; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Peter, Commemorated on June 29; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, Commemorated on June 29 ;

Rome, 30-62, Apostle Barnabus, first to preach in Rome
Rome, 30-62, Apostle Barnabus, first to preach in Rome; born Joseph, was according to tradition an early Christian, one of the prominent Christian disciples in Jerusalem. According to Acts 4:36, Barnabas was a Cypriot Jew. Named an apostle in Acts 14:14, he and Paul the Apostle undertook missionary journeys together and defended Gentile converts against the Judaizers. They traveled together making more converts (c. 45-47), and participated in the Council of Jerusalem (c. 50). Barnabas and Paul successfully evangelized among the "God-fearing" Gentiles who attended synagogues in various Hellenized cities of Anatolia. story appears in the Acts of the Apostles, and Paul mentions him in some of his epistles. Tertullian named him as the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, but this and other attributions are conjecture. Clement of Alexandria and some scholars have ascribed the Epistle of Barnabas to him, but his authorship is disputed. the date, place, and circumstances of his death are historically unverifiable, Christian tradition holds that Barnabas was martyred at Salamis, Cyprus. He is traditionally identified as the founder of the Cypriot Orthodox Church. The feast day of Barnabas is celebrated on June 11. is usually identified as the cousin of Mark the Evangelist on the basis of the term "anepsios" used in Colossians 4, which carries the connotation of "cousin." Orthodox tradition holds that Aristobulus of Britannia, one of the Seventy Disciples, was the brother of Barnabas.[1] 11:24 describes Barnabas as "a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith". Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on June 11; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy was born on the island of Cyprus into the family of the tribe of Levi, and he was named Joseph. He received his education at Jerusalem, being raised with his friend and fellow student Saul (the future Apostle Paul) under the renowned teacher of the Law, Gamaliel. Joseph was pious, he frequented the Temple, he strictly observed the fasts and avoided youthful distractions. During this time period our Lord Jesus Christ began His public ministry. Seeing the Lord and hearing His Divine Words, Joseph believed in Him as the Messiah. Filled with ardent love for the Savior, he followed Him. The Lord chose him to be one of His Seventy Apostles. The other Apostles called him Barnabas, which means “son of consolation.â€ After the Ascension of the Lord to Heaven, Barnabas sold land belonging to him near Jerusalem and he brought the money to the feet of the Apostles, leaving nothing for himself (Acts 4:36-37). Saul arrived in Jerusalem after his conversion and sought to join the followers of Christ, everyone there was afraid of him since he had persecuted the Church only a short while before. Barnabas, however, came with him to the Apostles and reported how the Lord had appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:26-28). Barnabas went to Antioch to encourage the believers, “Having come and having seen the grace of God, he rejoiced and he urged all to cleave to the Lord with sincerity of heartâ€ (Acts 11:23). Then he went to Tarsus, and brought the Apostle Paul to Antioch, where for about a year they taught the people. It was here that the disciples first began to be called Christians (Acts 11:26). With the onset of famine, and taking along generous alms, Paul and Barnabas returned to Jerusalem. When King Herod killed Saint James the son of Zebedee, and had the Apostle Peter put under guard in prison to please the Jews, Saints Barnabas and Paul and Peter were led out of the prison by an angel of the Lord. hid out at the house of Barnabas’ aunt Maria. Later, when the persecution had quieted down, they returned to Antioch, taking with them Maria’s son John, surnamed Mark. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the prophets and teachers there imposed hands upon Barnabas and Paul, and sent them off to do the work to which the Lord had called them (Acts 13:2-3). Arriving in Seleucia, they sailed off to Cyprus and in the city of Salamis they preached the Word of God in the Jewish synagogues. Paphos they came across a sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was close with the proconsul Sergius. Wishing to hear the Word of God, the proconsul invited the saints to come to him. The sorcerer attempted to sway the proconsul from the Faith, but the Apostle Paul denounced the sorcerer, who through his words suddenly fell blind. The proconsul believed in Christ (Acts 13:6-12). Paphos Barnabas and Paul set sail for Pergamum of Pamphylia, and then they preached to the Jews and the Gentiles at Pisidian Antioch and throughout all that region. The Jews rioted and expelled Paul and Barnabas. The saints arrived in Iconium, but learning that the Jews wanted to stone them, they withdrew to Lystra and Derben. There the Apostle Paul healed a man, crippled in the legs from birth. The people assumed them to be the gods Zeus and Hermes and wanted to offer them sacrifice. The saints just barely persuaded them not to do this (Acts 14:8-18). the question arose whether those converted from the Gentiles should accept circumcision, Barnabas and Paul went to Jerusalem. There they were warmly received by the Apostles and elders. The preachers related “what God had wrought with them and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentilesâ€ (Acts 14:27). long deliberations the Apostles collectively resolved not to impose any sort of burden upon Gentile Christians except what was necessary: to refrain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood (Acts 15:19-20). Letters were sent with Barnabas and Paul, and they again preached at Antioch, and after a certain while they decided to visit the other cities where they had visited earlier. Saint Barnabas wanted to take Mark along with him, but Saint Paul did not want to, since earlier he had left them. A quarrel arose, and they separated. Paul took Silas with him and went to Syria and Cilicia, while Barnabas took Mark with him to Cyprus (Acts 15:36-41). multiplied the number of believers, Saint Barnabas traveled to Rome, where he was perhaps the first to preach Christ. Barnabas founded the episcopal see at Mediolanum (now Milan), and upon his return to Cyprus he continued to preach about Christ the Savior. Then the enraged Jews incited the pagans against Barnabas, and they led him out beyond the city and stoned him, and then built a fire to burn the body. Later on, having come upon this spot, Mark took up the unharmed body of Saint Barnabas and buried it in a cave, placing upon the saint’s bosom, in accord with his final wishes, the Gospel of Matthew which he had copied in his own hand. Barnabas died in about the year 62, at age seventy-six. In time, the burial spot was forgotten, but numerous signs took place at this spot. In the year 448, during the time of the emperor Zeno, Saint Barnabas appeared three times in a dream to Archbishop Anthimus of Cyprus and indicated the place where his relics were buried. Starting to dig at the indicated spot, Christians found the incorrupt body of the saint, and upon his chest was the Holy Gospel. was during this time that the Church of Cyprus began to be regarded as Apostolic in origin, and received the right of choosing its head. Thus Saint Barnabas defended Cyprus against the pretensions of the opponent of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, the heretic surnamed Knapheios, who had usurped the patriarchal throne at Antioch and tried to gain dominion over the Church of Cyprus. Rome, 30-67, Apostle Paul Rome, 30-68, Apostle Peter ;

Rome, 30-68, Apostle Paul, formerly the enemy of the church, road to Damascus, Apostle leader, citizen, m Rome in 68
Rome, 30-68, Apostle Paul; hymns for their Feast speak of Saints Peter and Paul as the leaders (koryphaioi), and chiefs of the Apostles. They are, without a doubt, the foremost in the ranks of the Apostles. koryphaioi were leaders of the chorus in ancient Greek tragedy. They set the pattern for the singing, and also for the dance movements and gestures of the chorus. Before Sophocles, there were twelve members of the chorus, and Saints Peter and Paul were the leaders of the twelve Apostles. Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin, and lived in Tarsus in Cilicia. He once described himself as a Hebrew, an Israelite of the seed of Abraham (2 Cor. 11:22). He was also a Pharisee and a tent-maker (Acts 18:3) who had studied the Law with Gamaliel at Jerusalem. first, he was called Saul, and had persecuted the Church. He was present at the stoning of Saint Stephen (Acts 7: 58). Then, on the road to Damascus, he was converted when Christ appeared to him. Blinded by the vision, he was healed when Ananias laid his hands on him. After his cure, he was baptized (Acts 9:18). Paul preached the Gospel in Greece, Asia Minor, and in Rome, and wrote fourteen Epistles. Tradition says that he was martyred in Rome about the year 68. The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, Commemorated on June 29 ; the Holy Church piously remembers the sufferings of the Holy Glorious and All-Praised Apostles Peter and Paul. Peter, the fervent follower of Jesus Christ, for the profound confession of His Divinity: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” was deemed worthy by the Savior to hear in answer, “Blessed art thou, Simon ... I tell thee, that thou art Peter [Petrus], and on this stone [petra] I build My Church” (Mt.16:16-18). On “this stone” [petra], is on that which thou sayest: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God” it is on this thy confession I build My Church. Wherefore the “thou art Peter”: it is from the “stone” [petra] that Peter [Petrus] is, and not from Peter [Petrus] that the “stone” [petra] is, just as the Christian is from Christ, and not Christ from the Christian. Do you want to know, from what sort of “rock” [petra] the Apostle Peter [Petrus] was named? Hear the Apostle Paul: “Brethren, I do not want ye to be ignorant,” says the Apostle of Christ, “how all our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ” (1 Cor.10: 1-4).... Lord Jesus Christ, in the final days of His earthly life, in the days of His mission to the race of man, chose from among the disciples His twelve Apostles to preach the Word of God. Among them, the Apostle Peter for his fiery ardor was vouchsafed to occupy the first place (Mt.10:2) and to be as it were the representative person for all the Church. Therefore it is said to him, preferentially, after the confession: “I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in the heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth: shall be loosed in heaven” (Mt.16: 19). Therefore it was not one man, but rather the One Universal Church, that received these “keys” and the right “to bind and loosen.” And that it was actually the Church that received this right, and not exclusively a single person, turn your attention to another place of the Scriptures, where the same Lord says to all His Apostles, “Receive ye the Holy Spirit” and further after this, “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them: and whose soever sins ye retain, are retained” (John 20: 22-23); or: “whatsoever ye bind upon the earth, shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosened in heaven” (Mt.18:18). Thus, it is the Church that binds, the Church that loosens; the Church, built upon the foundational cornerstone, Jesus Christ Himself (Eph 2:20), doth bind and loosen. Let both the binding and the loosening be feared: the loosening, in order not to fall under this again; the binding, in order not to remain forever in this condition. Therefore “Iniquities ensnare a man, and everyone is bound in the chains of his own sins,” says Wisdom (Prov 5:22); and except for Holy Church nowhere is it possible to receive the loosening. His Resurrection the Lord entrusted the Apostle Peter to shepherd His spiritual flock not because, that among the disciples only Peter alone was pre-deserved to shepherd the flock of Christ, but Christ addresses Himself chiefly to Peter because, that Peter was first among the Apostles and as such the representative of the Church; besides which, having turned in this instance to Peter alone, as to the top Apostle, Christ by this confirms the unity of the Church. “Simon of John” -- says the Lord to Peter -- “lovest thou Me?” -- and the Apostle answered: “Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee”; and a second time it was thus asked, and a second time he thus answered; being asked a third time, seeing that as it were not believed, he was saddened. But how is it possible for him not to believe That One, Who knew his heart? And wherefore then Peter answered: “Lord, Thou knowest all; Thou knowest that I love Thee.” “And sayeth Jesus to him” all three times “Feed My sheep” (John 20:15-17). this, the triple appealing of the Savior to Peter and the triple confession of Peter before the Lord had a particular beneficial purpose for the Apostle. That one, to whom was given “the keys of the kingdom” and the right “to bind and to loose,” bound himself thrice by fear and cowardice (Mt.26:69-75), and the Lord thrice loosens him by His appeal and in turn by his confession of strong love. And to shepherd literally the flock of Christ was acquired by all the Apostles and their successors. “Take heed, therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock,” the Apostle Paul urges church presbyters, “over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28); and the Apostle Peter to the elders: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof not by constraint, but willingly: not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind: neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when is appeared the Prince of pastors, ye will receive unfading crowns of glory” (1 Pet. 5:2-4). is remarkable that Christ, having said to Peter: “Feed My sheep,” did not say: “Feed thy sheep,” but rather to feed, good servant, the sheep of the Lord. “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Cor.1:13). “Feed My sheep”. Wherefore “wolfish robbers, wolfish oppressors, deceitful teachers and mercenaries, not being concerned about the flock” (Mt.7:15; Acts 20:29; 2 Pet 2:1; John 10:12), having plundered a strange flock and making of the spoils as though it be of their own particular gain, they think that they feed their flock. Such are not good pastors, as pastors of the Lord. “The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11), entrusted to Him by the chief Shepherd Himself (1 Pet 5:4). And the Apostle Peter, true to his calling, gave his soul for the very flock of Christ, having sealed his apostleship by a martyr’s death, is now glorified throughout all the world. Apostle Paul, formerly Saul, was changed from a robbing wolf into a meek lamb. Formerly he was an enemy of the Church, then is manifest as an Apostle. Formerly he stalked it, then preached it. Having received from the high priests the authority at large to throw all Christians in chains for execution, he was already on the way, he breathed out “threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1), he thirsted for blood, but “He that dwells in the Heavens shall laugh him to scorn” (Ps 2:4). When he, “having persecuted and vexed” in such manner “the Church of God” (1Cor.15:9; Acts 8:5), he came near Damascus, and the Lord from Heaven called to him: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” and I am here, and I am there, I am everywhere: here is My head; there is My body. There becomes nothing of a surprise in this; we ourselves are members of the Body of Christ. “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me; it is hard for thee to kick against the goad” (Acts 9:4-5). Saul, however, “trembling and frightened”, cried out: “Who art Thou, Lord?” The Lord answered him, “I am Jesus Whom thou persecutest.” Saul suddenly undergoes a change: “What wantest Thou me to do?” -- he cries out. And suddenly for him there is the Voice: “Arise, and go to the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6). Here the Lord sends Ananias: “Arise and go into the street” to a man, “by the name of Saul,” and baptize him, “for this one is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9: 11, 15, 18). This vessel must be filled with My Grace. “Ananias, however, answered: Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he hath done to Thy saints in Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Thy Name” (Acts 9:13-14). But the Lord urgently commands Ananias: “Search for and fetch him, for this vessel is chosen by Me: for I shall show him what great things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:11, 15-16). actually the Lord did show the Apostle Paul what things he had to suffer for His Name. He instructed him the deeds; He did not stop at the chains, the fetters, the prisons and shipwrecks; He Himself felt for him in his sufferings, He Himself guided him towards this day. On a single day the memory of the sufferings of both these Apostles is celebrated, though they suffered on separate days, but by the spirit and the closeness of their suffering they constitute one. Peter went first, and Paul followed soon after him. Formerly called Saul, and then Paul, having transformed his pride into humility. His very name (Paulus), meaning “small, little, less,” demonstrates this. What is the Apostle Paul after this? Ask him, and he himself gives answer to this: “I am,” says he, “the least of the Apostles... but I have labored more abundantly than all of them: yet not I, but the grace of God, which was with me” (1 Cor.15:9-10). so, brethren, celebrating now the memory of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, remembering their venerable sufferings, we esteem their true faith and holy life, we esteem the innocence of their sufferings and pure confession. Loving in them the sublime quality and imitating them by great exploits, “in which to be likened to them” (2 Thess 3: 5-9), and we shall attain to that eternal bliss which is prepared for all the saints. The path of our life before was more grievous, thornier, harder, but “we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses” (Heb 12: 1), having passed by along it, made now for us easier, and lighter, and more readily passable. First there passed along it “the author and finisher of our faith,” our Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Heb 12: 2); His daring Apostles followed after Him; then the martyrs, children, women, virgins and a great multitude of witnesses. Who acted in them and helped them on this path? He Who said, “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15: 5). Rome, 30-68, Apostle Peter ; Roman Pope, 66-99, Clement I ; CLEMENT OF ROME, BISHOP (23 NOV 100); Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25;

Rome, 30-68, Apostle Peter, Apostle leader, fiery ardor, fisherman, crucified in Rome under Nero
Rome, 30-68, Apostle Peter ; Peter[5] (died between AD 64 and 68[1]), also known as Simon Peter, Simeon, Simon (/ˈsaɪmən/ (About this soundlisten)), Cephas (/ˈsiːfəs/[6]), or Peter the Apostle, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, and one of the first leaders of the early Church. to Christian tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero. He is traditionally counted as the first bishop of Rome‍—‌or pope‍—‌and also by Eastern Christian tradition as the first patriarch of Antioch. The ancient Christian churches all venerate Peter as a major saint and as the founder of the Church of Antioch and the Diocese of Rome,[1] but differ in their attitudes regarding the authority of his successors. According to Catholic teaching, Jesus promised Peter a special position in the Church.[7] the New Testament, Peter appears repeatedly and prominently in all four gospels as well as the Acts of the Apostles. He is the brother of Saint Andrew, and both brothers were fishermen. The Gospel of Mark in particular was traditionally thought to show the influence of Peter's preaching and eyewitness memories. He is also mentioned, under either the name Peter or Cephas, in Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians and the Epistle to the Galatians. The New Testament also includes two general epistles, First Peter and Second Peter, that are traditionally attributed to him, but modern scholarship generally rejects the Petrine authorship of both.[8] of the New Testament, several apocryphal books were later attributed to him, in particular the Acts of Peter, Gospel of Peter, Preaching of Peter, Apocalypse of Peter, and Judgment of Peter, although scholars believe these works to be pseudoepigrapha.[9][10][11] Roman Pope, 66-99, Clement I ; CLEMENT OF ROME, BISHOP (23 NOV 100); Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, Commemorated on June 29 ; the Holy Church piously remembers the sufferings of the Holy Glorious and All-Praised Apostles Peter and Paul. Peter, the fervent follower of Jesus Christ, for the profound confession of His Divinity: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” was deemed worthy by the Savior to hear in answer, “Blessed art thou, Simon ... I tell thee, that thou art Peter [Petrus], and on this stone [petra] I build My Church” (Mt.16:16-18). On “this stone” [petra], is on that which thou sayest: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God” it is on this thy confession I build My Church. Wherefore the “thou art Peter”: it is from the “stone” [petra] that Peter [Petrus] is, and not from Peter [Petrus] that the “stone” [petra] is, just as the Christian is from Christ, and not Christ from the Christian. Do you want to know, from what sort of “rock” [petra] the Apostle Peter [Petrus] was named? Hear the Apostle Paul: “Brethren, I do not want ye to be ignorant,” says the Apostle of Christ, “how all our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ” (1 Cor.10: 1-4).... Lord Jesus Christ, in the final days of His earthly life, in the days of His mission to the race of man, chose from among the disciples His twelve Apostles to preach the Word of God. Among them, the Apostle Peter for his fiery ardor was vouchsafed to occupy the first place (Mt.10:2) and to be as it were the representative person for all the Church. Therefore it is said to him, preferentially, after the confession: “I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in the heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth: shall be loosed in heaven” (Mt.16: 19). Therefore it was not one man, but rather the One Universal Church, that received these “keys” and the right “to bind and loosen.” And that it was actually the Church that received this right, and not exclusively a single person, turn your attention to another place of the Scriptures, where the same Lord says to all His Apostles, “Receive ye the Holy Spirit” and further after this, “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them: and whose soever sins ye retain, are retained” (John 20: 22-23); or: “whatsoever ye bind upon the earth, shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosened in heaven” (Mt.18:18). Thus, it is the Church that binds, the Church that loosens; the Church, built upon the foundational cornerstone, Jesus Christ Himself (Eph 2:20), doth bind and loosen. Let both the binding and the loosening be feared: the loosening, in order not to fall under this again; the binding, in order not to remain forever in this condition. Therefore “Iniquities ensnare a man, and everyone is bound in the chains of his own sins,” says Wisdom (Prov 5:22); and except for Holy Church nowhere is it possible to receive the loosening. His Resurrection the Lord entrusted the Apostle Peter to shepherd His spiritual flock not because, that among the disciples only Peter alone was pre-deserved to shepherd the flock of Christ, but Christ addresses Himself chiefly to Peter because, that Peter was first among the Apostles and as such the representative of the Church; besides which, having turned in this instance to Peter alone, as to the top Apostle, Christ by this confirms the unity of the Church. “Simon of John” -- says the Lord to Peter -- “lovest thou Me?” -- and the Apostle answered: “Yea, Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee”; and a second time it was thus asked, and a second time he thus answered; being asked a third time, seeing that as it were not believed, he was saddened. But how is it possible for him not to believe That One, Who knew his heart? And wherefore then Peter answered: “Lord, Thou knowest all; Thou knowest that I love Thee.” “And sayeth Jesus to him” all three times “Feed My sheep” (John 20:15-17). this, the triple appealing of the Savior to Peter and the triple confession of Peter before the Lord had a particular beneficial purpose for the Apostle. That one, to whom was given “the keys of the kingdom” and the right “to bind and to loose,” bound himself thrice by fear and cowardice (Mt.26:69-75), and the Lord thrice loosens him by His appeal and in turn by his confession of strong love. And to shepherd literally the flock of Christ was acquired by all the Apostles and their successors. “Take heed, therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock,” the Apostle Paul urges church presbyters, “over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28); and the Apostle Peter to the elders: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof not by constraint, but willingly: not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind: neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when is appeared the Prince of pastors, ye will receive unfading crowns of glory” (1 Pet. 5:2-4). is remarkable that Christ, having said to Peter: “Feed My sheep,” did not say: “Feed thy sheep,” but rather to feed, good servant, the sheep of the Lord. “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Cor.1:13). “Feed My sheep”. Wherefore “wolfish robbers, wolfish oppressors, deceitful teachers and mercenaries, not being concerned about the flock” (Mt.7:15; Acts 20:29; 2 Pet 2:1; John 10:12), having plundered a strange flock and making of the spoils as though it be of their own particular gain, they think that they feed their flock. Such are not good pastors, as pastors of the Lord. “The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11), entrusted to Him by the chief Shepherd Himself (1 Pet 5:4). And the Apostle Peter, true to his calling, gave his soul for the very flock of Christ, having sealed his apostleship by a martyr’s death, is now glorified throughout all the world. Apostle Paul, formerly Saul, was changed from a robbing wolf into a meek lamb. Formerly he was an enemy of the Church, then is manifest as an Apostle. Formerly he stalked it, then preached it. Having received from the high priests the authority at large to throw all Christians in chains for execution, he was already on the way, he breathed out “threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1), he thirsted for blood, but “He that dwells in the Heavens shall laugh him to scorn” (Ps 2:4). When he, “having persecuted and vexed” in such manner “the Church of God” (1Cor.15:9; Acts 8:5), he came near Damascus, and the Lord from Heaven called to him: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” and I am here, and I am there, I am everywhere: here is My head; there is My body. There becomes nothing of a surprise in this; we ourselves are members of the Body of Christ. “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me; it is hard for thee to kick against the goad” (Acts 9:4-5). Saul, however, “trembling and frightened”, cried out: “Who art Thou, Lord?” The Lord answered him, “I am Jesus Whom thou persecutest.” Saul suddenly undergoes a change: “What wantest Thou me to do?” -- he cries out. And suddenly for him there is the Voice: “Arise, and go to the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6). Here the Lord sends Ananias: “Arise and go into the street” to a man, “by the name of Saul,” and baptize him, “for this one is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9: 11, 15, 18). This vessel must be filled with My Grace. “Ananias, however, answered: Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he hath done to Thy saints in Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Thy Name” (Acts 9:13-14). But the Lord urgently commands Ananias: “Search for and fetch him, for this vessel is chosen by Me: for I shall show him what great things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:11, 15-16). actually the Lord did show the Apostle Paul what things he had to suffer for His Name. He instructed him the deeds; He did not stop at the chains, the fetters, the prisons and shipwrecks; He Himself felt for him in his sufferings, He Himself guided him towards this day. On a single day the memory of the sufferings of both these Apostles is celebrated, though they suffered on separate days, but by the spirit and the closeness of their suffering they constitute one. Peter went first, and Paul followed soon after him. Formerly called Saul, and then Paul, having transformed his pride into humility. His very name (Paulus), meaning “small, little, less,” demonstrates this. What is the Apostle Paul after this? Ask him, and he himself gives answer to this: “I am,” says he, “the least of the Apostles... but I have labored more abundantly than all of them: yet not I, but the grace of God, which was with me” (1 Cor.15:9-10). so, brethren, celebrating now the memory of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, remembering their venerable sufferings, we esteem their true faith and holy life, we esteem the innocence of their sufferings and pure confession. Loving in them the sublime quality and imitating them by great exploits, “in which to be likened to them” (2 Thess 3: 5-9), and we shall attain to that eternal bliss which is prepared for all the saints. The path of our life before was more grievous, thornier, harder, but “we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses” (Heb 12: 1), having passed by along it, made now for us easier, and lighter, and more readily passable. First there passed along it “the author and finisher of our faith,” our Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Heb 12: 2); His daring Apostles followed after Him; then the martyrs, children, women, virgins and a great multitude of witnesses. Who acted in them and helped them on this path? He Who said, “Without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15: 5).

Rome, 30-68, Onesiphorus of the Seventy, visited Paul in 68, died in 68 in Parium, Hellespont
Rome, 30-68, Onesiphorus of the Seventy; (meaning "bringing profit" or "useful") was a Christian referred to in the New Testament letter of Second Timothy (2 Tim 1:16–18 and 2 Tim 4:19). According to the letter sent by St. Paul, Onesiphorus sought out Paul who was imprisoned at the time in Rome. Apollos, Cephas, Tychicus, Epaphroditus, Cæsar, and Onesiphorus, from the Menologion of Basil II. to Orthodox tradition, Saint Onesiphorus was one of the seventy disciples chosen and sent by Jesus to preach. They were chosen some time after the selection of the Twelve Apostles (Luke 10:1-24).[1] St Onesiphorus was bishop at Colophon (Asia Minor), and later at Corinth. Both the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches hold that he died a martyr in the city of Parium (not far from Ephesus) on the shores of the Hellespont.[2] 2 Timothy persecution of Christians during Nero’s reign made Rome a dangerous city for Christians. Paul praises Onesiphorus for his hospitality, kindness, and courage.[3][4] Onesiphorus is contrasted with the other Christians in Asia who have deserted Paul at this time. 2 Timothy 1:16-18, Paul sends a greeting to the man’s household in Ephesus and refers to the help he showed Paul earlier in Ephesus. Timothy, who led the Ephesian church is familiar with these acts.[5] Paul's praise of Onesiphorus is significant because it was written shortly before Paul's death as a final encouragement to Timothy. now, at the time of correspondence, only "Luke alone is with (Paul)" (4:11). Because Paul speaks of Onesiphorus only in the past tense, wishes blessings upon his house (family), and mercy for him "in that day", some scholars believe that Onesiphorus had at this point died.[5] the end of the same letter, in 2 Timothy 4:19, Paul sends greetings to "Priscilla and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus", again apparently distinguishing the situation of Onesiphorus from that of the still-living Priscilla and Aquila. reference to Onesiphorus, along with 2 Maccabees 12:40–46, is cited by Catholics as one of the early examples of prayer for the dead,[6] while some Protestants opposing this practice reject such an interpretation.[7] is commemorated on September 6 in Roman Catholic Church,[8] and September 7 in Orthodox Church.[9] should not be confused with the Onesiphorus of Ephesus who was martyred with Porphyrius during the Diocletian persecution, and is commemorated on November 9. Apostle Onesiphorus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 7; Holy Apostle Onesiphorus of the Seventy Saint Paul writes of him: “God grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my bonds. When he was at Rome, he searched for me with great diligence, and found me. May the Lord grant him to find the mercy of the Lord on that day; and you know how much he served me at Ephesus.” (2 Tim 1:16-18). Onesiphorus was bishop at Colophon (Asia Minor), and later at Corinth. He died a martyr in the city of Parium (not far from Ephesus) on the shores of the Hellespont, where he had gone to proclaim Christ among the local pagans.

Rome, 30-70, Saint Mary Magdalene, first to proclaim his resurrection
Galilee, 30-70, Saint Mary Magdalene, Magdala, Galilee (Magdalan or Magadan); Holy Myrrh-Bearer Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene. On the banks of Lake Genesareth (Galilee), between the cities of Capharnum and Tiberias, was the small city of Magdala, the remains of which have survived to our day. Now only the small village of Mejhdel stands on the site. woman whose name has entered forever into the Gospel account was born and grew up in Magdala. The Gospel tells us nothing of Mary’s younger years, but Tradition informs us that Mary of Magdala was young and pretty, and led a sinful life. It says in the Gospels that the Lord expelled seven devils from Mary (Luke. 8:2). From the moment of her healing Mary led a new life, and became a true disciple of the Savior. Gospel relates that Mary followed after the Lord, when He went with the Apostles through the cities and villages of Judea and Galilee preaching about the Kingdom of God. Together with the pious women Joanna, wife of Choza (steward of Herod), Susanna and others, she served Him from her own possessions (Luke 8:1-3) and undoubtedly shared with the Apostles the evangelic tasks in common with the other women. The Evangelist Luke, evidently, has her in view together with the other women, stating that at the moment of the Procession of Christ onto Golgotha, when after the Scourging He took on Himself the heavy Cross, collapsing under its weight, the women followed after Him weeping and wailing, but He consoled them. The Gospel relates that Mary Magdalene was present on Golgotha at the moment of the Lord’s Crucifixion. While all the disciples of the Savior ran away, she remained fearlessly at the Cross together with the Mother of God and the Apostle John. Evangelists also list among those standing at the Cross the mother of the Apostle James, and Salome, and other women followers of the Lord from Galilee, but all mention Mary Magdalene first. Saint John, in addition to the Mother of God, names only her and Mary Cleopas. This indicates how much she stood out from all the women who gathered around the Lord. was faithful to Him not only in the days of His Glory, but also at the moment of His extreme humiliation and insult. As the Evangelist Matthew relates, she was present at the Burial of the Lord. Before her eyes Joseph and Νikόdēmos went out to the tomb with His lifeless Body. She watched as they covered over the entrance to the cave with a large stone, entombing the Source of Life. to the Law in which she was raised, Mary together with the other women spent the following day at rest, because it was the great day of the Sabbath, coinciding with the Feast of Passover. But all the rest of the peaceful day the women gathered spices to go to the Grave of the Lord at dawn on Sunday and anoint His Body according to the custom of the Jews. is necessary to mention that, having agreed to go on the first day of the week to the Tomb early in the morning, the holy women had no possibility of meeting with one another on Saturday. They went separately on Friday evening to their own homes. They went out only at dawn the following day to go to the Sepulchre, not all together, but each from her own house. Evangelist Matthew writes that the women came to the grave at dawn, or as the Evangelist Mark expresses, extremely early before the rising of the sun. The Evangelist John, elaborating upon these, says that Mary came to the grave so early that it was still dark. Obviously, she waited impatiently for the end of night, but it was not yet daybreak. She ran to the place where the Lord’s Body lay. went to the tomb alone. Seeing the stone pushed away from the cave, she ran away in fear to tell the close Apostles of Christ, Peter and John. Hearing the strange message that the Lord was gone from the tomb, both Apostles ran to the tomb and, seeing the shroud and winding cloths, they were amazed. They went and said nothing to anyone, but Mary returned to the tomb and stood about the entrance to the tomb and wept. Here in this dark tomb so recently lay her lifeless Lord. proof that the tomb really was empty, she went down to it and saw a strange sight. She saw two angels in white garments, one sitting at the head, the other at the foot, where the Body of Jesus had been placed. They asked her, “Woman, why weepest thou?” She answered them with the words which she had said to the Apostles, “They have taken my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” At that moment, she turned around and saw the Risen Jesus standing near the grave, but she did not recognize Him. asked Mary, “Woman, why weepest thou? Whom dost thou seek?” She answered thinking that she was seeing the gardener, “Sir, if thou hast taken him, tell where thou hast put Him, and I will take Him away.” she recognized the Lord’s voice. This was the voice she heard in those days and years, when she followed the Lord through all the cities and places where He preached. He spoke her name, and she gave a joyful shout, “Rabbi” (Teacher). and love, fondness and deep veneration, a feeling of thankfulness and recognition at His Splendor as great Teacher, all came together in this single outcry. She was able to say nothing more and she threw herself down at the feet of her Teacher to wash them with tears of joy. But the Lord said to her: “Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and tell them: ‘I ascend to My Father, and your Father; to My God and to your God.’” came to herself and again ran to the Apostles, to do the will of Him sending her to preach. Again she ran into the house, where the Apostles still remained in dismay, and proclaimed to them the joyous message, “I have seen the Lord!” This was the first preaching in the world about the Resurrection. Apostles proclaimed the Glad Tidings to the world, but she proclaimed it to the Apostles themselves. Scripture does not tell us about the life of Mary Magdalene after the Resurrection of Christ, but it is impossible to doubt, that if in the terrifying minutes of Christ’s Crucifixion she was at the foot of His Cross with His All-Pure Mother and Saint John, she must have stayed with them during the happier time after the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ. Thus in the Acts of the Apostles Saint Luke writes that all the Apostles with one mind stayed in prayer and supplication, with certain women and Mary the Mother of Jesus and His brethren. Tradition testifies that when the Apostles departed from Jerusalem to preach to all the ends of the earth, then Mary Magdalene also went with them. A daring woman, whose heart was full of reminiscence of the Resurrection, she went beyond her native borders and went to preach in pagan Rome. Everywhere she proclaimed to people about Christ and His teaching. When many did not believe that Christ is risen, she repeated to them what she had said to the Apostles on the radiant morning of the Resurrection: “I have seen the Lord!” With this message she went all over Italy. relates that in Italy Mary Magdalene visited Emperor Tiberias (14-37 A.D.) and proclaimed to him Christ’s Resurrection. According to Tradition, she brought him a red egg as a symbol of the Resurrection, a symbol of new life with the words: “Christ is Risen!” Then she told the emperor that in his Province of Judea the unjustly condemned Jesus the Galilean, a holy man, a miracleworker, powerful before God and all mankind, had been executed at the instigation of the Jewish High Priests, and the sentence confirmed by the procurator appointed by Tiberias, Pontius Pilate. repeated the words of the Apostles, that we are redeemed from the vanity of life not with perishable silver or gold, but rather by the precious Blood of Christ. to Mary Magdalene the custom to give each other paschal eggs on the day of the Radiant Resurrection of Christ spread among Christians over all the world. In one ancient Greek manuscript, written on parchment, kept in the monastery library of Saint Athanasius near Thessalonica, is a prayer read on the day of Holy Pascha for the blessing of eggs and cheese. In it is indicated that the igumen in passing out the blessed eggs says to the brethren: “Thus have we received from the holy Fathers, who preserved this custom from the very time of the holy Apostles, therefore the holy Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene first showed believers the example of this joyful offering.” Magdalene continued her preaching in Italy and in the city of Rome itself. Evidently, the Apostle Paul has her in mind in his Epistle to the Romans (16: 6), where together with other ascetics of evangelic preaching he mentions Mary (Mariam), who as he expresses “has bestowed much labor on us.” Evidently, she extensively served the Church in its means of subsistence and its difficulties, being exposed to dangers, and sharing with the Apostles the labors of preaching. to Church Tradition, she remained in Rome until the arrival of the Apostle Paul, and for two more years following his departure from Rome after the first court judgment upon him. From Rome, Saint Mary Magdalene, already bent with age, moved to Ephesus where the holy Apostle John unceasingly labored. There the saint finished her earthly life and was buried. holy relics were transferred in the ninth century to Constantinople, and placed in the monastery Church of Saint Lazarus. In the era of the Crusader campaigns they were transferred to Italy and placed at Rome under the altar of the Lateran Cathedral. Part of the relics of Mary Magdalene are said to be in Provage, France near Marseilles, where over them at the foot of a steep mountain a splendid church is built in her honor. Orthodox Church honors the holy memory of Saint Mary Magdalene, the woman called by the Lord Himself from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. immersed in sin and having received healing, she sincerely and irrevocably began a new life and never wavered from that path. Mary loved the Lord Who called her to a new life. She was faithful to Him not only when He was surrounded by enthusiastic crowds and winning recognition as a miracle-worker, but also when all the disciples deserted Him in fear and He, humiliated and crucified, hung in torment upon the Cross. This is why the Lord, knowing her faithfulness, appeared to her first, and esteemed her worthy to be first to proclaim His Resurrection. Magdala, Galilee (Magdalan or Magadan, between Capharnum and Tiberias); Matthew 15:29-39, Jesus Cures Many People, and Feeding the Four Thousand They returned to Magadan.; The Holy Myrrh-Bearer Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene. On the banks of Lake Genesareth (Galilee), between the cities of Capharnum and Tiberias, was the small city of Magdala, the remains of which have survived to our day. Now only the small village of Mejhdel stands on the site. Myrrhbearer and Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene, Commemorated on July 22; MARY MAGDALENE, FIRST WITNESS OF THE RESURRECTION (22 JULY NT);

Rome, 30-100, St John the Theologian, of Patmos and Ephesus
Ephesus, 30-100, St John the Theologian, of Patmos and Ephesus; Martyr Hermione, daughter of Saint Philip the Deacon, Commemorated on September 4;

Rome, 30-76, Apostle Linus of the Seventy, successor to Apostle Peter at Rome
Rome, 30-76, Apostle Linus of the Seventy; Rome, 67-76, Roman Pope, Linus; Rome, 30-68, Apostle Peter ; Roman Pope, 66-99, Clement I ; Apostles Patrobus, Hermes, Linus, Gaius, and Philologus, of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Patrobus, Hermes, Linus, Gaius, and Philologus, Apostles of the Seventy, preached the Gospel in various cities, each enduring various hardships in their service as bishops. Saint Patrobus (Rom 16:14) was Bishop of Neopolis (now Naples) and Puteoli in Italy. Saint Hermes was bishop in the city of Philippoplis where he died a martyr. Saint Linus (2 Tim 4:21) was a successor to the Apostle Peter at Rome. Saint Gaius (Rom 16:23), was Bishop of Ephesus after Saint Timothy. The Apostle Andrew consecrated Saint Philologus (Rom 16:15) as bishop of the city of Sinope (in the Black Sea region). CLEMENT OF ROME, BISHOP (23 NOV 100); Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; Apostles Patrobus, Hermes, Linus, Gaius, and Philologus, of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5;

Rome, 30-60, 1st Century, Apostle Andrew and Saint Inna
Rome, 0030-0060, 1st Century, Apostle Andrew and Saint Inna; Mongol, Scythia, 1st Century, Apostle Andrew and Saint Inna; Martyr Inna the Disciple of Apostle Andrew in Scythia, Commemorated on June 20;

Rome, 30-70, Apelles of Seventy, zeal led him to Rome, where he became a support for the faithful
Greece, 30-70, Apelles of the Seventy, Bishop, Heraclea, Trachis, Thessaly; Heraclea, Trachis; Dormition of the Righteous Anna, the Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos, Commemorated on July 25 ; Apostle Apelles of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 10 ; Apelles Apelles was an important figure in the early Church, who labored diligently to spread the message of the Gospel. His zeal led him to Rome, where he became a support for the faithful. He knew the Apostle Paul, who mentioned him in the Epistle to the Romans (16:10): "Greet Apelles, who is approved (or "has been tested") in Christ." Apelles is said to have died at Smyrna as a good soldier of Christ, laboring until his last breath to make firm the Gospel. Some say he was the Bishop of Heraklion in Trakhis. Apostle Apelles of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31 ; Apelles, one of the Seventy Apostles, was bishop at Heraclion in Trachis.

Rome, 37-41, Roman Emperor, Caius Caligua, Pagan, sadist, sex pervert, aquaduct construction, assainated
Rome, 37-41, Roman Emperor, Caius Caligua; (31 August 12 AD – 24 January 41 AD), formally known as Gaius (Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus), was the third Roman emperor, ruling from AD 37 to 41. The son of the popular Roman general Germanicus and Augustus's granddaughter Agrippina the Elder, Caligula was born into the first ruling family of the Roman Empire, conventionally known as the Julio-Claudian dynasty. uncle and adoptive father, Tiberius, succeeded Augustus as emperor of Rome in AD 14. Although Gaius was named after Gaius Julius Caesar, he acquired the nickname "Caligula" (meaning little [soldier's] boot) from his father's soldiers during their campaign in Germania. Germanicus died at Antioch in 19, Agrippina returned with her six children to Rome, where she became entangled in a bitter feud with Tiberius. conflict eventually led to the destruction of her family, with Caligula as the sole male survivor. by the deadly intrigues, Caligula accepted an invitation in 31 to join the emperor on the island of Capri, where Tiberius had withdrawn five years earlier. Following the death of Tiberius, Caligula succeeded his adoptive grandfather as emperor in 37. are few surviving sources about the reign of Caligula, though he is described as a noble and moderate emperor during the first six months of his rule. this, the sources focus upon his cruelty, sadism, extravagance, and sexual perversion, presenting him as an insane tyrant. While the reliability of these sources is questionable, it is known that his brief reign, Caligula worked to increase the unconstrained personal power of the emperor, as opposed to countervailing powers within the principate. directed much of his attention to ambitious construction projects and luxurious dwellings for himself, and initiated the construction of two aqueducts in Rome: the Aqua Claudia and the Anio Novus. During his reign, the empire annexed the client kingdom of Mauretania as a province. early 41, Caligula was assassinated as a result of a conspiracy by officers of the Praetorian Guard, senators, and courtiers. The conspirators' attempt to use the opportunity to restore the Roman Republic was thwarted, however. On the day of the assassination of Caligula, the Praetorians declared Caligula's uncle, Claudius, the next Roman emperor. Although the Julio-Claudian dynasty continued to rule the empire until the fall of his nephew Nero in 68, Caligula's death marked the official end of the Julii Caesares in the male line. The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John, Commemorated on August 29;

Rome, 40-96, Lucian, from rome to Belgium, successful preacher, strict ascetic, killed by E Dometian, picked up head
Belgium, 40-96, Saint, Lucian of Beauvais; Hieromartyr Lucian the Bishop at Beauvais in France, Commemorated on June 3; Hieromartyr Lucian lived in Rome, and his pagan name was Lucius. He was converted to Christ by the Apostle Peter, and was baptized. After Saint Pete'™s death, Saint Lucian preached the Gospel in Italy. Saint Dionysius the Areopagite (October 3), a disciple of Saint Paul, arrived in Rome at this time. At the request of Saint Clement, Pope of Rome (November 25), he agreed to preach the Gospel in the West, and gathered companions and helpers for this task. Saint Clement consecrated Saint Lucian a bishop, then sent him off with Saint Dionysius, Saints Marcellinus and Saturninus, the Presbyter Maximian, and the Deacon Julian. holy preachers sailed from Italy to Gaul (modern France). Saint Marcellinus and those accompanying him continued on to Spain. Saint Saturninus went to Gaul, and Saint Dionysius and the others went to the region of Paris. From there Saint Lucian went to Belgium with Maximian and Julian. Lucian'™s preaching was very successful. By the power of his words and the example of his life, he converted a large number of pagans to Christianity. Saint Lucian was a strict ascetic, and all day long he ate only a morsel of bread and some water. Towards the converted he was kindly, always joyful and cheerful of face. Soon almost all the settlements of Belgium were converted to Christ. this period, the Roman emperor Dometian (81-96) initiated a second persecution against Christians (after that of Nero, 54-68), and he issued an edict prescribing torture and execution for anyone who refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. officials were sent to Belgium to carry out the edict. The Lord revealed to Saint Lucian the ordeal facing him. He gathered the flock together, urging them not to fear threats, tortures or death, and then he gave thanks to God for granting him the possibility of joining the company of the holy martyrs. After praying, Saint Lucian and the priest Maximian and Deacon Julian withdrew to the summit of a hill, where he continued to teach the people who came with him. the soldiers of the emperor came upon the saints and led them away for trial. Saints Maximian and Julian were urged to renounce Christ and offer sacrifice to idols, but both refused and were beheaded. the judge began to interrogate Saint Lucian, accusing him of sorcery and disobedience to the emperor and Senate. The saint replied that he was not a sorcerer, but rather a servant of the true God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he refused to offer sacrifice to idols made by human hands. saint was subjected to fierce beatings, during which he repeated, œNever will I cease to praise Christ, the Son of God, in my heart, and with my lips. Then the holy martyr was beheaded. A heavenly light shone over his body, and the Voice of the Savior was heard, summoning the valiant sufferer into the heavenly Kingdom to receive the marty'™s crown. By the power of God the saint stood up, picked up his severed head, and crossed over the river. Reaching the burial spot he had chosen, he lay down upon the ground and reposed in peace. of this great miracle about 500 pagans were converted to Christ. Later, a church was built over Saint Lucian'™s grave, to which the relics of the martyrs Maximian and Julian were transferred.

Rome, 40-75, Apollinarius the Bishop of Ravenna, Iraneous' blind son, Tribune's wife, Boniface's speech
Ravenna; Hieromartyr Apollinarius the Bishop of Ravenna, Commemorated on July 23; Apollinaris was a disciple of the Apostle Peter, whom he followed from Antioch to Rome sometime during the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius (41-54). Saint Peter appointed Apollinaris as Bishop of Ravenna. Arriving in Ravenna as a stranger, Saint Apollinaris asked shelter of a local inhabitant, the soldier Irenaeus, and during their conversation he revealed the purpose for which he had come. had a blind son, whom Saint Apollinaris healed, after he had prayed to the Lord. The soldier Irenaeus and his family were the first people in Ravenna to believe in Christ. The saint stayed at the house of Irenaeus and preached about Christ to everyone who wished to hear his words. One of the miracles that Saint Apollinaris performed was the healing of Thekla, the incurably sick wife of the tribune. Through the prayers of the saint, she got up from her bed completely healthy. Not only did she believe in Christ, but so did her husband the tribune. In their house Saint Apollinaris set up a small church, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Saint Apollinaris ordained two presbyters, Aderetus and Calocyrus, and also two deacons for the newly-baptized people of Ravenna. Apollinaris labored with great zeal, preaching the Gospel at Ravenna for twelve years, and the number of Christians steadily increased. Pagan priests complained about the bishop to the governor Saturninus. The hierarch was brought to trial and subjected to grievous tortures. Thinking that he had died, the torturers took him out of the city to the seacoast and threw him into the water. The saint, however, was still alive. A certain pious Christian widow helped him and gave him shelter in her home. Saint Apollinaris stayed with her for six months, and secretly continued to preach about Christ. The saint’s whereabouts became known when he restored the power of speech to an illustrious resident of the city named Boniface, whose wife had requested the saint to help her husband. this miracle many pagans were converted to Christ, and once again Saint Apollinaris was brought to trial and tortured. His bare feet were placed on red-hot coals. They expelled him from the city a second time, but the Lord again kept him alive. The saint did not cease preaching until he left the city. For a certain time Saint Apollinaris found himself elsewhere in Italy, where he continued to preach the Gospel as before. Returning to his flock in Ravenna, Saint Apollinaris went on trial yet again and was sentenced to banishment. heavy fetters, he was placed on a ship bound for Illyrica and the Danube River. Two soldiers were responsible for escorting him to his place of exile. Three of the clergy voluntarily followed their bishop into exile. Along the way the vessel was wrecked and everyone drowned, except for Saint Apollinaris, his clergy and the two soldiers. The soldiers, listening to Saint Apollinaris, believed in the Lord and were baptized. Not finding any shelter, the travelers came to Moisia in Thrace, where Saint Apollinaris healed a certain illustrious inhabitant from leprosy. Both he and his companions were given shelter at the man’s home. In this land Saint Apollinaris preached tirelessly about Christ and he converted many of the pagans to Christianity, for which he was subjected to persecution by the unbelievers. They beat the saint mercilessly, then they sent him back to Italy aboard a ship. a three year absence, Saint Apollinaris returned to Ravenna and was joyfully received by his flock. The pagans, however, entered the church where the saint was serving the Divine Liturgy, scattered those at prayer, and dragged the saint before the idolatrous priests at the pagan temple of Apollo. The idol fell and shattered to pieces just as the saint was brought in. The pagan priests brought Saint Apollinaris to Taurus, the new governor of the district for trial. Apollinaris performed a new miracle, healing the son of the governor, who had been blind from birth. In gratitude for the healing of his son, Taurus tried to protect Saint Apollinaris from the angry crowd. He sent him to his own estate outside the city. Although Taurus’s wife and son were baptized, he feared the anger of the emperor, and did not receive Baptism. However, he was filled with gratitude and love toward his benefactor. Apollinaris lived for five years at Taurus’s estate and preached without hindrance. During this time pagan priests sent letters of denunciation to Emperor Vespasian requesting a sentence of death or exile for the Christian “sorcerer” Apollinaris. But the emperor told the pagan priests that the gods were sufficiently powerful to take revenge for themselves, if they felt insulted. All the wrath of the pagans fell upon Saint Apollinaris: they seized him and beat him fiercely as he was leaving the city for a nearby settlement. Christians found him barely alive and took him to the settlement, where he lived for seven days. During his final illness the saint did not cease to teach his flock. He predicted that after the persecutions ended, Christians would enter upon better times when they could openly and freely confess their faith. After bestowing his archpastoral blessing upon those present, the hieromartyr Apollinaris fell asleep in the Lord. Saint Apollinaris was Bishop of Ravenna for twenty-eight years, and he reposed in the year 75.

Rome, 41-54, Roman Emperor, Claudius, Pagan
Roman Emperor, 41-54, Claudius; St Julian the Bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans) in Gaul, Commemorated July 13 ; Hieromartyr Apollinaris the Bishop of Ravenna, Commemorated on July 23; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated July 30 ; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated July 30 ; BARTHOLOMEW THE APOSTLE, (24 AUGUST NT) ; Hieromartyr Eutyches the Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on August 24; Return of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from Anastasiopolis to Lipari, Commemorated August 25 : By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon. ; St Phoebe the Deaconess at Cenchreae near Corinth, Commemorated on September 3 ; Apostle Evodius (Euodias) of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 7; Icon of the Mother of God of Kholm, Commemorated September 8 ; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 21; St Xanthippe Disciple of the Apostles, who died in Spain, Commemorated on September 23 ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 27; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 1 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated on October 3; Hieromartyr Hierotheus the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated October 4 ; Holy, Glorious Apostle Thomas, Commemorated on October 6 ; Apostle James the Son of Alphaeus, Commemorated on October 9; Apostle Philip of the Seventy, One of the Seven Deacons, Commemorated on October 11; PHILIP, DEACON AND EVANGELIST (11 OCT NT); Martyr Zenaida (Zenais) of Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 11; Martyr Longinus the Centurion, who stood at the Cross of the Lord, Commemorated on October 16; Apostle and Evangelist Luke, Commemorated on October 18; LUKE THE EVANGELIST, (18 OCTOBER) ; Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on October 23; JAMES OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND MARTYR (23 OCT NT); St Tabitha the Widow, raised from the dead by the Apostle Peter, Commemorated on October 25; Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30 ; Apostle Justus of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Tertius of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30; Hieromartyr Marcian the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on October 30 ; Apostle Amplias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Apelles of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Aristobulus of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Narcissus of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Urban of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Hieromartyr Nicander the Bishop of Myra, Commemorated on November 4; Apostle Gaius of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Linus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Patrobus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Philologus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Rodion of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Sosipater of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Tertius of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Holy, All-Praised Apostle Philip, Commemorated on November 14; Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, Commemorated on November 16; Apostle Philemon of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 22; Apostle Archippus the Martyr of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 22; St Onesimus the Disciple of St Paul, Commemorated on November 22; Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; ANDREW THE APOSTLE, (30 NOV NT) ; Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called, Commemorated on November 30; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Cephas of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Onesiphorus of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; THOMAS THE APOSTLE, (21 DEC NT) ; STEPHEN, DEACON AND PROTOMARTYR (26 DEC NT); Icon of the Mother of God ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚Âœthe MercifulÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on December 27; JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (27 DEC NT); James of Holy Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, along with David the King, and James the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on December 27; Apostle Nicanor the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 28; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 30 ; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Euodius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle James, of the Seventy, the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Justus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Mark the Evangelist of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Simeon, of the Seventy, the son of Cleophas, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Cleophas of the Seventy, the Brother of Joseph the Betrothed, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Philip the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Prochorus the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Nicanor the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Parmenas the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Philemon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Archippus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silvanus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crescens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crispus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crispus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epenetus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Amplias of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Urban of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Narcissus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apelles of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Aristobulus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Agabus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Rufus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Asyncritus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Phlegon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Patrobus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Linus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Gaius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Jason of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosipater of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Olympas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tertius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesiphorus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Carpus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, called John, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Zenas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Pudens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Trophimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Aquila of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Fortunatus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy and All-Glorious Apostle Peter, Commemorated on January 16; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 22; THE CONVERSION OF THE APOSTLE PAUL, (JANUARY 25); SILAS, MISSIONARY COMPANION OF PAUL, Commemorated January 26 ; TIMOTHY AND TITUS, COMPANIONS OF PAUL (26 JAN NT); LYDIA, DORCAS AND PHOEBE, CO-WORKERS WITH THE APOSTLES, 27 JAN. NT ; CORNELIUS THE CENTURION, (7 FEBRUARY) ; Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Sicily, Commemorated on February 9; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on February 15; St Auxibius Bishop of Soli, Cyprus, Commemorated on February 17; St Mariamne the sister of the Apostle Philip, Commemorated on February 17; Apostle Philemon the Martyr of the Seventy, Commemorated on February 19; Martyr Archippus of the Seventy Apostles, Commemorated on February 19; Uncovering of the relics of the Holy Martyrs at the Gate of Eugenius at Constantinople, Commemorated on February 22; MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE, (24 FEB NT); Martyr Kyriake of Rome, Commemorated on March 20; Martyr Photina (Svetlana), the Samaritan Woman, and Her Sons, Commemorated on March 20; St Cyril the Bishop of Catania, Commemorated on March 21; St Artemon (Menignus) the Bishop of Seleucia, Commemorated on March 24 ; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Cephas of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8 ; Hieromartyr Antipas the Bishop of Pergamum and Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on April 11; Martyr Processus of Rome, Commemorated on April 11 ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15; Apostle Pudens of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15 ; Apostle Trophimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15; Apostle Zacchaeus, Commemorated on April 20; Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25 ; MARK THE EVANGELIST, (25 APR NT) ; Apostle Jason, of the Seventy and those with him, Commemorated on April 28; Apostle Sosipater of the Seventy and those with him, Commemorated on April 28; Apostle James the Brother of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on April 30; James of PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES (1 MAY NT) ; Philip of PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES (1 MAY NT); Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 17 ; St Eutychius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on May 28; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 31 ; Martyr Frontasius of Gaul, Commemorated on June 4; Righteous Martha the sister of Lazarus, Commemorated on June 4; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on June 11 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Âœthe RomanÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on June 26; PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64); The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Paul, Commemorated on June 29; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Peter, Commemorated on June 29; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, Commemorated on June 29 ;

Rome, 41-54, All the Jews banished from Rome
Rome, 41-54, All the Jews banished from Rome ; Roman Emperor, 41-54, Claudius; St Julian the Bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans) in Gaul, Commemorated July 13 ; Hieromartyr Apollinaris the Bishop of Ravenna, Commemorated on July 23; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated July 30 ; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated July 30 ; BARTHOLOMEW THE APOSTLE, (24 AUGUST NT) ; Hieromartyr Eutyches the Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on August 24; Return of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from Anastasiopolis to Lipari, Commemorated August 25 : By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon. ; St Phoebe the Deaconess at Cenchreae near Corinth, Commemorated on September 3 ; Apostle Evodius (Euodias) of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 7; Icon of the Mother of God of Kholm, Commemorated September 8 ; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 21; St Xanthippe Disciple of the Apostles, who died in Spain, Commemorated on September 23 ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 27; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 1 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated on October 3; Hieromartyr Hierotheus the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated October 4 ; Holy, Glorious Apostle Thomas, Commemorated on October 6 ; Apostle James the Son of Alphaeus, Commemorated on October 9; Apostle Philip of the Seventy, One of the Seven Deacons, Commemorated on October 11; PHILIP, DEACON AND EVANGELIST (11 OCT NT); Martyr Zenaida (Zenais) of Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 11; Martyr Longinus the Centurion, who stood at the Cross of the Lord, Commemorated on October 16; Apostle and Evangelist Luke, Commemorated on October 18; LUKE THE EVANGELIST, (18 OCTOBER) ; Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on October 23; JAMES OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND MARTYR (23 OCT NT); St Tabitha the Widow, raised from the dead by the Apostle Peter, Commemorated on October 25; Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30 ; Apostle Justus of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Tertius of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30; Hieromartyr Marcian the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on October 30 ; Apostle Amplias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Apelles of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Aristobulus of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Narcissus of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Urban of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Hieromartyr Nicander the Bishop of Myra, Commemorated on November 4; Apostle Gaius of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Linus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Patrobus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Philologus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Rodion of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Sosipater of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Tertius of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Holy, All-Praised Apostle Philip, Commemorated on November 14; Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, Commemorated on November 16; Apostle Philemon of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 22; Apostle Archippus the Martyr of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 22; St Onesimus the Disciple of St Paul, Commemorated on November 22; Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; ANDREW THE APOSTLE, (30 NOV NT) ; Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called, Commemorated on November 30; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Cephas of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Onesiphorus of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; THOMAS THE APOSTLE, (21 DEC NT) ; STEPHEN, DEACON AND PROTOMARTYR (26 DEC NT); Icon of the Mother of God ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚Âœthe MercifulÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on December 27; JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (27 DEC NT); James of Holy Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, along with David the King, and James the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on December 27; Apostle Nicanor the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 28; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 30 ; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Euodius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle James, of the Seventy, the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Justus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Mark the Evangelist of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Simeon, of the Seventy, the son of Cleophas, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Cleophas of the Seventy, the Brother of Joseph the Betrothed, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Philip the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Prochorus the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Nicanor the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Parmenas the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Philemon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Archippus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silvanus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crescens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crispus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crispus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epenetus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Amplias of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Urban of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Narcissus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apelles of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Aristobulus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Agabus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Rufus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Asyncritus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Phlegon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Patrobus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Linus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Gaius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Jason of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosipater of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Olympas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tertius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesiphorus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Carpus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, called John, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Zenas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Pudens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Trophimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Aquila of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Fortunatus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy and All-Glorious Apostle Peter, Commemorated on January 16; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 22; THE CONVERSION OF THE APOSTLE PAUL, (JANUARY 25); SILAS, MISSIONARY COMPANION OF PAUL, Commemorated January 26 ; TIMOTHY AND TITUS, COMPANIONS OF PAUL (26 JAN NT); LYDIA, DORCAS AND PHOEBE, CO-WORKERS WITH THE APOSTLES, 27 JAN. NT ; CORNELIUS THE CENTURION, (7 FEBRUARY) ; Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Sicily, Commemorated on February 9; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on February 15; St Auxibius Bishop of Soli, Cyprus, Commemorated on February 17; St Mariamne the sister of the Apostle Philip, Commemorated on February 17; Apostle Philemon the Martyr of the Seventy, Commemorated on February 19; Martyr Archippus of the Seventy Apostles, Commemorated on February 19; Uncovering of the relics of the Holy Martyrs at the Gate of Eugenius at Constantinople, Commemorated on February 22; MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE, (24 FEB NT); Martyr Kyriake of Rome, Commemorated on March 20; Martyr Photina (Svetlana), the Samaritan Woman, and Her Sons, Commemorated on March 20; St Cyril the Bishop of Catania, Commemorated on March 21; St Artemon (Menignus) the Bishop of Seleucia, Commemorated on March 24 ; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Cephas of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8 ; Hieromartyr Antipas the Bishop of Pergamum and Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on April 11; Martyr Processus of Rome, Commemorated on April 11 ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15; Apostle Pudens of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15 ; Apostle Trophimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15; Apostle Zacchaeus, Commemorated on April 20; Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25 ; MARK THE EVANGELIST, (25 APR NT) ; Apostle Jason, of the Seventy and those with him, Commemorated on April 28; Apostle Sosipater of the Seventy and those with him, Commemorated on April 28; Apostle James the Brother of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on April 30; James of PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES (1 MAY NT) ; Philip of PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES (1 MAY NT); Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 17 ; St Eutychius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on May 28; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 31 ; Martyr Frontasius of Gaul, Commemorated on June 4; Righteous Martha the sister of Lazarus, Commemorated on June 4; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on June 11 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Âœthe RomanÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â€ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on June 26; PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64); The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Paul, Commemorated on June 29; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Peter, Commemorated on June 29; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, Commemorated on June 29 ;

Rome, 41-54, Cornelius, Centurion, Peter, sheet, eat everything, salvation, Skepsis, idols, earthquake, wife and c
Palestine Centurion, 1st Century, Cornelius the Centurion; Martyr Demetrius with his wife and son, at Skepsis on the Hellespont, Commemorated on September 11 ; Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion, Commemorated September 13 ; Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion: Soon after the sufferings of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross and His Ascension into Heaven, a centurion by the name of Cornelius settled at Caesarea in Palestine. He had lived previously in Thracian Italy. Although he was a pagan, he distinguished himself by deep piety and good deeds, as the holy Evangelist Luke says (Acts 10:1). The Lord did not disdain his virtuous life, and so led him to the knowledge of truth and to faith in Christ. Cornelius was praying in his home. An angel of God appeared to him and said that his prayer had been heard and accepted by God. The angel commande him to send people to Joppa to find Simon, also called Peter. Cornelius immediately fulfilled the command. those people were on their way to Joppa, the Apostle Peter was at prayer, and he had a vision: three times a great sheet was lowered down to him, filled with all kinds of beasts and fowl. He heard a voice from Heaven commanding him to eat everything. When the apostle refused to eat food which Jewish Law regarded as unclean, the voice said: “What God hath cleansed, you must not call common” (Acts 10:15). this vision the Lord commanded the Apostle Peter to preach the Word of God to the pagans. When the Apostle Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius in the company of those sent to meet him, he was received with great joy and respect by the host together with his kinsmen and comrades. fell down at the feet of the apostle and requested to be taught the way of salvation. Saint Peter talked about the earthly life of Jesus Christ, and spoke of the miracles and signs worked by the Savior, and of His teachings about the Kingdom of Heaven. Then Saint Peter told him of the Lord’s death on the Cross, His Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven. By the grace of the Holy Spirit, Cornelius believed in Christ and was baptized with all his family. He was the first pagan to receive Baptism. retired from the world and went preaching the Gospel together with the Apostle Peter, who made him a bishop. When the Apostle Peter, together with his helpers Saints Timothy and Cornelius, was in the city of Ephesus, he learned of a particularly vigorous idol-worship in the city of Skepsis. Lots were drawn to see who would go there, and Saint Cornelius was chosen. the city lived a prince by the name of Demetrius, learned in the ancient Greek philosophy, hating Christianity and venerating the pagan gods, in particular Apollo and Zeus. Learning about the arrival of Saint Cornelius in the city, he immediately summoned him and asked him the reason for his coming. Saint Cornelius answered that he came to free him from the darkness of ignorance and lead him to knowledge of the True Light. prince, not comprehending the meaning of what was said, became angry and demanded that he answer each of his questions. When Saint Cornelius explained that he served the Lord and that the reason for his coming was to announce the Truth, the prince became enraged and demanded that Cornelius offer sacrifice to the idols. saint asked to be shown the gods. When he entered the pagan temple, Cornelius turned towards the east and uttered a prayer to the Lord. There was an earthquake, and the temple of Zeus and the idols situated in it were destroyed. All the populace, seeing what had happened, were terrified. prince was even more vexed and began to take counsel together with those approaching him, about how to destroy Cornelius. They bound the saint and took him to prison for the night. At this point, one of his servants informed the prince that his wife and child had perished beneath the rubble of the destroyed temple. a certain while, one of the pagan priests, by the name of Barbates, reported that he heard the voice of the wife and son somewhere in the ruins and that they were praising the God of the Christians. The pagan priest asked that the imprisoned one be released, in gratitude for the miracle worked by Saint Cornelius, and the wife and son of the prince remained alive. joyful prince hastened to the prison in the company of those about him, declaring that he believed in Christ and asking him to bring his wife and son out of the ruins of the temple. Saint Cornelius went to the destroyed temple, and through prayer the suffering were freed. this the prince Demetrius, and all his relatives and comrades accepted holy Baptism. Saint Cornelius lived for a long time in this city, converted all the pagan inhabitants to Christ, and made Eunomios a presbyter in service to the Lord. Saint Cornelius died in old age and was buried not far from the pagan temple he destroyed.

Rome, 54-68, Roman Emperor Nero, Pagan
Roman Emperor, 54-68, Nero ; Hieromartyr Eutyches the Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on August 24; BARTHOLOMEW THE APOSTLE, (24 AUGUST NT) ; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated August 25 ; Return of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from Anastasiopolis to Lipari, Commemorated August 25 : By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon. ; St Julian the Bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans) in Gaul, Commemorated July 13 ; Apostle Evodius (Euodias) of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 7; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 21; St Xanthippe Disciple of the Apostles, who died in Spain, Commemorated on September 23 ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 27; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 1 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated on October 3; Hieromartyr Hierotheus the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated October 4 ; Holy, Glorious Apostle Thomas, Commemorated on October 6 ; Martyr Julian the Presbyter at Terracina, Commemorated on October 7; Apostle James the Son of Alphaeus, Commemorated on October 9; Apostle Philip of the Seventy, One of the Seven Deacons, Commemorated on October 11; PHILIP, DEACON AND EVANGELIST (11 OCT NT); Martyr Nazarius of Milan, Commemorated on October 14; Martyr Zenaida (Zenais) of Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 11; Apostle and Evangelist Luke, Commemorated on October 18; LUKE THE EVANGELIST, (18 OCTOBER) ; Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on October 23; JAMES OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND MARTYR (23 OCT NT); Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30 ; Apostle Justus of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Tertius of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 30; Hieromartyr Marcian the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on October 30 ; Apostle Amplias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Apelles of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Aristobulus of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Narcissus of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Apostle Urban of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 31; Hieromartyr Nicander the Bishop of Myra, Commemorated on November 4; Apostle Gaius of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Linus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Patrobus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Philologus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Rodion of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Sosipater of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Apostle Tertius of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Icon of the Mother of God œthe MercifulÂ, Commemorated on November 12; Holy, All-Praised Apostle Philip, Commemorated on November 14; Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, Commemorated on November 16; Apostle Philemon of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 22; Apostle Archippus the Martyr of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 22; St Onesimus the Disciple of St Paul, Commemorated on November 22; St Onesimus the Disciple of St Paul, Commemorated on November 22; CLEMENT OF ROME, BISHOP (23 NOV 100); ANDREW THE APOSTLE, (30 NOV NT) ; Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called, Commemorated on November 30; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Cephas of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Onesiphorus of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 8; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; THOMAS THE APOSTLE, (21 DEC NT) ; Icon of the Mother of God œthe MercifulÂ, Commemorated on December 27; JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (27 DEC NT); James of Holy Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, along with David the King, and James the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on December 27; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on December 30 ; Apostle and Evangelist Luke of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Euodius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle James, of the Seventy, the Brother of the Lord, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Justus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Mark the Evangelist of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Simeon, of the Seventy, the son of Cleophas, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Cleophas of the Seventy, the Brother of Joseph the Betrothed, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Philip the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Prochorus the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Timon the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Parmenas the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Philemon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Archippus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silvanus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crescens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crispus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epenetus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Stachys of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Amplias of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Urban of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Narcissus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apelles of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Aristobulus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Rufus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Asyncritus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Phlegon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Hermes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Patrobus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Linus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Gaius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Lucius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Jason of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosipater of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Olympas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tertius of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesiphorus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Carpus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, called John, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Zenas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Pudens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Trophimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Mark of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Aquila of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4 ; Apostle Fortunatus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy and All-Glorious Apostle Peter, Commemorated on January 16; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 22; SILAS, MISSIONARY COMPANION OF PAUL, Commemorated January 26 ; TIMOTHY AND TITUS, COMPANIONS OF PAUL (26 JAN NT); LYDIA, DORCAS AND PHOEBE, CO-WORKERS WITH THE APOSTLES, 27 JAN. NT ; St Bucolus the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 6; CORNELIUS THE CENTURION, (7 FEBRUARY) ; Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Sicily, Commemorated on February 9; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on February 15; St Auxibius Bishop of Soli, Cyprus, Commemorated on February 17; St Mariamne the sister of the Apostle Philip, Commemorated on February 17; Apostle Philemon the Martyr of the Seventy, Commemorated on February 19; Martyr Archippus of the Seventy Apostles, Commemorated on February 19; Uncovering of the relics of the Holy Martyrs at the Gate of Eugenius at Constantinople, Commemorated on February 22; MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE, (24 FEB NT); Martyr Archippus of the Seventy Apostles, Commemorated February 19; Martyr Kyriake of Rome, Commemorated on March 20; Martyr Photina (Svetlana), the Samaritan Woman, and Her Sons, Commemorated on March 20; St Cyril the Bishop of Catania, Commemorated on March 21; St Artemon (Menignus) the Bishop of Seleucia, Commemorated on March 24 ; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Cephas of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30; Apostle Herodion of the Seventy, and those with Him, Commemorated on April 8 ; Hieromartyr Antipas the Bishop of Pergamum and Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on April 11; Martyr Processus of Rome, Commemorated on April 11; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15; Apostle Pudens of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15 ; Apostle Trophimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15; Martyr Basilissa of Rome the Disciple of Apostles Peter and Paul, Commemorated on April 15 ; Apostle Zacchaeus, Commemorated on April 20; Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25 ; MARK THE EVANGELIST, (25 APR NT) ; Apostle Jason, of the Seventy and those with him, Commemorated on April 28; Apostle Sosipater of the Seventy and those with him, Commemorated on April 28; Virginmartyr Kerkyra and those with her, Commemorated on April 28; James of PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES (1 MAY NT) ; Philip of PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES (1 MAY NT); Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 17 ; Hieromartyr Patrick the Bishop of Prusa with his companions, Commemorated on May 19; St Eutychius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on May 28; Apostle Hermas of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 31 ; Hieromartyr Lucian the Bishop at Beauvais in France, Commemorated on June 3; Righteous Martha the sister of Lazarus, Commemorated on June 4; Apostle Barnabas of the Seventy, Commemorated on June 11 ; PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64); The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Paul, Commemorated on June 29; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Peter, Commemorated on June 29; The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul, Commemorated on June 29 ;

Rome, 62-63, Gospel of Mark
Rome, 62-63, Gospel of Mark; Gospel of Mark in Wikipedia; Apostle and Evangelist Mark, Commemorated on April 25;

Rome, 62-63, Gospel of Luke and Book of Acts
Rome, 62-63, Gospel of Luke and Book of Acts; Book of Acts; Apostle and Evangelist Luke, Commemorated on October 18;

Rome, 66-70, Martyr Acasius of Apamea, brought to 3 governors, Syria, Thessalonica, Ephesus, Phrygia
Syria, 66-70, Martyr Acasius of Apamea, brought to 3 governors, Syria, Greece, Phrygia; Apamea, Syria; Martyr Acacius of Apamea, Commemorated July 28 ; Holy Martyr Acacius was brought to trial for his belief in Christ. Three governors attempted to compel the holy martyr to offer sacrifice to idols, having subjected him to fierce tortures. Governor Licinius gave orders to rend the body of Saint Acacius with instruments of torture. He then sent him to Governor Terence, who gave orders to throw Acacius into a cauldron filled with boiling tar and tallow, but the martyr remained unharmed. Terence went to the cities of Apamea and Apollonia and gave orders to bring the martyr after him. In one of these cities Saint Acacius was led into a pagan temple, but by his prayer all the idols there fell down. beat the saint viciously and gave him over to be eaten by wild beasts. When they saw that he remained unharmed, they threw him into a red-hot furnace. The martyr also remained unharmed there. The governor, wanting to check whether the furnace was sufficiently hot, went near it and was burned himself. They then took the holy Martyr Acacius for torture to a certain Posidonius, who put heavy fetters on the holy martyr and gave orders to take him to the city of Miletus. There also the saint, by his prayer, destroyed idols. Finally, the exhausted torturers beheaded Saint Acacius. A priest by the name of Leontius buried his body in the city of Synados (Asia Minor). Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea, in Palestine, "Procopius in Apamea on the way to Alexandria" ; Hieromartyr Marcellus the Bishop of Apamea, Commemorated August 14 ; Martyr Aristion the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on September 3 ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated September 27 ; Martyr Anthony of Apamea, Commemorated on November 9 ; Venerable Marcellus the Abbot of the Monastery of the "Unsleeping Ones", Commemorated December 29 ; Martyr Tryphon of Campsada Near Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 1 ; Martyr Maurice at Apamea in Syria, Commemorated February 22 ; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10 ; Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29; Icon of the Mother of God of Vilnius, Commemorated on April 14; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15; St Pausicacus the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 13; Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on July 8;

Rome, 66-99, Roman Pope, Clement I, leader of church in Rome, died in Greece, writer, prison fellowship
Roman Pope, 66-99, Clement I ; Clement I (died 99), also known as Saint Clement of Rome, is listed by Irenaeus and Tertullian as the fourth bishop of Rome, holding office from 88 AD to his death in 99 AD.[2] is considered to be the first Apostolic Father of the Church, one of the three chief ones together with Polycarp and Ignatius of Antioch.[3] details are known about Clement's life. Clement was said to have been consecrated by Peter the Apostle,[3] and he is known to have been a leading member of the church in Rome in the late 1st century. church lists place him as the second or third[2][a] bishop of Rome after Peter. The Liber Pontificalis states that Clement died in Greece in the third year of Emperor Trajan's reign, or 101 AD. only genuine extant writing is his letter to the church at Corinth (1 Clement) in response to a dispute in which certain presbyters of the Corinthian church had been deposed.[2] asserted the authority of the presbyters as rulers of the church on the ground that the Apostles had appointed such.[2] letter, which is one of the oldest extant Christian documents outside the New Testament, was read in church, along with other epistles, some of which later became part of the Christian canon. These works were the first to affirm the apostolic authority of the clergy.[2] A second epistle, 2 Clement, was once controversially attributed to Clement, although recent scholarship suggests it to be a homily by another author.[2] In the legendary Clementine literature, Clement is the intermediary through whom the apostles teach the church.[2] to tradition, Clement was imprisoned under the Emperor Trajan; during this time he is recorded to have led a ministry among fellow prisoners. Thereafter he was executed by being tied to an anchor and thrown into the sea.[2] Clement is recognized as a saint in many Christian churches and is considered a patron saint of mariners. He is commemorated on 23 November in the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and the Lutheran Church. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity his feast is kept on 24 or 25 November. Hieromartyr Eutyches the Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on August 24; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated August 25 ; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 21; St Xanthippe Disciple of the Apostles, who died in Spain, Commemorated on September 23 ; CLEMENT OF ROME, BISHOP (23 NOV 100); Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; St Mariamne the sister of the Apostle Philip, Commemorated on February 17; St Julian the Bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans) in Gaul, Commemorated July 13 ; Hieromartyr Lucian the Bishop at Beauvais in France, Commemorated on June 3;

Rome, 67-76, Roman Pope, Linus, was a successor to the Apostle Peter at Rome
Rome, 67-76, Roman Pope, Linus; Linus (died c. AD 76) was the second bishop of Rome. His pontificate lasted from c. AD 67 to his death. As with all the early popes, he was later canonized. those to have been pope, Peter, Linus, and Clement I are specifically named in the New Testament.[1] Linus is mentioned in the valediction of the Second Epistle to Timothy as being with Paul the Apostle in Rome near the end of Paul's life. Apostle Linus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 5; Patrobus, Hermes, Linus, Gaius, and Philologus, Apostles of the Seventy, preached the Gospel in various cities, each enduring various hardships in their service as bishops. Saint Patrobus (Rom 16:14) was Bishop of Neopolis (now Naples) and Puteoli in Italy. Saint Hermes was bishop in the city of Philippoplis where he died a martyr. Saint Linus (2 Tim 4:21) was a successor to the Apostle Peter at Rome. Saint Gaius (Rom 16:23), was Bishop of Ephesus after Saint Timothy. The Apostle Andrew consecrated Saint Philologus (Rom 16:15) as bishop of the city of Sinope (in the Black Sea region).

Rome, 67-96, Dionysius the Areopagite, Athens, Saint
Greece, 30-96, Saint, Dionysius the Areopagite ; Hill of Ares (The Aeropagus): Areopagus (both a place and a judicial body); Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated on October 3;

Rome, 68-69, Roman Emperor, Three Emperors, Galba, Otho, and Vitellius
Roman Emperor, 68-69, Three Emperors, Galba; Roman Emperor, 68-69, Three Emperors, Otho; Roman Emperor, 68-69, Three Emperors, Vitellius; Hieromartyr Eutyches the Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on August 24; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated August 25 ; Return of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from Anastasiopolis to Lipari, Commemorated August 25 : By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon. ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 27; CLEMENT OF ROME, BISHOP (23 NOV 100); Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (27 DEC NT); St Julian the Bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans) in Gaul, Commemorated July 13 ; Apostle Evodius (Euodias) of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 7; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 21; St Xanthippe Disciple of the Apostles, who died in Spain, Commemorated on September 23 ; Apostle Ananias of the Seventy, Commemorated on October 1 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated on October 3; Hieromartyr Hierotheus the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated October 4 ; Holy, Glorious Apostle Thomas, Commemorated on October 6 ; Martyr Julian the Presbyter at Terracina, Commemorated on October 7; Apostle James the Son of Alphaeus, Commemorated on October 9; Apostle Philip of the Seventy, One of the Seven Deacons, Commemorated on October 11; Apostle and Evangelist Luke, Commemorated on October 18; LUKE THE EVANGELIST, (18 OCTOBER) ; Hieromartyr Nicander the Bishop of Myra, Commemorated on November 4; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 10; Icon of the Mother of God œthe MercifulÂ, Commemorated on November 12; Apostle Archippus the Martyr of the Seventy, Commemorated on November 22; Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; Apostle Simeon, of the Seventy, the son of Cleophas, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Parmenas the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crescens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apelles of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 22; St Bucolus the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 6; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on February 15; St Auxibius Bishop of Soli, Cyprus, Commemorated on February 17; St Mariamne the sister of the Apostle Philip, Commemorated on February 17; St Artemon (Menignus) the Bishop of Seleucia, Commemorated on March 24 ; Apostle Zacchaeus, Commemorated on April 20; Hieromartyr Patrick the Bishop of Prusa with his companions, Commemorated on May 19;

Rome, 69-79, Roman Emperor, Vespasian, military success, into Britain and Jerusalem
Roman Emperor, 69-79, Vespasian ; (17 November AD 9 - 23 June 79) was Roman emperor from 69 to 79. The fourth and last in the Year of the Four Emperors, he founded the Flavian dynasty that ruled the Empire for 27 years. was the first emperor from an equestrian family and only rose into the senatorial rank as the first member of his family later in his lifetime. renown came from his military success; he was legate of Legio II Augusta during the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 and subjugated Judaea during the Jewish rebellion of 66.[4] Vespasian besieged Jerusalem during the Jewish rebellion, emperor Nero committed suicide and plunged Rome into a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. After Galba and Otho perished in quick succession, Vitellius became emperor in April 69. The Roman legions of Roman Egypt and Judaea reacted by declaring Vespasian, their commander, the emperor on 1 July 69.[5] In his bid for imperial power, Vespasian joined forces with Mucianus, the governor of Syria, and Primus, a general in Pannonia, leaving his son Titus to command the besieging forces at Jerusalem. Primus and Mucianus led the Flavian forces against Vitellius, while Vespasian took control of Egypt. On 20 December 69, Vitellius was defeated, and the following day Vespasian was declared emperor by the Senate.[6] information survives about the government during Vespasian's ten-year rule. He reformed the financial system of Rome after the campaign against Judaea ended successfully, and initiated several ambitious construction projects, including the building of the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known today as the Roman Colosseum. Through his general Agricola, Vespasian increased imperial expansion in Britain. After he died in 79, he was succeeded by his eldest son Titus, thus becoming the first Roman emperor to be succeeded by his natural son and establishing the Flavian dynasty. St Julian the Bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans) in Gaul, Commemorated July 13 ; Hieromartyr Apollinaris the Bishop of Ravenna, Commemorated on July 23; Hieromartyr Eutyches the Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on August 24; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated August 25 ; Return of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from Anastasiopolis to Lipari, Commemorated August 25 : By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon. ; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 21; St Xanthippe Disciple of the Apostles, who died in Spain, Commemorated on September 23 ; Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 27; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated on October 3; Hieromartyr Hierotheus the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated October 4 ; Holy, Glorious Apostle Thomas, Commemorated on October 6 ; Martyr Julian the Presbyter at Terracina, Commemorated on October 7; Apostle Philip of the Seventy, One of the Seven Deacons, Commemorated on October 11; Icon of the Mother of God œthe MercifuÂ, Commemorated on November 12; CLEMENT OF ROME, BISHOP (23 NOV 100); Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (27 DEC NT); Apostle Simeon, of the Seventy, the son of Cleophas, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Parmenas the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crescens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 22; St Bucolus the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 6; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on February 15; St Auxibius Bishop of Soli, Cyprus, Commemorated on February 17; St Mariamne the sister of the Apostle Philip, Commemorated on February 17; St Artemon (Menignus) the Bishop of Seleucia, Commemorated on March 24 ; Apostle Zacchaeus, Commemorated on April 20; Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on May 17 ; Hieromartyr Patrick the Bishop of Prusa with his companions, Commemorated on May 19; Martyr Leontius at Tripoli in Syria, Commemorated on June 18 ;

Rome, 79-81, Roman Emperor, Titus, commander, pretorian guard, Colosseum, Mt Vesuvius, died of a fever after 2 yrs
Roman Emperor, 79-81, Titus ; Caesar Vespasianus (/ˈtaɪtəs/ TY-təs; 30 December 39 – 13 September 81 AD) was Roman emperor from 79 to 81. A member of the Flavian dynasty, Titus succeeded his father Vespasian upon his death. becoming emperor, Titus gained renown as a military commander, serving under his father in Judea during the First Jewish–Roman War. The campaign came to a brief halt with the death of emperor Nero in 68, launching Vespasian's bid for the imperial power during the Year of the Four Emperors. When Vespasian was declared Emperor on 1 July 69, Titus was left in charge of ending the Jewish rebellion. In 70, he besieged and captured Jerusalem, and destroyed the city and the Second Temple. For this achievement Titus was awarded a triumph; the Arch of Titus commemorates his victory to this day. his father's rule, Titus gained notoriety in Rome serving as prefect of the Praetorian Guard, and for carrying on a controversial relationship with the Jewish queen Berenice. Despite concerns over his character, Titus ruled to great acclaim following the death of Vespasian in 79, and was considered a good emperor by Suetonius and other contemporary historians. emperor, Titus is best known for completing the Colosseum and for his generosity in relieving the suffering caused by two disasters, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 and a fire in Rome in 80. After barely two years in office, Titus died of a fever on 13 September 81. He was deified by the Roman Senate and succeeded by his younger brother Domitian. St Julian the Bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans) in Gaul, Commemorated July 13 ; Hieromartyr Eutyches the Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on August 24; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated August 25 ; Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) at Jerusalem, Commemorated on September 13; Greatmartyr Eustathius (Eustace) Placidas with his wife and children of Rome, Commemorated on September 20; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 21; St Xanthippe Disciple of the Apostles, who died in Spain, Commemorated on September 23 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated on October 3; Holy, Glorious Apostle Thomas, Commemorated on October 6 ; Martyr Julian the Presbyter at Terracina, Commemorated on October 7; CLEMENT OF ROME, BISHOP (23 NOV 100); Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (27 DEC NT); Apostle Simeon, of the Seventy, the son of Cleophas, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Parmenas the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crescens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 22; St Bucolus the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 6; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on February 15; St Auxibius Bishop of Soli, Cyprus, Commemorated on February 17; St Mariamne the sister of the Apostle Philip, Commemorated on February 17; St Artemon (Menignus) the Bishop of Seleucia, Commemorated on March 24 ; Hieromartyr Patrick the Bishop of Prusa with his companions, Commemorated on May 19;

Rome, 81-96, Emperor, Dometian, Pagan, authority, cut Senate powers, economy, b defense, m building p, wars, k by S
Roman Emperor, 81-96, Dometian ; (24 October 51 - 18 September 96) was Roman emperor from 81 to 96. He was the son of Vespasian and the younger brother of Titus, his two predecessors on the throne, and the last member of the Flavian dynasty. his reign, the authoritarian nature of his rule put him at sharp odds with the Senate, whose powers he drastically curtailed. had a minor and largely ceremonial role during the reigns of his father and brother. After the death of his brother, Domitian was declared emperor by the Praetorian Guard. 15-year reign was the longest since that of Tiberius.[5] As emperor, Domitian strengthened the economy by revaluing the Roman coinage, expanded the border defenses of the empire, and initiated a massive building program to restore the damaged city of Rome. wars were fought in Britain, where his general Agricola attempted to conquer Caledonia (Scotland), and in Dacia, where Domitian was unable to procure a decisive victory against King Decebalus. Domitian's government exhibited strong authoritarian characteristics. Religious, military, and cultural propaganda fostered a cult of personality, and by nominating himself perpetual censor, he sought to control public and private morals. a consequence, Domitian was popular with the people and army, but considered a tyrant by members of the Roman Senate. reign came to an end in 96 when he was assassinated by court officials. He was succeeded the same day by his advisor Nerva. After his death, Domitian's memory was condemned to oblivion by the Senate, while senatorial authors such as Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, and Suetonius propagated the view of Domitian as a cruel and paranoid tyrant. revisionists instead have characterized Domitian as a ruthless but efficient autocrat whose cultural, economic, and political programs provided the foundation of the peaceful second century. Hieromartyr Eutyches the Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on August 24; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated August 25 ; St Sebastiana the Martyr and Disciple of St Paul the Apostle at Heraclea, Commemorated September 16 ; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 21; St Xanthippe Disciple of the Apostles, who died in Spain, Commemorated on September 23 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated on October 3; Martyr Julian the Presbyter at Terracina, Commemorated on October 7; CLEMENT OF ROME, BISHOP (23 NOV 100); Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (27 DEC NT); Apostle Simeon, of the Seventy, the son of Cleophas, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Parmenas the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crescens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Timothy of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 22; St Bucolus the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 6; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on February 15; St Auxibius Bishop of Soli, Cyprus, Commemorated on February 17; St Mariamne the sister of the Apostle Philip, Commemorated on February 17; St Artemon (Menignus) the Bishop of Seleucia, Commemorated on March 24 ; Hieromartyr Patrick the Bishop of Prusa with his companions, Commemorated on May 19; Hieromartyr Lucian the Bishop at Beauvais in France, Commemorated on June 3;

Rome, 89-156, Roman Saint in Smyrna, Polycarp
Rome, 89-156, Roman Saint in Smyrna, Polycarp; Hieromartyr Polycarp the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 23; Hieromartyr Pionius of Smyrna and those with him, Commemorated on March 11;

Rome, 92-101, 3rd Roman Pope, Clement I, miraculous ebbing of the sea r shrine c his bones, anchor
Roman Pope, 88-99, Clement I ; Hieromartyr Eutyches the Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on August 24; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated August 25 ; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 21; St Xanthippe Disciple of the Apostles, who died in Spain, Commemorated on September 23 ; CLEMENT OF ROME, BISHOP (23 NOV 100); Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; St Mariamne the sister of the Apostle Philip, Commemorated on February 17; St Julian the Bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans) in Gaul, Commemorated July 13 ; Hieromartyr Lucian the Bishop at Beauvais in France, Commemorated on June 3;

Rome, 96-98, Roman Emperor, Nerva, old, restored liberties, adopted Trajan
Roman Emperor, 96-98, Nerva ; (8 November 30 - 28 January 98) was Roman emperor from 96 to 98. Nerva became emperor when aged almost 66, after a lifetime of imperial service under Nero and the rulers of the Flavian dynasty. Under Nero, he was a member of the imperial entourage and played a vital part in exposing the Pisonian conspiracy of 65. Later, as a loyalist to the Flavians, he attained consulships in 71 and 90 during the reigns of Vespasian and Domitian, respectively. 18 September 96, Domitian was assassinated in a palace conspiracy involving members of the Praetorian Guard and several of his freedmen. On the same day, Nerva was declared emperor by the Roman Senate, although it is possible they were approving a decision made by the Praetorian Guard, as rare coins show him speaking with this group. the new ruler of the Roman Empire, he vowed to restore liberties which had been curtailed during the autocratic government of Domitian. brief reign was marred by financial difficulties and his inability to assert his authority over the Roman army. revolt by the Praetorian Guard in October 97 essentially forced him to adopt an heir. After some deliberation Nerva adopted Trajan, a young and popular general, as his successor. After barely fifteen months in office, Nerva died of natural causes on 28 January 98. Upon his death he was succeeded and deified by Trajan. much of his life remains obscure, Nerva was considered a wise and moderate emperor by ancient historians. Nerva's greatest success was his ability to ensure a peaceful transition of power after his death by selecting Trajan as his heir, thus founding the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. St Julian the Bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans) in Gaul, Commemorated July 13 ; Hieromartyr Eutyches the Disciple of St John the Theologian, Commemorated on August 24; Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated August 25 ; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 21; St Xanthippe Disciple of the Apostles, who died in Spain, Commemorated on September 23 ; CLEMENT OF ROME, BISHOP (23 NOV 100); Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; Apostle Simeon, of the Seventy, the son of Cleophas, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Parmenas the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crescens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; St Bucolus the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 6; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on February 15; St Auxibius Bishop of Soli, Cyprus, Commemorated on February 17; Hieromartyr Patrick the Bishop of Prusa with his companions, Commemorated on May 19;

Rome, 98-117, Emperor, Trajan, Pagan, best ruler, military expansion, socialist, adopted by Nerva
Roman Emperor, 98-117, Trajan ; (18 September 53 - c. 9 August 117) was Roman emperor from 98 to 117. Officially declared by the Senate optimus princeps (best ruler), Trajan is remembered as a successful soldier-emperor who presided over the second-greatest military expansion in Roman history, after Augustus, leading the empire to attain its maximum territorial extent by the time of his death. He is also known for his philanthropic rule, overseeing extensive public building programs and implementing social welfare policies, which earned him his enduring reputation as the second of the Five Good Emperors who presided over an era of peace within the Empire and prosperity in the Mediterranean world. was born in Italica, close to modern Seville in present-day Spain, an Italic settlement in the Roman province of Hispania Baetica. Although misleadingly designated by some later writers as a provincial, his Ulpia gens came from Umbria and he was born a Roman citizen.[3] rose to prominence during the reign of emperor Domitian. Serving as a legatus legionis in Hispania Tarraconensis, in 89 Trajan supported Domitian against a revolt on the Rhine led by Antonius Saturninus. In September 96, Domitian was succeeded by the old and childless Nerva, who proved to be unpopular with the army. After a brief and tumultuous year in power, culminating in a revolt by members of the Praetorian Guard, he decided to adopt the more popular Trajan as his heir and successor. died in 98 and was succeeded by his adopted son without incident. a civilian administrator, Trajan is best known for his extensive public building program, which reshaped the city of Rome and left numerous enduring landmarks such as Trajan's Forum, Trajan's Market and Trajan's Column. in his reign, he annexed the Nabataean Kingdom, creating the province of Arabia Petraea. conquest of Dacia enriched the empire greatly, as the new province possessed many valuable gold mines. war against the Parthian Empire ended with the sack of the capital Ctesiphon and the annexation of Armenia and Mesopotamia. campaigns expanded the Roman Empire to its greatest territorial extent. late 117, while sailing back to Rome, Trajan fell ill and died of a stroke in the city of Selinus. He was deified by the Senate and his ashes were laid to rest under the Trajan's Column. He was succeeded by his cousin Hadrian, whom Trajan supposedly adopted on his deathbed. Martyr Hilary of Ancyra, Commemorated July 12 ; St Julian the Bishop of Cenomanis (Le Mans) in Gaul, Commemorated July 13 ; Apostle Crescens of the Seventy, Commemorated July 30 ; Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Hermes of Rome, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Aristion the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on September 3 ; Martyr Hermione the Daughter of St Philip the Deacon, Commemorated on September 4; Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated September 5 ; Martyr Romulus and with him many others, Commemorated September 6 ; Greatmartyr Eustathius (Eustace) Placidas with his wife and children of Rome, Commemorated on September 20; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 21; Hieromartyr Phocas the Bishop of Sinope, Commemorated on September 22; St Xanthippe Disciple of the Apostles, who died in Spain, Commemorated on September 23 ; Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated on October 15; IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, BISHOP AND MARTYR (17 OCT 107); St Abercius the Bishop and Wonderworker of Hieropolis, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on October 22; Hieromartyr Clement the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on November 25; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; Apostle Simeon, of the Seventy, the son of Cleophas, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Parmenas the Deacon of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Silas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Crescens of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Erastus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quartus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Clement of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Sosthenes of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Apollos of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Tychicus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Apostle Artemas of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; St Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated on January 29; Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on January 29; St Bucolus the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 6; Apostle Onesimus of the Seventy, Commemorated on February 15; St Auxibius Bishop of Soli, Cyprus, Commemorated on February 17; Hieromartyr Polycarp the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 23; POLYCARP, BISHOP OF SMYRNA AND MARTYR (23 FEB 156); Martyr Eudokia of Heliopolis, Commemorated on March 1 ; Hieromartyr Basil of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7; Martyr Drosis the Daughter of the Emperor Trajan, Commemorated on March 22; Hieromartyr Patrick the Bishop of Prusa with his companions, Commemorated on May 19; Hieromartyr Astius the Bishop of Dyrrachium in Macedonia, Commemorated on June 4; Martyr Zosimus the Soldier at Antioch, in Pisidia, Commemorated on June 19; Martyr Hyacinthus of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on July 3; Martyr Theodotus at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on July 4; Martyr Peregrinus of Dyrrachium in Macedonia, Commemorated on July 7;

Rome, 98-117, Sarbelus, Edessa, converted pagan priest and martyr
Armenia, 98-117, Sarbelus, Edessa, Converted priest and martyr; Edessa, Syria; Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa, Commemorated September 5 ; Holy Martyr Sarbelus was a pagan priest who lived during the reign of the emperor Trajan (98-117) He and his sister Bebaia were converted by Saint Barsimaius, the Bishop of Edessa (January 29). They both received the crown of martyrdom. This Saint Sarbelus appears to be the same one who is commemorated on January 29 and October 15.

Rome, 100, 2nd Century, Folder, Roman Empire, Pagan Rome, Justin Martyr Apologies

Rome, 100-167. Saint Abercius, Wonderworker, Bishop, Hieropolis, Apostles Equal
Phrygia, 100-167. Saint Abercius the Wonderworker, Bishop of Hieropolis, Equal of the Apostles ; St Abercius the Bishop and Wonderworker of Hieropolis, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on October 22 ;

Rome, 107-115, Roman Bishop, Pope Alexander I, healer, important Roman Catholic role in un-apostolic traditions
Rome, 107-115, Roman Bishop, Pope Alexander I; Alexander I (died c. 115) was the sixth Bishop of Rome from c. 107 to his death c. 115. The Holy See's Annuario Pontificio (2012) identifies him as a Roman who reigned from 108 or 109 to 116 or 119. Some believe he suffered martyrdom under the Roman Emperor Trajan or Hadrian. and legend[edit] According to the Liber Pontificalis, it was Alexander I who inserted the narration of the Last Supper (the Qui pridie) into the liturgy of the Mass. However, the article on Saint Alexander I in the 1907 Catholic Encyclopedia, written by Thomas Shahan, judges this tradition to be inaccurate, a view shared by both Catholic and non-Catholic experts.[1] It is viewed as a product of the agenda of Liber Pontificalis—this section of the book was probably written in the late 5th century—to show an ancient pattern of the earliest bishops of Rome ruling the church by papal decree. introduction of the customs of using blessed water mixed with salt for the purification of Christian homes from evil influences, as well as that of mixing water with the sacramental wine, are attributed to Pope Alexander I. Some sources consider these attributions unlikely.[2] is certainly possible, however, that Alexander played an important part in the early development of the Church of Rome's emerging liturgical and administrative traditions.[citation needed] later tradition holds that in the reign of Hadrian, Alexander I converted the Roman governor Hermes by miraculous means, together with his entire household of 1,500 people. Quirinus of Neuss, who was Alexander's supposed jailer, and Quirinus' daughter Balbina of Rome were also among his converts. is said to have seen a vision of the infant Jesus.[3] His remains are said to have been transferred to Freising in Bavaria, Germany in AD 834.[1] identification with a martyr[edit] fresco of Saint Pope Alexander I from Santa Maria Antiqua editions of the Roman Missal identified with Pope Alexander I with the Alexander that they give as commemorated, together with Eventius and Theodulus (who were supposed to be priests of his), on 3 May. See, for instance, the General Roman Calendar of 1954. But nothing is known of these three saints other than their names, together with the fact that they were martyred and were buried at the seventh milestone of the Via Nomentana on 3 May of some year.[4] For this reason, the Pope John XXIII's 1960 revision of the calendar returned to the presentation that was in the 1570 Tridentine Calendar of the three saints as simply "Saints Alexander, Eventius and Theodulus Martyrs" with no suggestion that any of them was a pope. The Roman Martyrology lists them as Eventius, Alexander and Theodulus, the order in which their names are given in historical documents.[5] Hieromartyr Alexander the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 16;

Rome, 117-138, Emperor Hadrian, defend and unify, Hadrian's Wall, Temples, k senators, diefied
Roman Emperor, 117-138, Hadrian ; (24 January 76 - 10 July 138) was Roman emperor from 117 to 138. He was born into a Roman Italo-Hispanic family that settled in Spain from the Italian city of Atri in Picenum. His father was of senatorial rank and was a first cousin of Emperor Trajan. He married Trajan's grand-niece Vibia Sabina early in his career, before Trajan became emperor and possibly at the behest of Trajan's wife Pompeia Plotina. Plotina and Trajan's close friend and adviser Lucius Licinius Sura were well disposed towards Hadrian. When Trajan died, his widow claimed that he had nominated Hadrian as emperor immediately before his death. military and Senate approved Hadrian's succession, but four leading senators were unlawfully put to death soon after. They had opposed Hadrian or seemed to threaten his succession, and the senate held him responsible for it and never forgave him. He earned further disapproval among the elite by abandoning Trajan's expansionist policies and territorial gains in Mesopotamia, Assyria, Armenia, and parts of Dacia. Hadrian preferred to invest in the development of stable, defensible borders and the unification of the empire's disparate peoples. He is known for building Hadrian's Wall, which marked the northern limit of Britannia. energetically pursued his own Imperial ideals and personal interests. He visited almost every province of the Empire, accompanied by an Imperial retinue of specialists and administrators. He encouraged military preparedness and discipline, and he fostered, designed, or personally subsidised various civil and religious institutions and building projects. In Rome itself, he rebuilt the Pantheon and constructed the vast Temple of Venus and Roma. In Egypt, he may have rebuilt the Serapeum of Alexandria. He was an ardent admirer of Greece and sought to make Athens the cultural capital of the Empire, so he ordered the construction of many opulent temples there. His intense relationship with Greek youth Antinous and the latter's untimely death led Hadrian to establish a widespread cult late in his reign. He suppressed the Bar Kokhba revolt in Judaea, but his reign was otherwise peaceful. last years were marred by chronic illness. He saw the Bar Kokhba revolt as the failure of his panhellenic ideal. He executed two more senators for their alleged plots against him, and this provoked further resentment. His marriage to Vibia Sabina had been unhappy and childless; he adopted Antoninus Pius in 138 and nominated him as a successor, on the condition that Antoninus adopt Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as his own heirs. Hadrian died the same year at Baiae, and Antoninus had him deified, despite opposition from the Senate. Edward Gibbon includes him among the Empire's "Five Good Emperors", a "benevolent dictator"; Hadrian's own senate found him remote and authoritarian. He has been described as enigmatic and contradictory, with a capacity for both great personal generosity and extreme cruelty and driven by insatiable curiosity, self-conceit, and ambition.[2] Virginmartyr Seraphima (Serapia) of Antioch, Commemorated on July 29; Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Hermes of Rome, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Hermione the Daughter of St Philip the Deacon, Commemorated on September 4; Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on September 7 ; Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) at Jerusalem, Commemorated on September 13; The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Commemorated on September 14; Martyr Sophia and her three daughters at Rome, Commemorated on September 17; Martyr Ariadne of Phrygia, Commemorated on September 18 ; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on September 21; St Abercius the Bishop and Wonderworker of Hieropolis, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on October 22; Hieromartyr Eleutherius the Bishop of Illyria, and His Mother, Commemorated on December 15; Apostle Quadratus of the Seventy, Commemorated on January 4; Hieromartyr Polycarp the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 23; POLYCARP, BISHOP OF SMYRNA AND MARTYR (23 FEB 156); Martyr Conon of Isauria, Commemorated on March 5; Hieromartyr Alexander the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 16; Martyr Philetus the Senator, his wife and sons in Illyria, Commemorated on March 23; Martyr Pausilippus of Heraclea in Thrace, Commemorated on April 8; Martyr Hesperus with his wife and sons at Attalia, Commemorated on May 2 ; Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; JUSTIN MARTYR, PHILOSOPHER, APOLOGIST, AND MARTYR (1 JUNE 167) ;

Rome, 120-160, Aristion, Bishop, Lesser Alexandria, Cilician Gates r, boyhood f martyr Anthony, life's purpose theosis
Alexandria in Cilicia (Asia Minor), Alexandria is probably Kitikien of the Ptolemaic Empire, along the Cilician Gates route ; Martyr Anthony of Alexandria, Commemorated on August 9; Martyr Anthony, a native of the city of Alexandria, was a Christian. For his confession of faith they tied him to a tree and tore at his body with iron hooks, and then sentenced him to burning. Standing in the fire, he calmly exhorted those standing about to toil not for the body but for the soul in aspiring towards God. After the fire flared up, the body of the saint remained unharmed. The time of his death is unknown. Martyr Aristion the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on September 3 ; Aristion was the bishop of lesser Alexandria in Cilicia (Asia Minor). He was born in the small town of Aribazo in the eparchy of Apamea, Syria at the beginning of the second century. His parents were pagans, and he spent his early years in an atmosphere of idolatry. do not know what sort of early education Saint Aristion received, nor where he studied, but it did not satisfy his search for the truth. A ten-year-old boy who lived in the same town, the future martyr Anthony, showed him the path which led to the truth. Anthony instructed him in the true Faith, and Aristion increased in piety and zeal for God. is significant that Anthony, despite the constant fear of persecution, exile and even danger to his own life, was not just a member of the local church, but also preached the Faith to others. It is certain that Aristion prayed for his young friend and remembered his courage and strength, for Anthony’s efforts to bring Aristion to the saving Faith had born fruit and were not in vain. Not only did Anthony give himself to the Church through his martyrdom at the age of twenty, he also gave it another saint and martyr: Saint Aristion later, Saint Aristion was consecrated bishop for Isso in Cilicia, which is found in lesser Alexandria. He was a good shepherd to his flock, and cared diligently for their souls. day the ruler of Alexandria had Saint Aristion arrested because he was a Christian. Although he was placed on public trial, the holy bishop was calm and showed no fear. His whole demeanor made the Roman eparch realize that it would not easy to deal with this man who stood before him. He tried to turn Aristion from Christ through flattery and promises of reward, but the saint stood firm. Seeing that his words had no effect on the bishop, he threatened him with fierce tortures. He was not influenced by these threats, however. Aristion stood before the eparch and his counselors, gazing at them with love and concern for their salvation. Even in his weakness, this captive was stronger than his captors, and he refused to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. a multitude of idolaters, Saint Aristion spoke of the Triune God, by Whom all things were created. He also told them about the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ, which was accomplished through God’s saving dispensation. He explained that Christ brings salvation to fallen man, thereby giving him another chance to attain the true purpose of his life—theosis. “How poor these soulless statues of the gods are,” the bishop said, “and how helpless the eparch looks in his radiant apparel.” who heard the saint speak were amazed and asked one another where he got such courage. Aristion invited them to believe in the truth which he was revealing to them. Those who watched understood that this holy man was someone special, and they wanted to hear more about his beliefs. Roman eparch could not find any way to resist Aristion except through violence, so he sentenced him to death. He commanded his soldiers to prepare a large furnace and then throw him into the flames.The saint went to his martyrdom without resistance, remaining brave and strong until the end. The few Christians who were present tried not to weep.They whispered prayers for him, and were saddened because their father was leaving them. They knew, however, that their archpastor would not cease praying for them, especially now that he was going to Christ. They could hear Saint Aristion singing hymns in the fire until his last breath. eparch did not know what a terrible mistake he had made. He did not realize that death is not the end for men, nor for the truth. Nothing could separate Saint Aristion from the Fountain of Life, and so the Lord bestowed upon him an imperishable crown of glory. the flames died down, his spiritual children approached the furnace and collected as many of his bones as they could. With great reverence they put the holy relics in a secret place, which remains unknown to the present day. more detailed biography of the saint has been published (in Greek): THE HOLY HIEROMARTYR ARISTION, by John G. Thalassinos (Athens, 2003). This volume also contains the Service to the saint, which was composed by Hieromonk Athanasius of Simonopetra Monastery on Mt. Athos. Martyr Anthony of Alexandria Commemorated on August 9

Rome, 123-165, Saint, JUSTIN MARTYR, apologies
Rome, 120-167, Saint, JUSTIN MARTYR; Roman Debate, 155, First Apology of Justin Martyr with Antonius Pius ; Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Hermes of Rome, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; Holy Martyr Justin the Philosopher was born around 114 at Sychem, an ancient city of Samaria. Justin’s parents were pagan Greeks. From his childhood the saint displayed intelligence, love for knowledge and a fervent devotion to the knowledge of Truth. When he came of age he studied the various schools of Greek philosophy: the Stoics, the Peripatetics, the Pythagoreans, the Platonists, and he concluded that none of these pagan teachings revealed the way to knowledge of the true God. when he was strolling in a solitary place beyond the city and pondering about where to seek the way to the knowledge of Truth, he met an old man. In the ensuing conversation he revealed to Justin the essential nature of the Christian teaching and advised him to seek the answers to all the questions of life in the books of Holy Scripture. “But before anything else,â€ said the holy Elder, “pray diligently to God, so that He might open to you the doors of Light. No one is able to comprehend Truth, unless he is granted understanding from God Himself, Who reveals it to each one who seeks Him in prayer and in love.â€ his thirtieth year, Justin accepted holy Baptism (between the years 133 and 137). From this time Saint Justin devoted his talents and vast philosophical knowledge to preaching the Gospel among the pagans. He began to journey throughout the Roman Empire, sowing the seeds of faith. “Whosoever is able to proclaim Truth and does not proclaim it will be condemned by God,â€ he wrote. opened a school of Christian philosophy. Saint Justin subsequently defended the truth of Christian teaching, persuasively confuting pagan sophistry (in a debate with the Cynic philosopher Crescentius) and heretical distortions of Christianity. He also spoke out against the teachings of the Gnostic Marcian. the year 155, when the emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161) started a persecution against Christians, Saint Justin personally gave him an Apology in defense of two Christians innocently condemned to execution, Ptolemy and Lucias. The name of the third remains unknown. the Apology he demonstrated the falseness of the slander against Christians accused unjustly for merely having the name of Christians. The Apology had such a favorable effect upon the emperor that he ceased the persecution. Saint Justin journeyed, by decision of the emperor, to Asia Minor where they were persecuting Christians with particular severity. He proclaimed the joyous message of the imperial edict throughout the surrounding cities and countryside. debate of Saint Justin with the Rabbi Trypho took place at Ephesus. The Orthodox philosopher demonstrated the truth of the Christian teaching of faith on the basis of the Old Testament prophetic writings. Saint Justin gave an account of this debate in his work Dialogue with Trypho the Jew. second Apology of Saint Justin was addressed to the Roman Senate. It was written in the year 161, soon after Marcus Aurelius (161-180) ascended the throne. he returned to Italy, Saint Justin, like the Apostles, preached the Gospel everywhere, converting many to the Christian Faith. When the saint arrived at Rome, the envious Crescentius, whom Justin always defeated in debate, brought many false accusations against him before the Roman court. Saint Justin was put under guard, subjected to torture and suffered martyrdom in 165. The relics of Saint Justin the Philosopher rest in Rome. addition to the above-mentioned works, the following are also attributed to the holy martyr Justin the Philosopher: 1) An Address to the Greeks 2) A Hortatory Address to the Greeks 3) On the Sole Government of God John of Damascus preserved a significant part of Saint Justin’s On the Resurrection, which has not survived. The church historian Eusebius asserts that Saint Justin wrote books entitled Singer of all Existing Heresies and Marcian the Russian Church the memory of the martyr is particularly glorified in temples of his name. He is invoked by those who seek help in their studies. holy martyrs Justin, Chariton, Euelpistus, Hierax, Peonus, Valerian, Justus and the martyr Charito suffered with Saint Justin the Philosopher in the year 166. They were brought to Rome and thrown into prison. The saints bravely confessed their faith in Christ before the court of the prefect Rusticus. Rusticus asked Saint Justin, whether he really thought that after undergoing tortures he would go to heaven and receive a reward from God. Saint Justin answered, “Not only do I think this, but I know and am fully assured of it.â€ prefect proposed to all the Christian prisoners that they offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. When they refused he issued a sentence of death, and the saints were beheaded. JUSTIN MARTYR, PHILOSOPHER, APOLOGIST, AND MARTYR (1 JUNE 167) ;

Rome, 135, Roman Emperor Hadrian destroys Holy Places in Jerusalem
Roman Emperor, 117-138, Hadrian ; Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) at Jerusalem, Commemorated on September 13; FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS, (14 SEP 335) ; The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Commemorated on September 14;

Rome, 138-161, Emperor, Antoninus Pius, Ungrateful Pagan, peace, no revolts, Scots Antonine Wall
Roman Emperor, 138-161, Antoninus Pius ; Pius (19 September 86 - 7 March 161) was Roman emperor from 138 to 161. He was one of the Five Good Emperors in the Nerva–Antonine dynasty.[2] into a senatorial family, Antoninus held various offices during the reign of emperor Hadrian, who adopted him as his son and successor shortly before his death. Antoninus acquired the cognomen Pius after his accession to the throne, either because he compelled the Senate to deify his adoptive father,[3] or because he had saved senators sentenced to death by Hadrian in his later years.[4] His reign is notable for the peaceful state of the Empire, with no major revolts or military incursions during this time, and for his governing without ever leaving Italy. successful military campaign in southern Scotland early in his reign resulted in the construction of the Antonine Wall. was an effective administrator, leaving his successors a large surplus in the treasury, expanding free access to drinking water throughout the Empire, encouraging legal conformity, and facilitating the enfranchisement of freed slaves. He died of illness in 161 and was succeeded by his adopted sons Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus as co-emperors. Martyr Parasceva of Rome, Commemorated on July 26; Martyr Julian of Dalmatia, Commemorated on July 28 ; Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Hermes of Rome, Commemorated on August 18; Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Lyons, Commemorated on August 23 ; Martyr Melitina of Marcianopolis, Commemorated September 16 ; St Abercius the Bishop and Wonderworker of Hieropolis, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on October 22; Hieromartyr Polycarp the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 23; POLYCARP, BISHOP OF SMYRNA AND MARTYR (23 FEB 156); Martyr Conon of Isauria, Commemorated on March 5; Hieromartyr Theodore of Perge in Pamphylia, with his Mother, Commemorated on April 21; Virginmartyr Glyceria at Heraclea, Commemorated on May 13 ; Martyr Meletius Stratelates who suffered in Galatia, Commemorated on May 24; Martyr Hermias at Comana, Commemorated on May 31 ; Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; JUSTIN MARTYR, PHILOSOPHER, APOLOGIST, AND MARTYR (1 JUNE 167) ; Martyr Concordius of Spoleto, Commemorated on June 4 ; IRENAEUS, BISHOP OF LYONS, THEOLOGIAN (28 JUN 202); St Angelina of Serbia, Commemorated on July 1;

Rome, 140-155, Pope Pius I, saint, opposed Valentinians and Gnostics, important for Roman un-apostolic traditions
Roman Bishop, 140-155, Pope Pius I ; Pius I was the tenth bishop of Rome from c. 140 to his death c. 154,[1] according to the Annuario Pontificio. His dates are listed as 142 or 146 to 157 or 161, respectively.[2] is considered to have opposed both the Valentinians and Gnostics during his papacy. He is considered a saint by the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church[3] with a feast day in 11 July, but it is unclear if he died as a martyr. life[edit] is believed to have been born at Aquileia, in Northern Italy, during the late 1st century.[4] His father was an Italian[5] called "Rufinus", who was also a native of Aquileia according to the Liber Pontificalis.[6] to the 2nd-century Muratorian Canon[7] and the Liberian Catalogue,[8] that he was the brother of Hermas, author of the text known as The Shepherd of Hermas. The writer of the later text identifies himself as a former slave. This has led to speculation that both Hermas and Pius were freedmen. However Hermas' statement that he was a slave may just mean that he belonged to a low-ranking plebeian family.[9] to Catholic tradition, Pius I governed the Church in the middle of the 2nd century during the reigns of the Emperors Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius.[4] He is held to be the ninth successor of Saint Peter,[1] who decreed that Easter should only be kept on a Sunday. credited with ordering the publication of the Liber Pontificalis,[4] compilation of that document was not started before the beginning of the 6th century.[10] He is also said to have built one of the oldest churches in Rome, Santa Pudenziana. Justin taught Christian doctrine in Rome during the pontificate of St Pius I but the account of his martyrdom indicates there was no Roman bishop present there, an unsurprising occurrence, considering the brevity of the account.[11] The heretics Valentinus, Cerdon, and Marcion visited Rome during that period. Catholic apologists see this as an argument for the primacy of the Roman See during the 2nd century.[4] Pope Pius I is believed to have opposed the Valentinians and Gnostics under Marcion, whom he excommunicated.[12] is some conjecture that Pius was a martyr in Rome, a conjecture that entered earlier editions of the Roman Breviary. The study that had produced the 1969 revision of the General Roman Calendar stated that there were no grounds for his consideration as a martyr,[13] and he is not presented as such in the Roman Martyrology.[14] day[edit] I's feast day is 11 July. In the Tridentine Calendar it was given the rank of "Simple" and celebrated as the feast of a martyr. The rank of the feast was reduced to a Commemoration in the 1955 General Roman Calendar of Pope Pius XII and the General Roman Calendar of 1960. Though no longer mentioned in the General Roman Calendar, Saint Pius I may now, according to the rules in the present-day Roman Missal, be celebrated everywhere on his feast day as a Memorial, unless in some locality an obligatory celebration is assigned to that day.[15] Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Hermes of Rome, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Conon of Isauria, Commemorated on March 5; Martyr Concordius of Spoleto, Commemorated on June 4 ;

Rome, 150-202, Iraneus, Bishop of Lugdunum, Gaul, Lyons, France, from Smyrna and Polycarp, anti Gnostic writer
Gaul, 150-202, Iraneus, Bishop of Lugdunum, Gaul, Lyons, France ; Lugdunum (Lyons in France); Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Lyons, Commemorated on August 23; Hieromartyr Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, was born in the year 130 in the city of Smyrna (Asia Minor). He received there the finest education, studying poetics, philosophy, rhetoric, and the rest of the classical sciences considered necessary for a young man of the world. guide in the truths of the Christian Faith was a disciple of the Apostle John the Theologian, Saint Polycarp of Smyrna (February 23). Saint Polycarp baptized the youth, and afterwards ordained him presbyter and sent him to a city in Gaul then named Lugdunum [the present day Lyons in France] to the dying bishop Pothinus. commission was soon entrusted to Saint Irenaeus. He was to deliver a letter from the confessors of Lugdunum to the holy Bishop Eleutherius of Rome (177-190). While he was away, all the known Christians were thrown into prison. After the martyric death of Bishop Pothinus, Saint Irenaeus was chosen a year later (in 178) as Bishop of Lugdunum. “During this time,” Saint Gregory of Tours (November 17) writes concerning him, “by his preaching he transformed all Lugdunum into a Christian city!” the persecution against Christians quieted down, the saint expounded upon the Orthodox teachings of faith in one of his fundamental works under the title: Detection and Refutation of the Pretended but False Gnosis. It is usually called Five Books against Heresy (Adversus Haereses). that time there appeared a series of religious-philosophical gnostic teachings. The Gnostics [from the Greek word “gnosis” meaning “knowledge”] taught that God cannot be incarnate [i.e. born in human flesh], since matter is imperfect and manifests itself as the bearer of evil. They taught also that the Son of God is only an outflowing (“emanation”) of Divinity. Together with Him from the Divinity issues forth a hierarchical series of powers (“aeons”), the unity of which comprise the “Pleroma”, i.e. “Fullness.” The world is not made by God Himself, but by the aeons or the “Demiourgos,” which is below the “Pleroma.” refuting this heresy, championed by Valentinus, Saint Irenaeus presents the Orthodox teaching of salvation. “The Word of God, Jesus Christ, through His inexplicable blessedness caused it to be, that we also, should be made that which He is ... ,” taught Saint Irenaeus. “Jesus Christ the Son of God, through exceedingly great love for His creation, condescended to be born of a Virgin, having united mankind with God in His own Self.” Through the Incarnation of God, creation becomes co-imaged and co-bodied to the Son of God. Salvation consists in the “Sonship” and “Theosis” (“Divinization”) of mankind. the refutation of another heretic, Marcian, who denied the divine origin of the Old Testament, the saint affirms the same divine inspiration of the Old and the New Testaments: “It is one and the same Spirit of God Who proclaimed through the prophets the precise manner of the Lord’s coming,” wrote the saint. “Through the apostles, He preached that the fulness of time of the filiation had arrived, and that the Kingdom of Heaven was at hand.” successors of the Apostles have received from God the certain gift of truth, which Saint Irenaeus links to the succession of the episcopate (Adv. Haer. 4, 26, 2). “Anyone who desires to know the truth ought to turn to the Church, since through Her alone did the apostles expound the Divine Truth. She is the door to life.” Irenaeus also exerted a beneficial influence in a dispute about the celebration of Pascha. In the Church of Asia Minor, there was an old tradition of celebrating Holy Pascha on the fourteenth day of the month of Nisan, regardless of what day of the week it happened to be. The Roman bishop Victor (190-202) forcefully demanded uniformity, and his harsh demands fomented a schism. In the name of the Christians of Gaul, Saint Irenaeus wrote to Bishop Victor and others, urging them to make peace. this incident, Saint Irenaeus drops out of sight, and we do not even know the exact year of his death. Saint Gregory of Tours, in his Historia Francorum, suggests that Saint Irenaeus was beheaded by the sword for his confession of faith in the year 202, during the reign of Severus. Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, Saint Polycarp of Smyrna, and Saint Irenaeus of Lyons are three links in an unbroken chain of the grace of succession, which goes back to the Original Pastor, our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. his old age, Saint Irenaeus wrote to his old friend the priest Florinus: “When I was still a boy, I knew you... in Polycarp’s house.... I remember what happened in those days more clearly than what happens now.... I can describe for you the place where blessed Polycarp usually sat and conversed, the character of his life, the appearance of his body, and the discourses which he spoke to the people, how he spoke of the conversations which he had with John and others who had seen the Lord, how he remembered their words, and what he heard from them about the Lord ... I listened eagerly to these things, by the mercy of God, and wrote them, not on paper, but in my heart.” Hieromartyr Hippolytus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated January 30 ; IRENAEUS, BISHOP OF LYONS, THEOLOGIAN (28 JUN 202) ;

Rome, 152-153, Philosopher, Crescens the Cynic
Roman Philosopher, 152-153, Crescens the Cynic; (fl. 2nd century AD) was a Cynic philosopher who attacked the Christians, and was in turn, attacked by Justin Martyr. Eusebius, writing 150 years later, accused him of causing Justin's death. Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Hermes of Rome, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; JUSTIN MARTYR, PHILOSOPHER, APOLOGIST, AND MARTYR (1 JUNE 167) ;

Rome, 155, Debate with Antonius Pius, First Apology of Justin Martyr
Roman Debate, 155, First Apology of Justin Martyr with Antonius Pius ; Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Hermes of Rome, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; JUSTIN MARTYR, PHILOSOPHER, APOLOGIST, AND MARTYR (1 JUNE 167) ;

Rome, 161-180, Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, Pagan, Philosopher
Roman Emperor, 161-180, Marcus Aurelius ; Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Hermes of Rome, Commemorated on August 18; Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Lyons, Commemorated on August 23; St Abercius the Bishop and Wonderworker of Hieropolis, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Stephanida of Spain, Commemorated on November 11; Martyr Victor at Damascus, Commemorated on November 11; Martyr Speusippus in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 16; Martyr Felicitas of Rome, and Seven Sons, Commemorated on January 25; Hieromartyr Polycarp the Bishop of Smyrna, Commemorated on February 23; POLYCARP, BISHOP OF SMYRNA AND MARTYR (23 FEB 156); Martyr Conon of Isauria, Commemorated on March 5; Virginmartyr Glyceria at Heraclea, Commemorated on May 13 ; Martyr Chariton with his wife and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; JUSTIN MARTYR, PHILOSOPHER, APOLOGIST, AND MARTYR (1 JUNE 167) ;

Rome, 161, Debate with Senate, Second Apology, Martyr Justin
Roman Debate with Senate, 161, Second Apology, Martyr Justin ; Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Hermes of Rome, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Justin the Philosopher and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on June 1; holy martyrs Justin, Chariton, Euelpistus, Hierax, Peonus, Valerian, Justus and the martyr Charito suffered with Saint Justin the Philosopher in the year 166. They were brought to Rome and thrown into prison. The saints bravely confessed their faith in Christ before the court of the prefect Rusticus. Rusticus asked Saint Justin, whether he really thought that after undergoing tortures he would go to heaven and receive a reward from God. Saint Justin answered, “Not only do I think this, but I know and am fully assured of it.â€ Holy Martyr Justin the Philosopher was born around 114 at Sychem, an ancient city of Samaria. Justin’s parents were pagan Greeks. From his childhood the saint displayed intelligence, love for knowledge and a fervent devotion to the knowledge of Truth. When he came of age he studied the various schools of Greek philosophy: the Stoics, the Peripatetics, the Pythagoreans, the Platonists, and he concluded that none of these pagan teachings revealed the way to knowledge of the true God. when he was strolling in a solitary place beyond the city and pondering about where to seek the way to the knowledge of Truth, he met an old man. In the ensuing conversation he revealed to Justin the essential nature of the Christian teaching and advised him to seek the answers to all the questions of life in the books of Holy Scripture. “But before anything else,â€ said the holy Elder, “pray diligently to God, so that He might open to you the doors of Light. No one is able to comprehend Truth, unless he is granted understanding from God Himself, Who reveals it to each one who seeks Him in prayer and in love.â€ his thirtieth year, Justin accepted holy Baptism (between the years 133 and 137). From this time Saint Justin devoted his talents and vast philosophical knowledge to preaching the Gospel among the pagans. He began to journey throughout the Roman Empire, sowing the seeds of faith. “Whosoever is able to proclaim Truth and does not proclaim it will be condemned by God,â€ he wrote. opened a school of Christian philosophy. Saint Justin subsequently defended the truth of Christian teaching, persuasively confuting pagan sophistry (in a debate with the Cynic philosopher Crescentius) and heretical distortions of Christianity. He also spoke out against the teachings of the Gnostic Marcian. the year 155, when the emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161) started a persecution against Christians, Saint Justin personally gave him an Apology in defense of two Christians innocently condemned to execution, Ptolemy and Lucias. The name of the third remains unknown. the Apology he demonstrated the falseness of the slander against Christians accused unjustly for merely having the name of Christians. The Apology had such a favorable effect upon the emperor that he ceased the persecution. Saint Justin journeyed, by decision of the emperor, to Asia Minor where they were persecuting Christians with particular severity. He proclaimed the joyous message of the imperial edict throughout the surrounding cities and countryside. debate of Saint Justin with the Rabbi Trypho took place at Ephesus. The Orthodox philosopher demonstrated the truth of the Christian teaching of faith on the basis of the Old Testament prophetic writings. Saint Justin gave an account of this debate in his work Dialogue with Trypho the Jew. second Apology of Saint Justin was addressed to the Roman Senate. It was written in the year 161, soon after Marcus Aurelius (161-180) ascended the throne. he returned to Italy, Saint Justin, like the Apostles, preached the Gospel everywhere, converting many to the Christian Faith. When the saint arrived at Rome, the envious Crescentius, whom Justin always defeated in debate, brought many false accusations against him before the Roman court. Saint Justin was put under guard, subjected to torture and suffered martyrdom in 165. The relics of Saint Justin the Philosopher rest in Rome. addition to the above-mentioned works, the following are also attributed to the holy martyr Justin the Philosopher: 1) An Address to the Greeks 2) A Hortatory Address to the Greeks 3) On the Sole Government of God John of Damascus preserved a significant part of Saint Justin’s On the Resurrection, which has not survived. The church historian Eusebius asserts that Saint Justin wrote books entitled Singer of all Existing Heresies and Marcian the Russian Church the memory of the martyr is particularly glorified in temples of his name. He is invoked by those who seek help in their studies. holy martyrs Justin, Chariton, Euelpistus, Hierax, Peonus, Valerian, Justus and the martyr Charito suffered with Saint Justin the Philosopher in the year 166. They were brought to Rome and thrown into prison. The saints bravely confessed their faith in Christ before the court of the prefect Rusticus. Rusticus asked Saint Justin, whether he really thought that after undergoing tortures he would go to heaven and receive a reward from God. Saint Justin answered, “Not only do I think this, but I know and am fully assured of it.â€ prefect proposed to all the Christian prisoners that they offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. When they refused he issued a sentence of death, and the saints were beheaded. JUSTIN MARTYR, PHILOSOPHER, APOLOGIST, AND MARTYR (1 JUNE 167) ;

Rome, 177, Martyrs of Lyons, France or Gaul, charges that Christians practiced cannibalism and incest
Rome, 177, Martyrs of Lyons, France or Gaul; persecution in Lyon in AD 177 was a persecution of Christians in Lugdunum, Roman Gaul (present-day Lyon, France), during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161-180). An account of this persecution is a letter preserved in Eusebius's Ecclesiastical History, book 5, chapter 1. Gregory of Tours describes the persecution in De Gloria martyrum. Lyons; BLANDINA AND HER COMPANIONS, (Formerly THE MARTYRS OF LYONS), (2 JUNE 177); Lyons and Vienne, in Gaul, there were missionary centers which had drawn many Christians from Asia and Greece. Persecution began in 177. Martyrs of Lyons, by JL Gerome painting by JL Gérôme first, Christians were excluded from the public baths, the market place, and from social and public life. They were subject to attack when they appeared in public, and many Christian homes were vandalized. At this point the government became involved, and began to take Christians into custody for questioning. Some slaves from Christian households were tortured to obtain confessions, and were induced to say that Christians practiced cannibalism and incest. These charges were used to arouse the whole city against the Christians, particularly against Pothinus, the aged bishop of Lyons; Sanctus, a deacon; Attalus; Maturus, a recent convert; and Blandina, a slave. Pothinus was beaten and then released, to die of his wounds a few days later. Sanctus was tormented with red-hot irons. Blandina, tortured all day long, would say nothing except, "I am a Christian, and nothing vile is done among us." Finally, the survivors were put to death in the public arena.

Rome, 177-192, Emperor, Commodus, end of the golden period of peace , Pax Romana, Gladiator, assinated
Roman Emperor, 177-192, Commodus ; Commodus (31 August 161 -“ 31 December 192) was Roman emperor jointly with his father Marcus Aurelius from 176 until his father's death in 180, and solely until 192. His reign is commonly considered to mark the end of the golden period of peace in the history of the Roman Empire known as the Pax Romana. He accompanied his father, Marcus, during the Marcomannic Wars in 172 and on a tour of the Eastern provinces in 176. He was made the youngest consul in Roman history in 177 and elevated to co-augustus with his father, having been given the title imperator in 176. During his solo reign, the Empire enjoyed a period of reduced military conflict compared with the reign of Marcus Aurelius, but intrigues and conspiracies abounded, leading Commodus to an increasingly dictatorial style of leadership that culminated in a god-like personality cult, with him performing as a gladiator in the Colosseum. His assassination in 192 marked the end of the Nervaâ€“Antonine dynasty. He was succeeded by Pertinax, the first emperor in the tumultuous Year of the Five Emperors. CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA, TEACHER AND APOLOGIST (5 DEC 213?); Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Conon of Isauria, Commemorated on March 5;

Rome, 177-190, Pope, Eleutherius of Rome, linked to several legends, Lucius, King of Britain, forgery
Roman Pope, 177-190, Eleutherius of Rome; Eleutherius (died 24 May 189), also known as Eleutherus, was the thirteenth bishop of Rome of the Catholic Church from c. 174 to his death.[1] (The Vatican cites 171 or 177 to 185 or 193.) is linked to a number of legends, one of them credited him with receiving a letter from "Lucius, King of Britain", but which is now generally considered to be a pious forgery. to the Liber Pontificalis, he was a Greek born in Nicopolis in Epirus, Greece.[2][3] His contemporary Hegesippus wrote that he was a deacon of the Roman Church under Pope Anicetus (c. 154–164), and remained so under Pope Soter, whom he succeeded around 174.[a] law[edit] 6th-century recension of Liber Pontificalis ('Book of the Popes') known as the "Felician Catalog"[b] includes additional commentary to the work's earlier entry on Eleutherius. One addition ascribes to Eleutherius the reissuance of a decree:[c][4] "And he again affirmed that no food should be repudiated by Christians strong in their faith, as God created it, [provided] however that it is sensible and edible." Such a decree might have been issued against early continuations of Jewish dietary law and against similar laws practiced by the Gnostics and Montanists. It is also possible, however, that the editor of the passage attributed to Eleutherius a decree similar to another issued around the year 500 in order to give it greater authority. mission[edit] Main article: Lucius of Britain addition credited Eleutherius with receiving a letter from "Lucius, King of Britain" or "King of the Britons", declaring an intention to convert to Christianity.[d] No earlier accounts of this mission have been found. It is now generally considered to be a pious forgery, although there remains disagreement over its original purpose. Haddan, Stubbs, and Wilkins[5] considered the passage "manifestly written in the time and tone" of Prosper of Aquitaine, secretary to Pope Leo the Great in the mid-5th century, and supportive of the missions of Germanus of Auxerre and Palladius.[5] Duchesne dated the entry a little later to the pontificate of Boniface II around 530,[1] and Mommsen to the early 7th century.[1] Only the last would support the conjecture that it aimed to support the Gregorian mission to the Anglo-Saxons led by Augustine of Canterbury, who encountered great difficulty with the native British Christians, as at the Synod of Chester. Indeed, the Celtic Christians invoked the antiquity of their church to generally avoid submission to Canterbury until the Norman conquest, but no arguments invoking the mission to Lucius appear to have been made by either side during the synods among the Welsh and Saxon bishops. first Englishman to mention the story was Bede[6][7] and he seems to have taken it, not from native texts or traditions, but from The Book of the Popes. Subsequently, it appeared in the 9th-century History of the Britons traditionally credited to Nennius: The account relates that a mission from the pope baptised "Lucius, the Britannic king, with all the petty kings of the whole Britannic people".[8] The account, however, dates this baptism to AD 167 (a little before Eleutherius's pontificate) and credits it to Evaristus (reigned c. 99 – c. 107).[8] In the 12th century, more details began to be added to the story. Geoffrey of Monmouth's pseudohistorical History of the Kings of Britain goes into great detail concerning Lucius and names the pope's envoys to him as Fagan and Duvian.[9] The 12th-century Book of Llandaf placed the court of Lucius in southern Wales and names his emissaries to the pope as Elfan and Medwy.[10] echo of this legend penetrated even to Switzerland. In a homily preached at Chur and preserved in an 8th- or 9th-century manuscript, Timothy is represented as an apostle to Gaul, whence he went into Roman Britain and baptised a king named Lucius, who himself became a missionary to Gaul and finally settled at Chur, where he preached the gospel with great success. In this way Lucius, the early missionary of the Swiss district of Chur, became identified with the alleged British king of the Liber Pontificalis.[11] suggests that in the document which the compiler of the Liber Pontificalis drew his information, the name found was not Britanio, but Britio. Now this is the name (Birtha-, Britium) of the fortress of Edessa.[12] The king in question is, therefore, Lucius Ælius Septimus Megas Abgar IX, of Edessa, a Christian king as is well known. The original statement of the Liber Pontificalis, in this hypothesis, had nothing to do with Britain; the compiler of the Liber Pontificalis changed Britio to Brittanio, and in this way made a British king of the Syrian Lucius. to the Liber Pontificalis, Pope Eleutherius died on 24 May and was buried on the Vatican Hill (in Vaticano) near the body of Peter the Apostle. Later tradition has his body moved to the church of San Giovanni della Pigna, near the pantheon. In 1591, his remains were again moved to the church of Santa Susanna at the request of Camilla Peretti, the sister of Pope Sixtus V. His feast is celebrated on 26 May. Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Lyons, Commemorated on August 23;

Rome, 190-202, Roman Pope, Victor I, he excommunicated over Quartodeciman Controversy, date of passover and easter
Roman Pope, 190-202, Victor I; Victor I (died 199) was the fourteenth bishop of Rome in the late second century (189-199 A.D.). He was of Berber origin.[citation needed] The dates of his tenure are uncertain, but one source states he became pope in 189 and gives the year of his death as 199.[1] He was the first bishop of Rome born in the Roman Province of Africa—probably in Leptis Magna (or Tripolitania). He was later considered a saint. His feast day was celebrated on 28 July as "St Victor I, Pope and Martyr".[2] primary sources vary over the dates assigned to Victor's episcopate, but indicate it included the last decade of the second century. Eusebius puts his accession in the tenth year of Commodus (i.e. A.D. 189), which is accepted by Lipsius as the correct date. Jerome's version of the Chronicle puts his accession in the reign of Pertinax, or the first year of Septimius Severus (i.e. 193), while the Armenian version puts it in the seventh year of Commodus (186). The Liber Pontificalis dates his accession to the consulate of Commodus and Glabrio (i.e. 186), while the Liberian Catalogue, a surviving copy of the source the Liber Pontificalis drew upon for its chronology, is damaged at this point[3] the duration of his episcopate, Eusebius, in his Ecclesiastical History, does not state directly the duration of his episcopate, but the Armenian version of Eusebius' Chronicle gives it as 12 years. The Liberian Catalogue gives his episcopate a length of nine years two months and ten days, while the Liber Pontificalis states it was ten years and the same number of months and days; the Felician Catalogue something over ten. Finally, Eusebius in his History (5.28) states Zephyrinus succeeded him "about the ninth year of Severus", (201), while the Liber Pontificalis dates it to the consulate of Laternus and Rufinus (197). Lipsius, considering Victor in connection with his successors, concludes that he held office between nine and ten years, and therefore gives as his dates 189–198 or 199. to an anonymous writer quoted by Eusebius, Victor excommunicated Theodotus of Byzantium for teaching that Christ was a mere man.[4] However, he is best known for his role in the Quartodeciman controversy. Prior to his elevation, a difference in dating the celebration of the Christian Passover/Easter between Rome and the bishops of Asia Minor had been tolerated by both the Roman and Eastern churches. churches in Asia Minor celebrated Easter on the 14th of the Jewish month of Nisan, the day before Jewish Passover, regardless of what day of the week it fell on, as the Crucifixion had occurred on the Friday before Passover, justifying this as the custom they had learned from the apostles; for this the Latins called them Quartodecimans. Synods were held on the subject in various parts—in Judea under Theophilus of Caesarea and Narcissus of Jerusalem, in Pontus under Palmas, in Gaul under Irenaeus, in Corinth under its bishop, Bachillus, at Osrhoene in Mesopotamia, and elsewhere—all of which disapproved of this practice and consequently issued by synodical letters declaring that "on the Lord's Day only the mystery of the resurrection of the Lord from the dead was accomplished, and that on that day only we keep the close of the paschal fast" (Eusebius H. E. v. 23). this disapproval, the general feeling was that this divergent tradition was not sufficient grounds for excommunication. Victor alone was intolerant of this difference, and severed ties with these ancient churches, whose bishops included Polycrates of Ephesus;[5] in response he was rebuked by Irenaeus and others, according to Eusebius. Controversy[edit] the reign of Victor I, bishop of Rome, a universal dispute arose amongst the Christians concerning the feast of the Passover. A synod was convened to discuss the issue, and those in attendance agreed that the paschal fast must end on a Sunday. In response to the ruling of the synod and the command issued by Victor I, the churches of the East, led by Polycrates, wrote a reply that is recorded by Eusebius the historian as such: observe the exact day; neither adding, nor taking away. For in Asia also great lights have fallen asleep, which shall rise again on the day of the Lord's coming, when he shall come with glory from heaven, and shall seek out all the saints. Among these are Philip, one of the twelve apostles, who fell asleep in Hierapolis; and his two aged virgin daughters, and another daughter, who lived in the Holy Spirit and now rests at Ephesus; and, moreover, John, who was both a witness and a teacher, who reclined upon the bosom of the Lord, and, being a priest, wore the sacerdotal plate. He fell asleep at Ephesus. And Polycarp in Smyrna, who was a bishop and martyr; and Thraseas, bishop and martyr from Eumenia, who fell asleep in Smyrna. Why need I mention the bishop and martyr Sagaris who fell asleep in Laodicea, or the blessed Papirius, or Melito, the Eunuch who lived altogether in the Holy Spirit, and who lies in Sardis, awaiting the episcopate from heaven, when he shall rise from the dead? All these observed the fourteenth day of the passover according to the Gospel, deviating in no respect, but following the rule of faith. And I also, Polycrates, the least of you all, do according to the tradition of my relatives, some of whom I have closely followed. For seven of my relatives were bishops; and I am the eighth. And my relatives always observed the day when the people put away the leaven. I, therefore, brethren, who have lived sixty-five years in the Lord, and have met with the brethren throughout the world, and have gone through every Holy Scripture, am not affrighted by terrifying words. For those greater than I have said 'We ought to obey God rather than man...I could mention the bishops who were present, whom I summoned at your desire; whose names, should I write them, would constitute a great multitude. And they, beholding my littleness, gave their consent to the letter, knowing that I did not bear my gray hairs in vain, but had always governed my life by the Lord Jesus."[6] events and Victor's response to Polycrates' letter are recorded by Socrates Scholasticus as such: "In Asia Minor most people kept the fourteenth day of the moon, disregarding the sabbath: yet they never separated from those who did otherwise, until Victor, bishop of Rome, influenced by too ardent a zeal, fulminated a sentence of excommunication against the Quartodecimans in Asia."[7] This led to a sharp rebuke by many prominent bishops (including the most well known, Irenaeus). Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Lyons, Commemorated on August 23;

Rome, 193-211, Emperor, Septimius Severus, many victories east and west, Hadrian's Wall Britain, Scotland
Roman Emperor, 193-211, Septimius Severus; Septimius Severus ( 9 April 145 – 4 February 211) was a Roman emperor from 193 to 211. He was born in Leptis Magna (present day Al-Khums, Libya) in the Roman province of Africa. As a young man he advanced through the customary succession of offices under the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. Severus seized power after the death of the emperor Pertinax in 193 during the Year of the Five Emperors. deposing and killing the incumbent emperor Didius Julianus, Severus fought his rival claimants, the Roman generals Pescennius Niger and Clodius Albinus. Niger was defeated in 194 at the Battle of Issus in Cilicia. Later that year Severus waged a short punitive campaign beyond the eastern frontier, annexing the Kingdom of Osroene (Edessa) as a new province. Severus defeated Albinus three years later at the Battle of Lugdunum in Gaul. consolidating his rule over the western provinces, Severus waged another brief, more successful war in the east against the Parthian Empire, sacking their capital Ctesiphon in 197 and expanding the eastern frontier to the Tigris. then enlarged and fortified the Limes Arabicus in Arabia Petraea. In 202, he campaigned in Africa and Mauretania against the Garamantes (Lybia), capturing their capital Garama and expanding the Limes Tripolitanus along the southern desert frontier of the empire. proclaimed as augusti (co-emperors) his elder son Caracalla in 198 and his younger son Geta in 209, both born of his second wife Julia Domna. travelled to Britain in 208, strengthening Hadrian's Wall and reoccupying the Antonine Wall. AD 209 he invaded Caledonia (modern Scotland) with an army of 50,000 men[6] his ambitions were cut short when he fell fatally ill of an infectious disease in late 210. He died in early 211 at Eboracum (today York, England), and was succeeded by his sons, who were advised by their mother and his powerful wife Julia Domna, thus founding the Severan dynasty. It was the last dynasty of the Roman Empire before the Crisis of the Third Century. Martyr Florus of Illyria, Commemorated on August 18; Martyr Hermes of Rome, Commemorated on August 18; Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Lyons, Commemorated on August 23; St Abercius the Bishop and Wonderworker of Hieropolis, Equal of the Apostles, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Myrope of Chios, Commemorated on December 2; Hieromartyr Alexander the Bishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on December 12; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Perpetua, a woman of Carthage, Commemorated on February 1; Hieromartyr Charalampus the Bishop of Magnesia in Thessaly, Commemorated on February 10; Martyr Conon of Isauria, Commemorated on March 5; PERPETUA, FELICITY AND THEIR COMPANIONS, MARTYRS AT CARTHAGE (7 MAR 202); St Alexander the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on May 16; Venerable Anastasia of Serbia, Commemorated on June 21; St Alban the Protomartyr of Britain, Commemorated on June 22;

Rome, 198-217, Emperor, Caracalla, m tyranical, domestic instability, external invasions, Constitution, Baths of C, assintd
Rome, 198-217, Emperor, Caracalla; (4 April 188 - 8 April 217), formally known as Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, was Roman emperor from 198 to 217. He was a member of the Severan dynasty, the elder son of Septimius Severus and Julia Domna. with his father from 198, he continued to rule with his brother Geta, emperor from 209, after their father's death in 211. brother was murdered by the Praetorian Guard later that year, supposedly under orders from Caracalla himself, who then reigned afterwards as sole ruler of the Roman Empire. found administration to be mundane, leaving those responsibilities to his mother, Julia Domna. Caracalla's reign featured domestic instability and external invasions by the Germanic peoples. reign became notable for the Antonine Constitution, also known as the Edict of Caracalla, which granted Roman citizenship to all free men throughout the Roman Empire. The edict gave all the enfranchised men Caracalla's adopted praenomen and nomen: "Marcus Aurelius". Domestically, Caracalla became known for the construction of the Baths of Caracalla, which became the second-largest baths in Rome; for the introduction of a new Roman currency named the antoninianus, a sort of double denarius; and for the massacres he ordered, both in Rome and elsewhere in the empire. In 216, Caracalla began a campaign against the Parthian Empire. He did not see this campaign through to completion due to his assassination by a disaffected soldier in 217. Macrinus succeeded him as emperor three days later. ancient sources portray Caracalla as a tyrant and as a cruel leader, an image that has survived into modernity. Dio Cassius (c. 155 – c. 235) and Herodian (c. 170 – c. 240) present Caracalla as a soldier first and an emperor second. In the 12th century, Geoffrey of Monmouth started the legend of Caracalla's role as the king of Britain. Later, in the 18th century, the works of French painters revived images of Caracalla due to apparent parallels between Caracalla's tyranny and that ascribed to Louis XVI of France (r. 1774–1792). Modern works continue to portray Caracalla as an evil ruler, painting him as one of the most tyrannical of all Roman emperors.

Rome, 200, 3rd Century, Folder, Roman Empire, Pagans, Goths and Diocletian

Rome, 217-218, Emperor, Macrinus, equestrian class not senatorial, empty coffers, 3 wars, unrest, overthrown, executed
Rome, 217-218, Emperor, Macrinus; Opellius Macrinus (c. 165 - June 218) was Roman Emperor from April 217 to June 218, reigning jointly with his young son Diadumenianus. a member of the equestrian class, he became the first emperor who did not hail from the senatorial class and also the first emperor who never visited Rome during his reign. becoming emperor, Macrinus served under Emperor Caracalla as a praetorian prefect and dealt with Rome's civil affairs. He later conspired against Caracalla and had him murdered in a bid to protect his own life, succeeding him as emperor. was proclaimed emperor of Rome by 11 April 217 while in the eastern provinces of the empire and was subsequently confirmed as such by the Senate; however, for the duration of his reign, he never had the opportunity to return to Rome. predecessor's policies had left Rome's coffers empty and the empire at war with several kingdoms, including Parthia, Armenia and Dacia. As emperor, Macrinus first attempted to enact reform to bring economic and diplomatic stability to Rome. While Macrinus' diplomatic actions brought about peace with each of the individual kingdoms, the additional monetary costs and subsequent fiscal reforms generated unrest in the Roman military. aunt Julia Maesa took advantage of the unrest and instigated a rebellion to have her fourteen-year-old grandson, Elagabalus, recognized as emperor. Macrinus was overthrown at the Battle of Antioch on 8 June 218 and Elagabalus proclaimed himself emperor with support from the rebelling Roman legions. Macrinus fled the battlefield and tried to reach Rome, but was captured in Chalcedon and later executed in Cappadocia. He sent his son to the care of Artabanus IV of Parthia, but Diadumenianus was also captured before he could reach his destination and executed. After Macrinus' death, the Senate declared him and his son enemies of Rome and had their names struck from the records and their images destroyed.

Rome, 218-222, Emperor, Elagabalus, extreme eccentricity, decadence, zealotry, and sexual promiscuity, assanated at 18
Rome, 218-222, Emperor, Elagabalus; or Heliogabalus[b] (c. 204 - 11 March 222), officially known as Antoninus, was Roman emperor from 218 to 222, while he was still a teenager. His short reign was conspicuous for sex scandals and religious controversy. A close relative to the Severan dynasty, he came from a prominent Arab family in Emesa (Homs), Syria, where since his early youth he served as head priest of the sun god Elagabal. After the death of his cousin the emperor Caracalla, Elagabalus was raised to the principate at 14 years of age in an army revolt instigated by his grandmother, Julia Maesa, against Caracalla's short-lived successor, Macrinus. As a private citizen, he was probably named Varius Avitus Bassianus. Upon becoming emperor he took the name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, and only posthumously became known by the Latinised name of his god.[c] historians suggest Elagabalus showed a disregard for Roman religious traditions and sexual taboos. He replaced the traditional head of the Roman pantheon, Jupiter, with the deity Elagabal, of whom he had been high priest. He forced leading members of Rome's government to participate in religious rites celebrating this deity, presiding over them in person. He married four women, including a Vestal Virgin, and lavished favours on male courtiers thought to have been his lovers.[4][5] He was also reported to have prostituted himself.[6] His behavior estranged the Praetorian Guard, the Senate, and the common people alike. Amidst growing opposition, at just 18 years of age he was assassinated and replaced by his cousin Severus Alexander in March 222. The assassination plot against Elagabalus was devised by his grandmother, Julia Maesa, and carried out by disaffected members of the Praetorian Guard. developed a reputation among his contemporaries for extreme eccentricity, decadence, zealotry, and sexual promiscuity. This tradition has persisted, and among writers of the early modern age he suffered one of the worst reputations among Roman emperors. Edward Gibbon, for example, wrote that Elagabalus "abandoned himself to the grossest pleasures with ungoverned fury".[7] According to Barthold Georg Niebuhr, "the name Elagabalus is branded in history above all others" because of his "unspeakably disgusting life".[8] An example of a modern historian's assessment is Adrian Goldsworthy's: "Elagabalus was not a tyrant, but he was an incompetent, probably the least able emperor Rome had ever had."[9] Despite universal condemnation of his reign, some scholars do write warmly about him, including 6th century Roman chronicler John Malalas, and Warwick Ball, a modern historian who described him as innovative and "a tragic enigma lost behind centuries of prejudice".[10]

Rome, 217-235, Hippolytus, theologian, Writer, Anti Pope, Bishop, Martyr, and Saint
Roman Anti Pope and Saint, 217-235, Hippolytus; of Rome (c. 170 – c. 235 AD) was one of the most important second-third century Christian theologians, whose provenance, identity and corpus remain elusive to scholars and historians. communities include Palestine, Egypt, Anatolia, Rome and regions of the mideast. The best historians of literature in the ancient church, including Eusebius of Caesarea and Jerome, openly confess they cannot name where Hippolytus the biblical commentator and theologian served in leadership. had read his works but did not possess evidence of his community. Photios I of Constantinople describes him in his Bibliotheca (cod. 121) as a disciple of Irenaeus, who was said to be a disciple of Polycarp, and from the context of this passage it is supposed that he suggested that Hippolytus so styled himself.[1] This assertion is doubtful.[2] older theory asserts he came into conflict with the popes of his time and seems to have headed a schismatic group as a rival to the bishop of Rome, thus becoming an antipope. In this view, he opposed the Roman Popes who softened the penitential system to accommodate the large number of new pagan converts. However, he was reconciled to the Church before he died as a martyr.[2] in the fourth century, various legends arose about him, identifying him as a priest of the Novatianist schism or as a soldier converted by Saint Lawrence. He has also been confused with another martyr of the same name.[2] Pope Pius IV identifies him as "Saint Hippolytus, Bishop of Pontus" who was martyred in the reign of Severus Alexander through his inscription on a statue found at the Church of Saint Lawrence in Rome and kept at the Vatican as photographed and published in Bunsen.[3] Martyr Concordia of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; Martyr Hippolytus of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; Hieromartyr Hippolytus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 30; Hieromartyr Hippolytus, and the Martyrs Censorinus, Sabinus, Chryse the Virgin and 20 others suffered during the third century. Saint Hippolytus, Bishop of Rome, learned of the suffering of the martyrs, he appeared before the governor despite his advanced years and rebuked the torturers for their inhumanity. The enraged governor sentenced the holy bishop to be tortured. After long torments, they tied him hand and foot and threw him into the sea. Censorinus was a high-ranking magistrate during the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius II (268-270). He was arrested and thrown into prison for his faith in Christ. By the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ he raised up a dead man. As a result, twenty soldiers and prison guards were converted to Christ. They were beheaded with Saint Censorinus. Then the virgin Chryse was brought for interrogation. She bravely confessed herself a Christian and was subjected to torture. They lashed her sides and burned the wounds with candles. Then she was stretched out on the ground and beaten with heavy clubs. Not content with this, they broke her jaw with a rock and her back with leaden balls. Although she was covered with wounds, she confessed her faith as she was dying. So cruel was the brutality of her murderers that they tied a large stone around her neck and threw her into the sea. Chryse was thrown into the deep, but the newly-slain bride emerged from the ocean and entered the heavenly Bridal Chamber. Although her body disappeared into the water, her memory remains eternal and immortal, even more golden than her illustrious name. [FootNote: Chryse means “golden.”] Sabinus was the servant of Saint Chryse. The depraved idolaters beat him mercilessly with heavy leaden balls on his neck, then they hung him up on a tree and burned his entrails. After giving thanks to God, he surrendered his soul to Christ. Saint Chryse suffered the martyrs Ares, Felix, Maximus, Herculianus, Venerius, Stiracius, Mennas, Commodus, Hermes, Maurus, Eusebius, Rusticus, Monagrius, Amandinus, Olympius, Cyprus, Theodore the Tribune, Maximus the Presbyter, Archelaus the Deacon, and Cyriacus the Bishop. these Roman martyrs suffered in the year 269. The relics of the Hieromartyr Hippolytus were put in the church of the holy Martyrs Laurence and Pope Damasus at Rome. Saint Hippolytus was a disciple of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Lugdunum (Lyons in France), and he is also renowned as a Christian theologian who wrote many treatises against the heretics. Hyppolitus compiled a Paschal Canon, the famous Apostolic Tradition, “On Christ”, and a “Treatise on the Antichrist.” Saint Hippolytus also wrote many commentaries on Holy Scripture, on the Biblical Books: Genesis, Exodus, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, and on the Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John, and on the Prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, on the Psalms of David and on the Apocalyse. Part of his works are preserved only in fragments. His discourses, devoted to the Theophany and the Prophet Daniel, are preserved in full. His discourses demonstrate his masterful style of preaching. He was one of the last Western Fathers to write in Greek.

Rome, 218-269, Censorinus, Roman Grammarian and Writer
Rome, 218-269, Roman Grammarian and Writer Censorinus; Roman Anti Pope and Saint, 217-235, Hippolytus; Martyr Concordia of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; Martyr Hippolytus of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; Hieromartyr Hippolytus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 30;

Rome, 220-258, Cyprian, Saint, writer, true life, apostles faith, virtue foundation of Love
Africa, North Africa, 220-258, Saint, Cyprian; Hieromartyr Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage, Commemorated on August 31; Saint Cyprian was finally baptized, he wrote in the Treatise To Donatus: “When the water of regeneration cleansed the impurity of my former life, a light from on high shone into my heart... and the Spirit transformed me into a new man by a second birth. Then at once, in a miraculous manner, certainty replaced doubt, mysteries were revealed, and darkness became light.... Then it was possible to acknowledge that what was born of the flesh and lived for sin was earthly, but what the Holy Spirit had vivified began to be of God.... In God and from God is all our strength.... Through Him we, while living upon the earth, have a hint of future bliss.” Hieromartyr Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, was born in about the year 200 in the city of Carthage (Northern Africa), where all his life and work took place. Thascius Cyprianus was the son of a rich pagan senator, and received a fine secular education becoming a splendid orator, and a teacher of rhetoric and philosophy in the school of Carthage. He often appeared in the courts to defend his fellow citizens. afterwards recalled that for a long time “he remained in a deep dark mist.., far from the light of Truth.” His fortune, received from his parents and from his work, was spent on sumptuous banquets, but they were not able to quench in him the thirst for truth. He became acquainted with the writings of the Apologist Tertullian, and became convinced of the truth of Christianity. The holy bishop later wrote that he thought it was impossible for him to attain to the regeneration promised by the Savior, because of his habits. was helped by his friend and guide, the presbyter Cecilius, who assured him of the power of God’s grace. At 46 years of age the studious pagan was received into the Christian community as a catechumen. Before accepting Baptism, he distributed his property to the poor and moved into the house of the presbyter Cecilius. Saint Cyprian was finally baptized, he wrote in the Treatise To Donatus: “When the water of regeneration cleansed the impurity of my former life, a light from on high shone into my heart... and the Spirit transformed me into a new man by a second birth. Then at once, in a miraculous manner, certainty replaced doubt, mysteries were revealed, and darkness became light.... Then it was possible to acknowledge that what was born of the flesh and lived for sin was earthly, but what the Holy Spirit had vivified began to be of God.... In God and from God is all our strength.... Through Him we, while living upon the earth, have a hint of future bliss.” years after his Baptism, the saint was ordained to the priesthood. When Bishop Donatus of Carthage died, Saint Cyprian was unanimously chosen as bishop. He gave his consent, having complied with his guide’s request, and was consecrated Bishop of Carthage in the year 248. saint first of all concerned himself about the welfare of the Church and the eradication of vices among the clergy and flock. The saintly life of the archpastor evoked in everyone a desire to imitate his piety, humility and wisdom. The fruitful activity of Saint Cyprian became known beyond the bounds of his diocese. Bishops from other sees often turned to him for advice on how to deal with various matters. persecution by the emperor Decius (249-251), revealed to the saint in a vision, forced him to go into hiding. His life was necessary to his flock for the strengthening of faith and courage among the persecuted. Before his departure from his diocese, the saint distributed the church funds among all the clergy for the aid of the needy, and in addition he sent further funds. kept in constant touch with the Carthaginian Christians through his epistles, and he wrote letters to presbyters, confessors and martyrs. Some Christians, broken by torture, offered sacrifice to the pagan gods. These lapsed Christians appealed to the confessors, asking to give them what is called a letter of reconciliation, i.e. a certificate for accepting them back into the Church. Saint Cyprian wrote a general letter to all the Carthaginian Christians, stating that those who lapsed during a time of persecution might be admitted into the Church, but this must be preceded by an investigation of the circumstances under which the falling away came about. It was necessary to determine the sincerity of contrition of the lapsed. To admit them was possible only after penance, and with the permission of the bishop. Some of the lapsed insistently demanded their immediate re-admittance into the Church and caused unrest in the whole community. Saint Cyprian wrote the bishops of other dioceses asking their opinion, and from all he received full approval of his directives. his absence the saint authorized four priests to examine the lives of persons preparing for ordination to the priesthood and the deaconate. This met with resistance from the layman Felicissimus and the presbyter Novatus, roused to indignation against their bishop. Saint Cyprian excommunicated Felicissimus and six of his followers. In his letter to the flock, the saint touchingly admonished all not to separate themselves from the unity of the Church, to be subject to the lawful commands of the bishop and to await his return. This letter kept the majority of Carthaginian Christians faithful to the Church. a short while, Saint Cyprian returned to his flock. The insubordination of Felicissimus was put to an end at a local Council in the year 251. This Council decreed that it was possible to receive the lapsed back into the Church after a penance, and it affirmed the excommunication of Felicissimus. this time there occurred a new schism, led by the Roman presbyter Novatian, and joined by the Carthaginian presbyter Novatus, a former adherent of Felicissimus. Novatian asserted that those who lapsed during a time of persecution could not be readmitted, even if they repented of their sin. Besides this, Novatian with the help of Novatus convinced three Italian bishops during the lifetime of the lawful Roman bishop Celerinus to place another bishop on the Roman cathedra. Against such iniquity, Saint Cyprian wrote a series of encyclicals to the African bishops, and later a whole book, On the Unity of the Church. the discord in the Carthage church began to quiet down, a new calamity began: a pestilential plague flared up. Hundreds of people fled from the city, leaving the sick without help, and the dead without burial. Saint Cyprian, providing an example by his firmness and his courage, tended the sick and buried the dead himself, not only Christians but also pagans. The plague was accompanied by drought and famine. A horde of barbarian Numidians, taking advantage of the misfortune, fell upon the inhabitants, taking many into captivity. Saint Cyprian moved many rich Carthaginians to offer up means for feeding the starving and ransoming captives. a new persecution against Christians spread under the emperor Valerian (253-259), the Carthaginian proconsul Paternus ordered the saint to offer sacrifice to idols. He steadfastly refused to do this. He also refused to give the names and addresses of the presbyters of the church of Carthage. They sent the saint to the city of Curubis, and Deacon Pontus voluntarily followed his bishop into exile. the day the saint arrived at the place of exile he had a vision, predicting for him a quick martyr’s end. While in exile, Saint Cyprian wrote many letters and books. Desiring to suffer at Carthage, he returned there. Taken before the court, he was set at liberty until the following year. Nearly all the Christians of Carthage came to take leave of their bishop and receive his blessing. the trial, Saint Cyprian calmly and firmly refused to offer sacrifice to idols and was sentenced to beheading with a sword. Hearing the sentence, Saint Cyprian said, “Thanks be to God!” All the people cried out with one voice, “Let us also be beheaded with him!” to the place of execution, the saint again gave his blessing to all and arranged to give twenty-five gold coins to the executioner. He then tied a handkerchief over his eyes, and gave his hands to be bound to the presbyter and archdeacon standing near him and lowered his head. Christians put their cloths and napkins in front of him so as to collect the martyr’s blood. Saint Cyprian was executed in the year 258. The body of the saint was taken by night and given burial in a private crypt of the procurator Macrobius Candidianus. say that his holy relics were transferred to France in the time of King Charles the Great (i.e. Charlemagne, 771-814). Cyprian of Carthage left the Church a precious legacy: his writings and 80 letters. The works of Saint Cyprian were accepted by the Church as a model of Orthodox confession and read at two Ecumenical Councils (Ephesus and Chalcedon). the writings of Saint Cyprian the Orthodox teaching about the Church is stated: It has its foundation upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and was proclaimed and built up by the Apostles. The inner unity is expressed in an unity of faith and love, and the outer unity is actualized by the hierarchy and sacraments of the Church. the Church Christ comprises all the fulness of life and salvation. Those having separated themselves from the unity of the Church do not have true life in themselves. Christian love is shown as the bond that holds the Church together. “Love is the foundation of all the virtues, and it continues with us eternally in the Heavenly Kingdom.”

Rome, 220-258, Novatian, Theologian, Navatianism, refused readmission to communion
Roman Theologian, 220-258, Novatian ; (c. 200–258) was a scholar, priest, and theologian. He is considered by the Catholic Church to have been an antipope between 251 and 258.[1] Some Greek authors give his name as Novatus,[2] who was an African presbyter. was a noted theologian and writer, the first Roman theologian who used the Latin language, at a time when there was much debate about how to deal with Christians who had lapsed and wished to return, and the issue of penance. Consecrated as pope by three bishops in 251, he adopted a more rigorous position than the established Pope Cornelius. Novatian was shortly afterwards excommunicated: the schismatic church which he established persisted for several centuries (see Novatianism). Hieromartyr Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage, Commemorated on August 31; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Rome, 222-235, Emperor, Severus Alexander, pagan, prosperous r, rising Persians and Germans, diplomacy killed him
Roman Emperor, 222-235, Severus Alexander; Aurelius Severus Alexander (1 October 208 - 19 March 235) was Roman emperor from 222 to 235, and the last from the Severan dynasty. was the heir to his cousin, the 18-year-old Emperor Elagabalus. The latter had been murdered along with his mother Julia Soaemias, by his own guards, who, as a mark of contempt, had their remains cast into the Tiber river.[2] and his cousin were both grandsons of Julia Maesa, sister of empress Julia Domna, who had arranged for Elagabalus' acclamation as emperor by the Third Gallic Legion. was the rumor of Alexander's death that triggered the assassination of Elagabalus and his mother.[3] 13-year reign was the longest reign of a sole emperor since Antoninus Pius.[4] He was also the second-youngest ever sole legal Roman emperor during the existence of the united empire, the youngest being Gordian III. peacetime reign was prosperous. Rome was militarily confronted with the rising Sassanid Empire and growing incursions from the tribes of Germania. He managed to check the threat of the Sassanids. But when campaigning against Germanic tribes, Alexander attempted to bring peace by engaging in diplomacy and bribery. alienated many in the Roman Army, leading to a conspiracy that resulted in the assassination of Alexander, his mother Julia Avita Mamaea, and his advisors. ------------------------------------------------After their deaths, the accession of Maximinus Thrax followed. death marked the epoch event for the Crisis of the Third Century—nearly 50 years of civil wars, foreign invasion, and collapse of the monetary economy. 1 Early reign 2 Domestic achievements 3 Persian War 4 Military discipline 5 Germanic War 6 Death 7 Legacy 8 Personal life 9 Ancestry 10 See also 11 References 12 Bibliography 12.1 Primary 12.2 Secondary 13 External links reign[edit] future emperor Severus Alexander was born on 1 October 208 in Arca Caesarea, Phoenicia.[5] Of his birth name, only two cognomina are known, from literary sources: Bassianus (Greek: Î’Î±ÏƒÏƒÎ¹Î±Î½ÏŒÏ‚) according to the historian Cassius Dio, and Alexianus (Greek: Î‘Î»ÎµÎ¾Î¹Î±Î½ÏŒÏ‚) according to Herodian. It seems likely that Bassianus was his family name, since several of his relatives were also called as such, and Alexianus his actual given name, which was later converted to Alexander.[6] historian Cassius Dio thought Alexianus was the son of Marcus Julius Gessius Marcianus, but Icks disputes this, saying the latter could not have married the emperor's mother before 212 and that Alexianus must've been fathered by his mother's first husband, who is of unknown name but of certain existence.[7] Alexander became emperor when he was around 14 years old, making him the youngest emperor in Rome's history, until the ascension of Gordian III. Alexander's grandmother Maesa believed that he had more potential to rule and gain support from the Praetorian Guard than her other grandson, the increasingly unpopular emperor Elagabalus.[8] Thus, to preserve her own position, she had Elagabalus adopt the young Alexander and then arranged for Elagabalus' assassination, securing the throne for Alexander.[9] The Roman army hailed Alexander as emperor on 13 March 222, immediately conferring on him the titles of Augustus, pater patriae and pontifex maximus.[10] his life, Alexander relied heavily on guidance from his grandmother, Maesa, before her death in 224, and mother, Julia Mamaea.[11] As a young, immature, and inexperienced adolescent, Alexander knew little about government, warcraft, or the role of ruling over an empire. In time, however, the army came to admire what Jasper Burns refers to as "his simple virtues and moderate behavior, so different from [Elagabalus]".[12] achievements[edit] of Alexander Severus, Louvre. the influence of his mother, Alexander did much to improve the morals and condition of the people, and to enhance the dignity of the state.[13] He employed noted jurists, such as Ulpian, to oversee the administration of justice.[citation needed] His advisers were men like the senator and historian Cassius Dio, and it is claimed that he created a select board of 16 senators,[14] although this claim is disputed.[15] He also created a municipal council of 14 who assisted the urban prefect in administering the affairs of the 14 districts of Rome.[16] Excessive luxury and extravagance at the imperial court were diminished,[17] and he restored the Baths of Nero in 227 or 229; consequently, they are sometimes also known as the Baths of Alexander after him. his accession he reduced the silver purity of the denarius from 46.5% to 43%—the actual silver weight dropped from 1.41 grams to 1.30 grams; however, in 229 he revalued the denarius, increasing the silver purity and weight to 45% and 1.46 grams. The following year he decreased the amount of base metal in the denarius while adding more silver, raising the silver purity and weight again to 50.5% and 1.50 grams.[18] Additionally, during his reign taxes were lightened; literature, art and science were encouraged;[19] and, for the convenience of the people, loan offices were instituted for lending money at a moderate rate of interest.[20] religious matters, Alexander preserved an open mind. According to the Historia Augusta, he wished to erect a temple to Jesus but was dissuaded by the pagan priests; however, this claim is deemed unreliable due to the book's many untrustworthy information and falsifications.[21][22] He allowed a synagogue to be built in Rome, and he gave as a gift to this synagogue a scroll of the Torah known as the Severus Scroll.[23] legal matters, Alexander did much to aid the rights of his soldiers. He confirmed that soldiers could name anyone as heirs in their will, whereas civilians had strict restrictions over who could become heirs or receive a legacy.[24] He also confirmed that soldiers could free their slaves in their wills,[25] protected the rights of soldiers to their property when they were on campaign,[26] and reasserted that a soldier's property acquired in or because of military service (his castrense peculium) could be claimed by no one else, not even the soldier's father.[27] War[edit] the whole, Alexander's reign was prosperous until the rise of the Sassanids[28] under Ardashir I.[29] In 231 AD, Ardeshir invaded the Roman provinces of the east, overrunning Mesopotamia and penetrating possibly as far as Syria and Cappadocia, forcing from the young Alexander a vigorous response.[30] Of the war that followed there are various accounts. According to the most detailed authority, Herodian, the Roman armies suffered a number of humiliating setbacks and defeats,[31] while according to the Historia Augusta[32] as well as Alexander's own dispatch to the Roman Senate, he gained great victories.[33] Making Antioch his base, he organized in 233 a three-fold invasion of the Sassanian Empire; at the head of the main body he himself advanced to recapture northern Mesopotamia, while another army invaded Media through the mountains of Armenia, and a third advanced from the south in the direction of Babylon. The northernmost army gained some success, fighting in mountainous territory favorable to the Roman infantry, but the southern army was surrounded and destroyed by Ardashir's skilful horse-archers, and Alexander himself retreated after an indecisive campaign, his army wracked by indiscipline and disease.[34][35] Further losses were incurred by the retreating northern army in the inclement cold of Armenia as it retired into winter quarters, due to an incompetent failure to establish adequate supply lines.[36][37] Still, Mesopotamia was retaken, and Ardashir was not thereafter able to extend his conquests, though his son, Shapur, would obtain some success later in the century.[38] the Sassanids were checked for the time,[33] the conduct of the Roman army showed an extraordinary lack of discipline. In 232, there was a mutiny in the Syrian legion, which proclaimed Taurinus emperor.[39] Alexander managed to suppress the uprising, and Taurinus drowned while attempting to flee across the Euphrates.[40] The emperor returned to Rome and celebrated a triumph in 233.[33] discipline[edit] ALEXANDER PIVS AVG. ALEXANDER PIVS AVG. of Severus Alexander reign was also characterized by a significant breakdown of military discipline.[41] In 228, the Praetorian Guard murdered their prefect, Ulpian,[41] in Alexander's presence. Alexander could not openly punish the ringleader of the riot, and instead removed him to nominal post of honor in Egypt and then Crete, where he was "quietly put out of the way" sometime after the excitement had abated.[42] The soldiers then fought a three-day battle against the populace of Rome, and this battle ended after several parts of the city were set on fire.[43] was among those who gave a highly critical account of military discipline during the time, saying that the soldiers would rather just surrender to the enemy.[43] Different reasons are given for this issue; Campbell points to the decline in the prestige of the Severan dynasty, the feeble nature of Alexander himself, who appeared to be no soldier and to be completely dominated by his mother's advice, and lack of real military success at a time during which the empire was coming under increasing pressure."[ 43] on the other hand, was convinced that "the emperor's miserliness (partly the result of his mother's greed) and slowness to bestow donatives" were instrumental in the fall of military discipline under Alexander.[43] War[edit] the Persian war, Alexander returned to Antioch with Origen, one of the Fathers of the Christian Church. Alexander's mother, Julia Mamaea, asked for Origen to tutor Alexander in Christianity.[44] Alexander was being educated in the Christian doctrines, the northern portion of his empire was being invaded by Germanic and Sarmatian tribes. A new and menacing enemy started to emerge directly after Alexander's success in the Persian war. In 234, the barbarians crossed the Rhine and Danube in hordes that caused alarm as far as Rome. The soldiers serving under Alexander, already demoralized after their costly war against the Persians, were further discontented with their emperor when their homes were destroyed by the barbarian invaders.[45] word of the invasion spread, the emperor took the front line and went to battle against the Germanic invaders. The Romans prepared heavily for the war, building a fleet to carry the entire army across. However, at this point in Alexander's career, he still knew little about being a general. Because of this, he hoped the mere threat of his armies would be sufficient to persuade the hostile tribes to surrender.[46] Severus enforced a strict military discipline in his men that sparked a rebellion among his legions.[47] Due to incurring heavy losses against the Persians, and on the advice of his mother, Alexander attempted to buy the Germanic tribes off, so as to gain time.[48] was this decision that resulted in the legionaries looking down upon Alexander. They considered him dishonorable and feared he was unfit to be Emperor. Under these circumstances the army swiftly looked to replace Alexander.[49] Iulius Verus Maximinus was the next best option. He was a soldier from Thrace who had a golden reputation and was working hard to increase his military status.[47] He was also a man with superior personal strength, who rose to his present position from a peasant background. With the Thracian's hailing came the end of the Severan Dynasty,[50] and, with the growing animosity of Severus' army towards him, the path for his assassination was paved. was forced to face his German enemies in the early months of 235. By the time he and his mother arrived, the situation had settled, and so his mother convinced him that to avoid violence, trying to bribe the German army to surrender was the more sensible course of action.[citation needed] According to historians, it was this tactic combined with insubordination from his own men that destroyed his reputation and popularity. Pusillanimity was responsible for the revolt of Alexander's army, resulting in Severus falling victim to the swords of his own men,[51] following the nomination of Maximinus as emperor. was assassinated on 19 March 235, together with his mother, in a mutiny of the Legio XXII Primigenia at Moguntiacum (Mainz) while at a meeting with his generals.[52] These assassinations secured the throne for Maximinus.[13] documents two theories that elaborate on Severus's assassination. The first claims that the disaffection of Mamaea was the main motive behind the homicide. However, Lampridius makes it clear that he is more supportive of an alternative theory, that Alexander was murdered in Sicilia (located in Britain).[53] theory has it that, in an open tent after his lunch, Alexander was consulting with his insubordinate troops, who compared him to his cousin Elagabalus, the divisive and unpopular Emperor whose own assassination paved the way for Alexander's reign. A German servant entered the tent and initiated the call for Alexander's assassination, at which point many of the troops joined in the attack. Alexander's attendants fought against the other troops but could not hold off the combined might of those seeking the Emperor's assassination. Within minutes, Alexander was dead. His mother Julia Mamaea was in the same tent with Alexander and soon fell victim to the same group of assassins.[51] ’s body was buried together with the body of his mother Julia Manaea in a mausoleum in Rome. The actual mausoleum, called Monte di Grano, is the third in size in Rome after the ones of Hadrian and of Augustus. It is still visible in Piazza dei Tribuni, in the Quadraro area in Rome, where it resembles a large earth mound. The large sarcophagus found inside the tomb in the 16th century, and which contained the emperor’s remains, is in the Palazzo dei Conservatori Museum in Rome. According to some sources inside the same sarcophagus in 1582 a precious glass urn was found, the Portland Vase, currently on display at the British Museum in London. Martyr Pontius, Commemorated on August 5; Martyr Theodota at Nicea, Commemorated on September 17 ; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; CECILIA OF ROME, MARTYR AT ROME, c. 280, Commemorated November 22; Martyr Cecilia at Rome, Commemorated on November 22; Martyr Myrope of Chios, Commemorated on December 2; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Tatiana of Rome, and those who suffered with Her, Commemorated on January 12; Martyr Babylas of Sicily, Commemorated on January 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Hieromartyr Hippolytus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 30; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Rome, 235-238, Emperor, Maximinus Thrax, impious Maximnus, barracs emperor, year of 6 emperors
Roman Emperor, 235-238, Maximinus Thrax; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5; Martyr Pontius, Commemorated on August 5; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Myrope of Chios, Commemorated on December 2; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250); Martyr Babylas of Sicily, Commemorated on January 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Rome, 235-236, Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, martyr
Roman Pope, 235-236, Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5; Antherus was elected Bishop of Rome in place of Saint Pontian, and he too soon accepted suffering and death for Christ in the year 236. FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250);

Rome, 236-250, Pope and Saint Fabian, chosen because dove descended on his head, successful, died as marytr
Roman Pope, 236-250, Saint Fabian ; Fabian was the bishop of Rome from 10 January 236 to his death on 20 January 250,[4] succeeding Anterus. A dove is said to have descended on his head to mark him as the Holy Spirit's unexpected choice to become the next pope.[5] He was succeeded by Cornelius. of his papacy was characterized by amicable relations with the imperial government, and the schism between the Roman congregations of Pontian and Hippolytus was ended. He divided Rome into diaconates and appointed secretaries to collect the records of the martyrs. He sent out seven "apostles to the Gauls" as missionaries, but probably did not baptize Emperor Philip the Arab as is alleged. He died a martyr at the beginning of the Decian persecution and is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church.[4][5] Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5; FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250);

Rome, 238-244, Emperor, Gordian III, Christian
Roman Emperor, 238-244, Gordian III ; Hieromartyr Polychronius the Bishop of Babylon, Commemorated on July 30; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5 ; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Eutropia of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 30; Martyr Myrope of Chios, Commemorated on December 2; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250); Martyr Babylas of Sicily, Commemorated on January 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Tryphon of Campsada Near Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 1; Martyr Nikon in Sicily, Commemorated on March 23; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Heliconis of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 28 ;

Rome, 243, Battle of Resaena, Romans defeat Persians, take Babylon
Rome, 243, Battle of Resaena, Romans defeat Persians; Hieromartyr Polychronius the Bishop of Babylon, Commemorated on July 30;

Rome, 244-249, Emperor, Philip the Arab, Christian
Roman Emperor, 244-249, Philip the Arab; Hieromartyr Polychronius the Bishop of Babylon, Commemorated on July 30; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5; Hieromartyr Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage, Commemorated on August 31; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Eutropia of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 31; Martyr Myrope of Chios, Commemorated on December 2; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250); Martyr Babylas of Sicily, Commemorated on January 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Tryphon of Campsada Near Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 1; Martyr Nikon in Sicily, Commemorated on March 23; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Heliconis of Thessalonica, Commemorated on May 28 ;

Rome, 249-251, Emperor, Decius, Pagan, revered by troups, k by goths
Roman Emperor, 249-251, Decius ; Decius (atin: Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius; c. 201 -“ June 251) was Roman emperor from 249 to 251. A distinguished politician during the reign of Philip the Arab, Decius was proclaimed emperor by his troops after putting down a rebellion in Moesia. In 249, he defeated and killed Philip near Verona and was recognized as emperor by the Senate afterwards. During his reign, he attempted to strengthen the Roman state and its religion, leading to the Decian persecution, where a number of prominent Christians (including Pope Fabian) were put to death. In the last year of his reign, Decius co-ruled with his son Herennius Etruscus, until they were both killed by the Goths in the Battle of Abritus. Martyr Apollonius of Sardis, Commemorated on July 10; Hieromartyr Polychronius the Bishop of Babylon, Commemorated July 30 ; 7 Holy Youths "Seven Sleepers" of Ephesus, Commemorated August 4; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5 ; Hieromartyr Alexander the Bishop of Comana, Commemorated on August 12; Martyr Hippolytus of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; Martyr Myron the Presbyter of Cyzicus, Commemorated on August 17; Martyr Thyrsus at Caesarea, in Bithynia, Commemorated August 17 ; Hieromartyr Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage, Commemorated on August 31 ; Martyr Cyriacus and 11 others at Alexandria, Commemorated September 6 ; St Coronatus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 12 ; Uncovering of the relics St Acacius the Bishop of Melitene, Commemorated on September 15; CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE, BISHOP AND MARTYR (15 SEP 258) ; Venerable Paul the Simple of Egypt, Commemorated on October 4; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 5 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius of Paris, Bishop, Commemorated on October 9; Martyr Carpus at Pergamum, Commemorated on October 13 ; 7 Holy Youths "œSeven Sleepers"Â of Ephesus, Commemorated on October 22; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Greatmartyr Parasceva of Iconium, Commemorated on October 28; Martyr Anastasia the Roman, Commemorated on October 29; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Martyr Eutropia of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 31; St Gregory the Wonderworker of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on November 17; Martyr Menignus at Parium, Commemorated on November 22; Greatmartyr Mercurius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 24; Martyr Paramon in Bithynia, Commemorated on November 29; Martyr Myrope of Chios, Commemorated on December 2; Hieromartyr Alexander the Bishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on December 12; Martyr Thyrsus of Apollonia, Commemorated on December 14; Martyr Themistocles of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 21; 10 Holy Martyrs of Crete, Commemorated on December 23; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Polyeuctus of Melitene, in Armenia, Commemorated on January 9; Venerable Pansophius of Alexandria, the Martyr, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; FABIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR (20 JANUARY 250); St Fructuosis of Tarragona, Spain, Commemorated on January 21; Martyr Babylas of Sicily, Commemorated on January 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Victorinus of Egypt, Commemorated on January 31; Martyr Tryphon of Campsada Near Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 1; Martyr Blaise of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on February 3; Martyr Agatha of Palermo in Sicily, Commemorated on February 5; Martyr Agatha of Palermo in Sicily, Commemorated on February 5; Virginmartyr Apollonia, Commemorated on February 9; Martyr Julian of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 27 ; Hieromartyr Nestor the Bishop of Magydos in Pamphylia, Commemorated on February 28; Martyr Julian of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 27 ; Hieromartyr Nestor the Bishop of Magydos in Pamphylia, Commemorated on February 28 ; Martyr Nestor, Commemorated on March 1 ; Martyr Troadius of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on March 2 ; Virginmartyr Euthalia of Sicily, Commemorated on March 2 ; Martyr Conon the Gardener of Pamphylia, Commemorated on March 5; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10; Hieromartyr Pionius of Smyrna and those with him, Commemorated on March 11; Translation of the relics of the Martyr Epimachus of Pelusium, Commemorated on March 11; Martyr Nikon in Sicily, Commemorated on March 23; St Acacius the Confessor, Commemorated on March 31; Martyr Terence and 40 others beheaded at Carthage, Commemorated on April 10; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Adrian of Corinth, Commemorated on April 17; Martyr Callinike of Lycia, Commemorated on May 9; Martyr Christopher of Lycia, Commemorated on May 9; Martyr Philadelphus and 18 others in Sicily, Commemorated on May 10; Martyr Peter of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius, Commemorated on May 18; Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius, Commemorated on May 18; Virginmartyr Christina of Ancyra, who suffered under Decius, Commemorated on May 18; Martyr Philosophus at Alexandria, Commemorated on May 31 ; Martyrs of Niculitsel, Commemorated on June 4; Venerable Anubius the Confessor and Anchorite of Egypt, Commemorated on June 5; St Alban the Protomartyr of Britain, Commemorated on June 22; Hieromartyr Cyril the Bishop of Gortyna in Crete, Commemorated on July 9 ;

Rome, 250, Seven Sleepers, 250-450, wealthy, m belts, hid in cave, entrance sealed, sleep, owner resurection
Ephesus, 250, Seven Sleepers; 7 Holy Youths œSeven Sleepers of Ephesus, Commemorated on August 4; Seven Youths of Ephesus: Maximilian, Iamblicus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Exacustodianus (Constantine) and Antoninus, lived in the third century. Saint Maximilian was the son of the Ephesus city administrator, and the other six youths were sons of illustrious citizens of Ephesus. The youths were friends from childhood, and all were in military service together. the emperor Decius (249-251) arrived in Ephesus, he commanded all the citizens to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Torture and death awaited anyone who disobeyed. The seven youths were denounced by informants, and were summoned to reply to the charges. Appearing before the emperor, the young men confessed their faith in Christ. military belts and insignia were quickly taken from them. Decius permitted them to go free, however, hoping that they would change their minds while he was off on a military campaign. The youths fled from the city and hid in a cave on Mount Ochlon, where they passed their time in prayer, preparing for martyrdom. youngest of them, Saint Iamblicus, dressed as a beggar and went into the city to buy bread. On one of his excursions into the city, he heard that the emperor had returned and was looking for them. Saint Maximilian urged his companions to come out of the cave and present themselves for trial. where the young men were hidden, the emperor ordered that the entrance of the cave be sealed with stones so that the saints would perish from hunger and thirst. Two of the dignitaries at the blocked entrance to the cave were secret Christians. Desiring to preserve the memory of the saints, they placed in the cave a sealed container containing two metal plaques. On them were inscribed the names of the seven youths and the details of their suffering and death. Lord placed the youths into a miraculous sleep lasting almost two centuries. In the meantime, the persecutions against Christians had ceased. During the reign of the holy emperor Theodosius the Younger (408-450) there were heretics who denied that there would be a general resurrection of the dead at the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some of them said, “How can there be a resurrection of the dead when there will be neither soul nor body, since they are disintegrated?” Others affirmed, “The souls alone will have a restoration, since it would be impossible for bodies to arise and live after a thousand years, when even their dust would not remain.” Therefore, the Lord revealed the mystery of the Resurrection of the Dead and of the future life through His seven saints. owner of the land on which Mount Ochlon was situated, discovered the stone construction, and his workers opened up the entrance to the cave. The Lord had kept the youths alive, and they awoke from their sleep, unaware that almost two hundred years had passed. Their bodies and clothing were completely undecayed. to accept torture, the youths once again asked Saint Iamblicus to buy bread for them in the city. Going toward the city, the youth was astonished to see a cross on the gates. Hearing the name of Jesus Christ freely spoken, he began to doubt that he was approaching his own city. he paid for the bread, Iamblicus gave the merchant coins with the image of the emperor Decius on it. He was detained, as someone who might be concealing a horde of old money. They took Saint Iamblicus to the city administrator, who also happened to be the Bishop of Ephesus. Hearing the bewildering answers of the young man, the bishop perceived that God was revealing some sort of mystery through him, and went with other people to the cave. the entrance to the cave the bishop found the sealed container and opened it. He read upon the metal plaques the names of the seven youths and the details of the sealing of the cave on the orders of the emperor Decius. Going into the cave and seeing the saints alive, everyone rejoiced and perceived that the Lord, by waking them from their long sleep, was demonstrating to the Church the mystery of the Resurrection of the Dead. the emperor himself arrived in Ephesus and spoke with the young men in the cave. Then the holy youths, in sight of everyone, lay their heads upon the ground and fell asleep again, this time until the General Resurrection. emperor wanted to place each of the youths into a jeweled coffin, but they appeared to him in a dream and said that their bodies were to be left upon the ground in the cave. In the twelfth century the Russian pilgrim Igumen Daniel saw the holy relics of the seven youths in the cave. is a second commemoration of the seven youths on October 22. According to one tradition, which entered into the Russian Prologue (of Saints’ Lives), the youths fell asleep for the second time on this day. The Greek Menaion of 1870 says that they first fell asleep on August 4, and woke up on October 22. is a prayer of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus in the Great Book of Needs (Trebnik) for those who are ill and cannot sleep. The Seven Sleepers are also mentioned in the service for the Church New Year, September 1.

Rome, 251-253, Pope, Cornelius, supported lapsed members return to communion, martyred
Roman Pope, 251-253, Cornelius; CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE, BISHOP AND MARTYR (15 SEP 258) ; Venerable Paul the Simple of Egypt, Commemorated on October 4;

Rome, 251-253, Emperor, Volusian, Pagan, f and b d in plague, k by troups
Roman Emperor, 251-253, Volusian; Hieromartyr Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage, Commemorated on August 31; St Coronatus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 12 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 5; Hieromartyr Dionysius of Paris, Bishop, Commemorated on October 9; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Apostle Epimachus of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 31; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; St Fructuosis of Tarragona, Spain, Commemorated on January 21; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Apollonius of Sardis, Commemorated on July 10; Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Syria, Commemorated on June 13 ;

Rome, 253-257, Pope, Stephen, anti novatian, converted many, martyrdom destroyed pagan temple
Roman Pope, 253-257, St Stephen of Rome; Hieromartyr Stephen the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 2 ; Hieromartyr Stephen, Pope of Rome, suffered in the year 257 during the reign of the emperor Valerian (253-259). Stephen, occupying the throne (253-257) of the holy First Bishop of Rome, zealously contended against the heresy of Novatus, which taught that it is not proper to receive back those returning from heresy. hiding during a persecution against Christians, Saint Stephen baptized many pagans, including the military tribune Nemesius. He converted to Christ after the saint healed his daughter Lucilla. Nemesius, who was ordained as a deacon, was beheaded along with his daughter. steward Symphronius was brought by the tribune Olympius into the temple of Mars for torture. His prayer shattered the golden idol, after which the tribune with his wife Exuperia and his son Theodolus believed and were baptized. They were all burned alive, and their remains were buried by holy Pope Stephen. twelve of his clergy were beheaded: Bonus, Faustus, Maurus, Primitivus, Calumniosus, John, Exuperantus, Cyril, Theodore, Basil, Castelus, Honoratus and Tertullinus, all converted by Saint Stephen. Finally, Saint Stephen himself was led before the emperor Valerian (253-259) , who condemned him to beheading with a sword in the temple of Mars. the prayers of the saint, a large part of the pagan temple was destroyed, and the soldiers fled. The saint concealed himself in the catacombs (the resting place of Saint Lucina or Lucy), where he was later killed by soldiers while he was teaching Christians. Martyr and Archdeacon Laurence of Rome, Commemorated on August 10;

Rome, 253-259, Emperor, Valerian the Elder, Christian suppoter, then Pagan
Roman Emperor, 253-259, Valerian the Elder ; Martyr Apollonius of Sardis, Commemorated on July 10; Martyr Marcian of Iconium, Commemorated on July 13 ; Hieromartyr Stephen the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 2 ; Hieromartyr Antherus (Antheros) Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 5; Martyr Marinus the Soldier at Caesarea in Palestine, Commemorated on August 7; Martyr Hippolytus of Rome, Commemorated on August 13; LAURENCE, DEACON AND MARTYR (10 AUGUST 258); Martyr and Archdeacon Laurence of Rome, Commemorated on August 10; Hieromartyr Cyprian the Bishop of Carthage, Commemorated on August 31 ; St Coronatus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 12 ; CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE, BISHOP AND MARTYR (15 SEP 258) ; Hieromartyr Dionysius the Bishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on October 5 ; Hieromartyr Dionysius of Paris, Bishop, Commemorated on October 9; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10 ; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Greatmartyr Mercurius of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Polyeuctus of Melitene, in Armenia, Commemorated on January 9; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; St Fructuosis of Tarragona, Spain, Commemorated on January 21; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Martyr Nicephorus of Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 9; Martyr Quadratus and the rest of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 10; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Leonidas of Corinth, Commemorated on April 16; St Alban the Protomartyr of Britain, Commemorated on June 22; Martyr Agrippina of Rome, Commemorated on June 23;

Rome, 257-258, Roman Pope, Pope Sixtus II, martyred by Valerian
Roman Pope, 257-258, Pope Sixtus II; Sixtus II was bishop of Rome from 31 August 257 until his death on 6 August 258. He was martyred along with seven deacons, including Lawrence of Rome, during the persecution of Christians by the Emperor Valerian.[1] Hieromartyr Stephen the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 2 ; Martyr and Archdeacon Laurence of Rome, Commemorated on August 10;

Rome, 259-268, Emperor, Gallienus, Christian Supporter then Pagan, Crisis of the Third Century, successions, k in conspiracy
Roman Emperor, 259-268, Gallienus ; ( c. 218 -“ September 268) was Roman emperor with his father Valerian from 22 October 253 to spring 260 and alone from spring 260 to September 268. He ruled during the Crisis of the Third Century that nearly caused the collapse of the empire. While he won a number of military victories, he was unable to prevent the secession of important provinces. His 15-year reign was the longest in half a century. into a wealthy and traditional senatorial family, Gallienus was the son of Valerian and Mariniana. Valerian became Emperor on 22 October 253 and had the Roman senate elevate Gallienus to the ranks of Caesar and Augustus. Valerian divided the empire between him and his son, with Valerian ruling the east and his son the west. Gallienus defeated the usurper Ingenuus in 258 and destroyed an Alemanni army at Mediolanum in 259. defeat and capture of Valerian at Edessa in 260 by the Sasanian Empire threw the Roman Empire into the chaos of civil war. Control of the whole empire passed to Gallienus. He defeated the eastern usurpers Macrianus Major and Lucius Mussius Aemilianus in 261-“262 but failed to stop the formation of the breakaway Gallic Empire under general Postumus. Aureolus, another usurper, proclaimed himself emperor in Mediolanum in 268 but was defeated outside the city by Gallienus and besieged inside. While the siege was ongoing, Gallienus was stabbed to death by the officer Cecropius as part of a conspiracy. Martyr Marinus the Soldier at Caesarea in Palestine, Commemorated on August 7; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome, Commemorated on December 24; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15 ; Martyr Nicephorus of Antioch, in Syria, Commemorated on February 9; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Rome, 268-270, Emperor, Claudius II, Pagan, success against Goths and Alemanni Germans, died from Cyprian Plague
Roman Emperor, 268-270, Claudius Gothicus; Aurelius Claudius 'Gothicus' (10 May 214 -January 270), also known as Claudius II, was Roman emperor from 268 to 270. his reign he fought successfully against the Alemanni and decisively defeated the Goths at the Battle of Naissus. He died after succumbing to "pestilence", possibly the Plague of Cyprian that had ravaged the provinces of the Empire. Martyr Marinus and his wife and children and those with them at Rome, Commemorated on July 6; Hieromartyr Valentine the Bishop of Interamna, Terni in Italy, Commemorated on July 30; Venerable Ammon, Commemorated on October 4; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Martyr Marinus of Rome, Commemorated on December 16; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15 ; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Rome, 269, Saint Valentine of Terni, healed child's contorted spine
Roman Saint, 269, Saint Valentine of Terni; Hieromartyr Valentine the Bishop of Interamna, Terni in Italy, Commemorated on July 30; Hieromartyr Bishop Valentine and his three disciples, Proculus, Ephebus and Apollonius, and the righteous Abundius lived during the third century. Saint Valentine was a bishop in Umbria (Italy), in the city of Interamna. He received from God the gift of healing various maladies. this time three pagan youths, Proculus, Ephebus and Apollonius, came from Athens to Rome to study.They found a tutor named Craton, and lived in his home. Craton’s son Cherimon fell grievously ill, and his spine was so contorted that his head was bent down to his knees. Craton asked Bishop Valentine to help his sick son. holy bishop went into the sick child’s room and prayed fervently all night. When day came, the happy parents saw their son had been healed. They believed in Christ and were baptized with all their household. ’s students, Proculus, Ephebus and Apollonius were also baptized and became devoted disciples of Saint Valentine. The bishop’s fame quickly spread, and many were converted to Christ. Among them was the city prefect’s son, Abundius, who openly confessed himself a Christian. This was a bold thing to do, since paganism prevailed in the world, and Christianity was persecuted. wrath of the prefect and other city leaders fell upon Bishop Valentine, the teacher of the youths. They demanded that he renounce Christ and worship the idols. much torture they threw him into prison, where his followers visited him. Learning of this, the prefect gave orders to take Valentine out of the prison and behead him. Saint Valentine’s students Proculus, Ephebus, and Apollonius took the body of their teacher and carried it to the city of Interamnum, where they buried it. believers and pagans were drawn to them, and they converted many idolaters to the true Faith. When the authorities heard about this, they arrested the youths and threw them in prison. Fearing that people might break the sufferers out of prison, the executioners beheaded them by night. learning that his friends had been locked in prison, hastened to see them, but found that they had already been executed. He buried their bodies near the grave of holy Bishop Valentine.

Rome, 270-275, Emperor, Aurelian, unprecedntd series of v, reunited E, Restorer of World
Roman Emperor, 270-275, Aurelian ; Martyr Patroclus of Troyes, Commemorated August 17 ; Martyr Paul of Syria, Commemorated August 17 ; Hieromartyr Athanasius the Bishop of Tarsus in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 22 ; Venerable Anthusa the Nun, Commemorated August 22 ; Martyr Mamas of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on September 2 ; Martyr Theodotus of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on September 2 ; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Martyr Heliodorus in Pamphylia, Commemorated on November 19; Martyr Philoumenus of Ancyra, Commemorated on November 29; Martyr Synetus of Rome, Commemorated on December 12; Martyr Boniface at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on December 19; Righteous Aglaida (Aglae) of Rome, Commemorated on December 19; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Martyr Paul and his sister, Commemorated on March 4 ; Martyr Paul and his sister, Commemorated on March 4 ; Monkmartyr Conon and his son of Iconium, Commemorated on March 6; Hieromartyr Alexander of Side, in Pamphylia, Commemorated on March 15; Hieromartyr Alexander of Side, in Pamphylia, Commemorated on March 15; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Sava Stratelates œthe GeneralÂ of Rome, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Lucillian and those who suffered with him at Byzantium Commemorated on June 3;

Rome, 276-282, Emperor, Marcus Aurelius Probus, active, successful g, prosperity, Senate facade, d Germans, re fort
Roman Emperor, 276-282, Probus, Marcus Aurelius Probus; Aurelius Probus (19 August 232 -September 282) was Roman emperor from 276 to 282. Probus was an active and successful general as well as a conscientious administrator, and in his reign of six years he secured prosperity for the inner provinces while withstanding repeated invasions of barbarian tribes on almost every sector of the frontier.[6] repelling the foreign enemies of the empire Probus was forced to handle several internal revolts, but demonstrated leniency and moderation to the vanquished wherever possible.[7] In his reign the facade of the constitutional authority of the Roman Senate was fastidiously maintained, and the conqueror, who had carried his army to victory over the Rhine, professed himself dependent on the sanction of the Senate.[8] defeating the Germans, Probus re-erected the ancient fortifications of emperor Hadrian between the Rhine and Danube rivers, protecting the Agri Decumates,[9] and exacted from the vanquished a tribute of manpower to resettle depopulated provinces within the empire and provide for adequate defense of the frontiers.[10] Despite his widespread popularity, Probus was killed in a mutiny of the soldiers while in the middle of preparations for the Persian war, which would be carried out under his successor Carus.[11] St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4;

Rome, 277-331, Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of Greater Armenia
Armenia, 277-331, Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop of Greater Armenia; Hieromartyr Gregory the Bishop of Greater Armenia, Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Armenia, Commemorated on September 30;

Rome, 280-290, Rhipsime or Hripsime, beautiful and modest, wanted by diocledian&tridates, she suffered for virginity
Armenia, 280-290, Rhipsime orHripsime; Martyr Rhipsime of Armenia, Commemorated on September 30; Ripsimia suffered martyrdom in the year 292, during the reign of Diocletian (284-304). was very beautiful in terms of her outward appearance, and modest in her In those days, Diocletian sent men throughout the Empire to find a maiden fairer than all others for him to marry. They found Saint Ripsimia, who had consecrated her virginity to Christ, and was living in a community of women in Asia Minor, of which Saint Gaiane was the Superior. The messengers had a portrait of Ripsimia made and sent it to Diocletian. Emperor was captivated by her beauty, and he sent her a letter, asking her to be his wife. Ripsimia, who had Christ as her heavenly Bridegroom, did not want to marry anyone else. Therefore, the nuns decided to take refuge in Arnenia. On the way, they endured hunger, thirst, and many other trials. settled in a vineyard on the slopes of Mount Ararat, and the stronger women would go into the city to work for people in order to earn money to purchase food and other necessities. All the women were willing to endure exile, and to bear every burden and sorrow for the sake of purity. Diocletian was informed that Ripsimia had fled to Armenia, he wrote to his friend King Tiridates saying, "If you find her, send her to me, or, if you wish, marry her yourself." sent his men to search for Ripsimia, and when they found her they surrounded the area so that she could not escape. When he learned how beautiful she was, Tiridates sent her presents and raiment worthy of a queen, so that she might appear before him in a suitable fashion. however, acting in accordance with the instructions of Saint Gaiane, who had raised her from childhood, rejected these gifts and refused to go to the King. Saint Gaiane told the messengers that these virgins were already betrothed to Christ, and that it was impossible for them to enter into an earthly marriage. the messengers told Tiridates what had happened, he became very angry. He sent one of his princes and an army of soldiers to kill all the virgins and to bring Ripsimia to him by force. she saw the soldiers approach the virgins with drawn swords, Saint Ripsimia told the Prince, "Take me to your King, but do not harm these virgins." Ripsimia was taken to the royal bedchamber, weeping and praying that God would preserve her virginity. Recalling how He had helped His servants in the past, how He saved Israel from Pharoah's hands, keeping Jonah in the belly of the whale for three days, and how He protected the Three Holy Youths in the fiery furnace, she believed that He would also rescue her from Tiridates. the King entered the chamber he attempted to rape her, but with God's help she became stronger than Tiridates, and he was not able to harm her. the chamber, the King commanded that Saint Gaiane be brought to him, since he had discovered that she had raised Ripsimia. The King told her to persuade Ripsimia to submit to him, but when the Eldress spoke to her she counseled her to preserve her virginity, which she had dedicated to Christ, and to remember the crown which her Bridegroom had prepared for her. Finally, she said that if the King should put her to death, she would enjoy even greater favor from Christ. that he had accomplished nothing, even though he had struggled with Ripsimia for a long time, the King began to tremble and roll around on the floor. night, Saint Ripsimia escaped and fled from the city. She found the sisters and told them how she had remained undefiled. next morning some soldiers found Ripsimia and arranged a cruel death for her. First they cut out her tongue, stripped her, tied her hands and feet to columns, and burned her with candles. Then they tore her stomach open with a sharp stone, so that her entrails fell out. Finally, they plucked her eyes out and cut off her members. Having completed her contest, she departed to Christ, the bestower of crowns. Eldress Gaiane and two other virgins suffered even greater torments. The pagans drilled through their legs, suspended them upside down, and skinned them alive. Cutting their necks from behind, they pulled their tongues out and cut them off. Next, their stomachs were cut with sharp stones so that their entrails fell to the ground. Finally, they were beheaded. other Virgin Martyrs (some sources say there were thirty-five) suffered horrible tortures, and died by the sword, then their bodies were thrown to the wild animals. addition to these holy women, seventy men who were hiding in that area also suffered martyrdom. St Nino (Nina), Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated on January 14;

Rome, 282-283, Emperor, Carus, success against Germans and Sarmatians, Lightning strike while against Sassanids
Roman Emperor, 282-283, Carus ; Aurelius Carus (c. 222 – July or August 283) was Roman emperor from 282 to 283, and was 60 at ascension. During his short reign, Carus fought the Germanic tribes and Sarmatians along the Danube frontier with success. died while campaigning against the Sassanid Empire and is believed to have died of unnatural causes, as it was reported that he had been struck by lightning.[3] He was succeeded by his sons Carinus and Numerian, creating a dynasty which, though short-lived, provided further stability to the resurgent empire. Martyr Andrew Stratelates in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 19; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332) ; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13;

Rome, 283-284, Emperor, Carinus, Pagan then Christian after healing
Roman Emperor, 282-284, Carinus ; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Holy Wonderworking Unmercenary Physicians Cosmas and Damian at Rome, Commemorated on July 1 ;

Rome, 283-284, Emperor, Numerian, died after sharing power with his brother Carinus
Roman Emperor, 283-284, Numerian ; (3] died 20 November 284) was Roman emperor from 283 to 284 with his older brother Carinus. They were sons of Carus, a general raised to the office of praetorian prefect under Emperor Probus in 282.[4] 1 Early life and Carus' reign 1.1 Numerian and Carinus as Augusti 1.2 After Numerian's death 2 Character 3 Family tree 4 Citations 5 References 5.1 Primary sources 5.2 Secondary sources 6 External links life and Carus' reign[edit] was the younger son of Carus.[4] In 282, the legions of the upper Danube in Raetia and Noricum proclaimed as emperor Numerian's father, the praetorian prefect Marcus Aurelius Carus, after a mutiny against the emperor Probus, in which the latter was killed.[5][6] By one account, Carus had himself rebelled against the emperor, and Probus' army, stationed in Sirmium (Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia), decided they did not wish to fight Carus and assassinated their emperor instead.[7] According to the Historia Augusta and the view accepted by Gibbon, Carus was not responsible for Probus's death, and inflicted severe punishment upon the murderers.[8] Carus, already sixty, wished to establish a dynasty[9] and immediately elevated Carinus and Numerian to the rank of Caesar.[10] 283, Carus left Carinus in charge of the West and moved with Numerian and his praetorian prefect Arrius Aper to the East to wage war against the Sassanid Empire. The Sassanids had been embroiled in a succession dispute since the death of Shapur and were in no position to oppose Carus' advance.[11][12] to Zonaras, Eutropius, and Festus, Carus won a major victory against the Persians, taking Seleucia and the Sassanid capital of Ctesiphon (near modern Al-Mada'in, Iraq), cities on opposite banks of the Tigris.[13] In celebration, Numerian, Carus, and Carinus all took the title Persici maximi.[14] Carus died in July or early August of 283,[4] allegedly due to a strike of lightning.[15] and Carinus as Augusti[edit] death of Carus left Numerian and Carinus as the new Augusti. Carinus quickly made his way to Rome from Gaul, arriving in January 284, while Numerian lingered in the East.[16] The Roman retreat from Persia was orderly and unopposed, for the Persian King, Bahram II, was still struggling to establish his authority.[17] March 284, Numerian had only reached Emesa (Homs) in Syria; by November, only Asia Minor.[18] In Emesa he was apparently still alive and in good health, as he issued the only extant rescript in his name there.[19] Coins were issued in his name in Cyzicus at some time before the end of 284, but it is impossible to know whether he was still in the public eye by that point.[20] Emesa, Numerian's staff, including the prefect Aper, reported that Numerian suffered from an inflammation of the eyes and had to travel in a closed coach.[21] When the army reached Bithynia,[16] or Thrace,[22] some of Numerian's soldiers smelled an odor reminiscent of a decaying corpse emanating from the coach.[17] They opened its curtains and found Numerian dead.[23] Gibbon, however, dismisses with derision the report of the stench of Numerian's decay: "Could no aromatics be found in the Imperial house-hold?"[24] Numerian's death[edit] officially broke the news of Numerian's death in Nicomedia (Ä°zmit) in November 284,[25] though Gibbon represents the occurrence of this event at Heraclea, in Thrace, and the discovery, which the prefect attempted to conceal, as due to the forwardness of the soldiery, who forced open the Imperial tent to investigate for themselves the situation of their invisible monarch.[26] Numerian's generals and tribunes called a council for the succession, which met at Chalcedon across the Bosphorus, where they chose as emperor Diocletian, commander of the cavalry arm of the imperial bodyguard,[27] despite Aper's attempts to garner support.[25] The army of the east unanimously saluted their new Augustus. Diocletian accepted the purple imperial vestments and raised his sword to the light of the sun, swearing an oath denying responsibility for Numerian's death. He asserted that Aper had killed Numerian and concealed the deed. In full view of the army, Diocletian then turned and killed Aper, who had been hauled bound before the assembly.[28][29] to the Historia Augusta, Numerian was a man of considerable literary attainments, remarkably amiable, and known as a great orator and poet. Allegedly, the senate raised him a statue, inscribed To the most powerful of orators.[30] St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Martyr Chrysanthus and those with him at Rome, Commemorated on March 19; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Thallelaeus at Aegae in Cilicia, Commemorated on May 20; ALBAN, FIRST MARTYR OF BRITAIN (22 JUNE 304); Holy Wonderworking Unmercenary Physicians Cosmas and Damian at Rome, Commemorated on July 1; Martyr Felix of Apollonia in Macedonia, Commemorated July 6 ;

Rome, 284-305, Emperor, Maximian Hercules, Western Half
Roman Emperor, 284-305, Maximian ; Martyr Bianor of Pisidia, Commemorated on July 10; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Greatmartyr Marina (Margaret) of Antioch in Pisidia, Commemorated July 17 ; Hieromartyr Hermolaus at Nicomedia, Commemorated July 26 ; Greatmartyr and Healer Panteleimon, Commemorated July 27 ; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Martyr and Archdeacon Euplus of Catania, Commemorated on August 11; Hieromartyr Emilian, Commemorated on August 18 ; Martyr Andrew Stratelates in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 19; Martyr Timothy of Palestine, Commemorated on August 19; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; Martyr Lupus the Slave of St Demetrius of Thessalonica, Commemorated on August 23 ; Martyr Tation (Tatio) of Claudiopolis, Commemorated on August 24; Hieromartyr Anthimus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 3; Martyr Basilissa of Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 3; Martyr Theophilus the Deacon of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 3 ; Martyr Theodore of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 4 ; Hieromartyr Cyril the Bishop of Gortyna, Commemorated September 6 ; Martyr Sozon of Cilicia, Commemorated September 7 ; Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy, Commemorated September 12 ; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on September 16 ; Martyr Epicharis of Rome, Commemorated on September 27; Martyr Rhipsime of Armenia, Commemorated on September 30 ; Martyr Dasius at Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 2; Hieromartyr Cyprian of Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 2 ; Martyr Sergius in Syria, Commemorated on October 7; Venerable Thais of Egypt, Commemorated on October 8; Martyr Eulampius at Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 10 ; Martyr Domnina of Anazarbus, Commemorated on October 12 ; Martyr Tarachus at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 12; Hieromartyr Silvanus of Gaza, Commemorated on October 14; Martyr Lucian the Presbyter of Antioch, Commemorated on October 15; Martyr Marinus the Elder at Anazarbus, Commemorated on October 18; Blessed Cleopatra with her son in Egypt, Commemorated on October 19; Martyr Varus, Commemorated on October 19; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasius the Fuller at Salona in Dalmatia, Commemorated on October 25; Holy, Glorious Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 26; Martyr Lupus, Commemorated on October 26; Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 27; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Hieromartyr Zenobius of Aegae in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 30; 33 Holy Martyrs of Melitene, Commemorated on November 7; Martyr Alexander of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 9; Martyr Onesiphorus of Ephesus, Commemorated on November 9; Martyr Orestes of Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 10; Martyr Menas of Egypt, Commemorated on November 11; Martyr Vincent of Spain, Commemorated on November 11; Martyr Antoninus of Caesarea in Palestine, Commemorated on November 13 ; Martyr and Confessor Gurias of Edessa, Commemorated on November 15; Martyr Zacchaeus the Deacon of Caesarea in Palestine, Commemorated on November 18; Martyr Azes of Isauria, Commemorated on November 19; Martyr Dasius of Dorostorum, Commemorated on November 20; Martyr Eustathius of Nicea, Commemorated on November 20; Martyr Sisinius the Bishop of Cyzicus, Commemorated on November 23; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Irenarchus at Sebaste, Commemorated on November 28; Martyr Anastasius the Fuller of Salona in Dalmatia, Commemorated on December 5 ; St Crispina, Commemorated on December 5; NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 6; Martyr Athenodorus of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on December 7; LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR, abt. 304, Commemorated December 13; Martyr Eustratius at Sebaste, Commemorated on December 13; Virginmartyr Lucy of Syracuse, Commemorated on December 13; Martyr Apollonius of Alexandria, Commemorated on December 14; Martyr Sebastian at Rome, and his companions, Commemorated on December 18; Martyr Boniface at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on December 19; Righteous Aglaida (Aglae) of Rome, Commemorated on December 19; St Philogonius the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; Virginmartyr Juliana of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 21; Greatmartyr Anastasia the œDeliverer from PotionsÂ, Commemorated on December 22; Martyr Chrysogonus the Teacher of the Greatmartyr Anastasia, Commemorated on December 22; Martyr Theodota who suffered under Diocletian, Commemorated on December 22; 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 28; Martyr Philetairus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 30; Virginmartyr Anysia at Thessalonica, Commemorated on December 30; St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1; Zisimus of Martyrs Zosimus the Hermit and Athanasius the Commentarisius (Superintendent of Prisoners), Anchorites, of Cilicia, Commemorated on January 4; Hieromartyr Theopemptus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 5; Martyr Julian at Antinoe in Egypt, Commemorated on January 8; St Carterius of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 8; Martyr Mertius of Mauretania, Commemorated on January 12; Martyr Peter Apselamus of Palestine, Commemorated on January 12; St James the Bishop of Nisibis, Commemorated on January 13; St Nino (Nina), Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated on January 14; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Virginmartyr Euphrasia of Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 19; Martyr Bassus at Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 20; AGNES OF ROME, MARTYR (21 JAN 304) ; Martyr Neophytus of Nicea, Commemorated on January 21; Virginmartyr Agnes of Rome, Commemorated on January 21; VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, DEACON AND MARTYR (22 JAN 304); Hieromartyr Clement the Bishop of Ancyra, Commemorated on January 23; Martyr Agathangelus, Commemorated on January 23 ; Presbyter Ananias in Phoenicia, Commemorated on January 26; Martyr Romanus at Samosata, Commemorated on January 29; Martyr Athanasia and her daughters at Canopus in Egypt, Commemorated on January 31 ; Wonderworker and Unmercenary Cyrus, Commemorated on January 31; Martyr Helladius in Cilicia, Commemorated on February 5; Martyr Helladius in Cilicia, Commemorated on February 5; Martyr Theodula of Anazarbus in Cilicia, Commemorated on February 5; Virginmarty Fausta at Cyzicus, Commemorated on February 6 ; Virginmartyr Dorothy at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on February 6; 1,003 Martyrs of Nicomedia, Commemorated on February 7 ; Martyr Aule, Commemorated on February 7; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Venerable Paphnutius of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; Martyr Pamphilius the Presbyter at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 16 ; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18 ; St Agapitus the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; Martyr Antonina of Nicea, in Bithynia, Commemorated on March 1; Martyr Eudokia of Heliopolis, Commemorated on March 1; Martyr Agapius at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on March 15; Martyr Nicander of Egypt, Commemorated on March 15 ; Hieromartyr Trophimus of Laodicea, Commemorated on March 16 ; Martyr Sabinus of Egypt, Commemorated on March 16; Martyr Trophimus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 18 ; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Sirmium in Hungary, Commemorated on March 26; Martyr Manuel, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Agathopodes the Deacon, and those with him, at Thessalonica, Commemorated on April 5; St Platonida (Platonis) of Nisibis, Syria, Commemorated on April 6; Martyr Calliopius at Pompeiopolis in Cilicia, Commemorated on April 7 ; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Virginmartyr Agape in Thessalonica, Commemorated on April 16 ; Martyr Victor of Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 18; Hieromartyr Paphnutius of Jerusalem, Commemorated on April 19; Martyr Christopher at Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 19; Hieromartyr Januarius the Bishop of Benevento, and his companions, at Pozzuoli, Commemorated on April 21; Martyr Isaac of Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 21; GEORGE, SOLDIER and MARTYR, 23 APRIL 303; Greatmartyr, Victory-bearer and Wonderworker George, Commemorated on April 23; Martyr Eusebius and Others, at Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Pasikrates in Moesia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Dada at Dorostolum, Commemorated on April 28 ; Martyr Diodorus the Deacon at Aphrodisias in Anatolia, Commemorated on April 29; Martyr Theognes at Cyzicus, Commemorated on April 29; Hieromartyr Albian the Bishop of Anaea in Asia Minor, Commemorated on May 4; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4; Martyr Acacius the Centurion at Byzantium, Commemorated on May 7; Martyr Alexander of Rome, Commemorated on May 13; Martyr Solochon at Chalcedon, Commemorated on May 17 ; Martyr Caluf of Egypt, Commemorated on May 19; Martyr Asclas of Egypt, Commemorated on May 20; Martyrs of Niculitsel, Commemorated on June 4; Hieromartyr Theodotus the Bishop of Ancyra, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Eustochius of Ancyra, Commemorated on June 23; Martyr Orentius, one of the seven martyred brothers in Georgia, Commemorated on June 24; Virginmartyr Febronia of Nisibis, Commemorated on June 25; Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on July 8; Martyr Epictetus the Presbyter at Halmyris, Commemorated on July 8; Hieromartyr Cyril the Bishop of Gortyna in Crete, Commemorated on July 9 ;

Rome, 284-305, Emperor Diocletian, Eastern Half
Rome, 284-305, Emperor Diocletian ; Martyr Bianor of Pisidia, Commemorated on July 10; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Hieromartyr Cindeus the Presbyter of Pamphylia, Commemorated on July 11; Martyr Julita (Ulita) of Tarsus, Commemorated on July 15 ; Greatmartyr Marina (Margaret) of Antioch in Pisidia, Commemorated July 17 ; Martyr Trophimus and 14 Others in Lycia, Commemorated on July 23; Hieromartyr Hermolaus at Nicomedia, Commemorated July 26 ; Greatmartyr and Healer Panteleimon, Commemorated July 27 ; Martyr Theodota in Bithynia, Commemorated on July 29; Martyr Julitta at Caesarea, Commemorated July 31 ; Martyr Leontius of Perge in Pamphylia, Commemorated on August 1; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Martyr and Archdeacon Euplus of Catania, Commemorated on August 11; Martyr Anicetus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on August 12 ; Martyr Diomedes the Physician of Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 16; Hieromartyr Emilian, Commemorated on August 18 ; Martyr Andrew Stratelates in Cilicia, Commemorated on August 19; Martyr Timothy of Palestine, Commemorated on August 19; Martyr Severus and 38 Soldiers in Thrace, Commemorated on August 20; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; St Felix of Spain, Commemorated August 22 ; Virginmartyr Eulalia of Barcelona, Commemorated on August 22; Martyr Lupus the Slave of St Demetrius of Thessalonica, Commemorated on August 23 ; Martyr Tation (Tatio) of Claudiopolis, Commemorated on August 24; 3,628 Martyrs who suffered at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 2 ; Hieromartyr Anthimus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 3; Martyr Basilissa of Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 3; Martyr Theophilus the Deacon of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 3 ; Martyr Theodore of Nicomedia, Commemorated September 4 ; Hieromartyr Cyril the Bishop of Gortyna, Commemorated September 6 ; Martyr Sozon of Cilicia, Commemorated September 7 ; Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy, Commemorated September 12 ; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on September 16 ; Martyr Epicharis of Rome, Commemorated on September 27; Martyr Rhipsime of Armenia, Commemorated on September 30 ; Martyr Dasius at Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 2 ; Hieromartyr Cyprian of Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 2 ; Martyr Charitina of Amisus, Commemorated on October 5; Martyr Sergius in Syria, Commemorated on October 7; Martyr Pelagia of Tarsus, Commemorated on October 7; Venerable Thais of Egypt, Commemorated on October 8; Virginmartyr Pelagia of Antioch, Commemorated on October 8; Martyr Eulampius at Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 10 ; Martyr Tarachus at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 12; Hieromartyr Silvanus of Gaza, Commemorated on October 14; Martyr Lucian the Presbyter of Antioch, Commemorated on October 15; Martyr Marinus the Elder at Anazarbus, Commemorated on October 18; Blessed Cleopatra with her son in Egypt, Commemorated on October 19; Martyr Varus, Commemorated on October 19; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; Martyr Anastasius the Fuller at Salona in Dalmatia, Commemorated on October 25; Holy, Glorious Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 26; Martyr Lupus, Commemorated on October 26; Greatmartyr Parasceva of Iconium, Commemorated on October 28; Martyr Anastasia of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 30; Hieromartyr Zenobius of Aegae in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 30; 33 Holy Martyrs of Melitene, Commemorated on November 7; Martyr Alexander of Thessalonica, Commemorated on November 9; Martyr Onesiphorus of Ephesus, Commemorated on November 9; Martyr Orestes of Cappadocia, Commemorated on November 10; Martyr Menas of Egypt, Commemorated on November 11; Martyr Vincent of Spain, Commemorated on November 11; Martyr Antoninus of Casarea in Palestine, Commemorated on November 13 ; Martyr and Confessor Gurias of Edessa, Commemorated on November 15; Martyr Zacchaeus the Deacon of Caesarea in Palestine, Commemorated on November 18; Martyr Azes of Isauria, Commemorated on November 19; Martyr Dasius of Dorostorum, Commemorated on November 20; Martyr Eustathius of Nicea, Commemorated on November 20; Martyr Sisinius the Bishop of Cyzicus, Commemorated on November 23; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Irenarchus at Sebaste, Commemorated on November 28; Martyr Anastasius the Fuller of Salona in Dalmatia, Commemorated on December 5 ; St Crispina, Commemorated on December 5; NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 6; Martyr Athenodorus of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on December 7; LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR, abt. 304, Commemorated December 13; Martyr Eustratius at Sebaste, Commemorated on December 13; Virginmartyr Lucy of Syracuse, Commemorated on December 13; Martyr Apollonius of Alexandria, Commemorated on December 14; Martyr Sebastian at Rome, and his companions, Commemorated on December 18; Martyr Boniface at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on December 19; Righteous Aglaida (Aglae) of Rome, Commemorated on December 19; St Philogonius the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated on December 20; Virginmartyr Juliana of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 21; Greatmartyr Anastasia the œDeliverer from Potions, Commemorated on December 22; Martyr Chrysogonus the Teacher of the Greatmartyr Anastasia, Commemorated on December 22; Martyr Theodota who suffered under Diocletian, Commemorated on December 22; 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 28; Martyr Philetairus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 30; Virginmartyr Anysia at Thessalonica, Commemorated on December 30; St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Casarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1; Zisimus of Martyrs Zosimus the Hermit and Athanasius the Commentarisius (Superintendent of Prisoners), Anchorites, of Cilicia, Commemorated on January 4; Hieromartyr Theopemptus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 5; Martyr Julian at Antinoe in Egypt, Commemorated on January 8; St Carterius of Caesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 8; Martyr Mertius of Mauretania, Commemorated on January 12; Martyr Peter Apselamus of Palestine, Commemorated on January 12; St James the Bishop of Nisibis, Commemorated on January 13; St Nino (Nina), Equal of the Apostles and Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated on January 14; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Virginmartyr Euphrasia of Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 19; Martyr Bassus at Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 20; AGNES OF ROME, MARTYR (21 JAN 304) ; Virginmartyr Agnes of Rome, Commemorated on January 21; Martyr Neophytus of Nicea, Commemorated on January 21; VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, DEACON AND MARTYR (22 JAN 304); Hieromartyr Clement the Bishop of Ancyra, Commemorated on January 23; Martyr Agathangelus, Commemorated on January 23 ; Martyr Theodotion of Egypt, Commemorated on January 24; Presbyter Ananias in Phoenicia, Commemorated on January 26; Martyr Romanus at Samosata, Commemorated on January 29; Martyr Athanasia and her daughters at Canopus in Egypt, Commemorated on January 31 ; Wonderworker and Unmercenary Cyrus, Commemorated on January 31; Martyr Helladius in Cilicia, Commemorated on February 5 ; Martyr Theodula of Anazarbus in Cilicia, Commemorated on February 5; Virginmarty Fausta at Cyzicus, Commemorated on February 6; Virginmartyr Dorothy at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on February 6; 1,003 Martyrs of Nicomedia, Commemorated on February 7 ; Martyr Aule, Commemorated on February 7; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Venerable Paphnutius of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 15; Martyr Pamphilius the Presbyter at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 16 ; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18 ; St Agapitus the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; Martyr Antonina of Nicea, in Bithynia, Commemorated on March 1; Hieromartyr Capiton of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7; Martyr Agapius at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on March 15; Martyr Nicander of Egypt, Commemorated on March 15 ; Hieromartyr Trophimus of Laodicea, Commemorated on March 16 ; Martyr Sabinus of Egypt, Commemorated on March 16; Martyr Trophimus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 18 ; Martyr Pancharius at Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 19; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Sirmium in Hungary, Commemorated on March 26; Martyr Manuel, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Agathopodes the Deacon, and those with him, at Thessalonica, Commemorated on April 5; St Platonida (Platonis) of Nisibis, Syria, Commemorated on April 6; Martyr Calliopius at Pompeiopolis in Cilicia, Commemorated on April 7 ; Martyr Crescens of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on April 13; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Virginmartyr Agape in Thessalonica, Commemorated on April 16 ; Martyr Victor of Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 18; Hieromartyr Paphnutius of Jerusalem, Commemorated on April 19; Martyr Anthony at Rome, Commemorated on April 19; Martyr Christopher at Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 19; Hieromartyr Januarius the Bishop of Benevento, and his companions, at Pozzuoli, Commemorated on April 21; Martyr Isaac of Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 21; GEORGE, SOLDIER and MARTYR, 23 APRIL 303; Greatmartyr, Victory-bearer and Wonderworker George, Commemorated on April 23; Martyr Eusebius and Others, at Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Pasikrates in Moesia, Bulgaria, Commemorated on April 24; Martyr Dada at Dorostolum, Commemorated on April 28 ; Martyr Diodorus the Deacon at Aphrodisias in Anatolia, Commemorated on April 29; Martyr Theognes at Cyzicus, Commemorated on April 29; Martyr Timothy the Reader and his wife in Egypt, Commemorated on May 3; Hieromartyr Albian the Bishop of Anaea in Asia Minor, Commemorated on May 4; Hieromartyr Erasmus the Bishop of Formia in Campania, Commemorated on May 4; Hieromartyr Silvanus the Bishop of Gaza, and with him 40 Martyrs, Commemorated on May 4 ; Virginmartyr Pelagia of Tarsus, in Asia Minor, Commemorated on May 4; Hieromartyr Mocius the Presbyter of Amphipolis in Macedonia, Commemorated on May 11; Martyr Pancratius, Commemorated on May 12; Martyr Vitus at Lucania, Commemorated on May 16; Martyr Caluf of Egypt, Commemorated on May 19; Glorification of the Venerable Zabulon, the father of St Nino Enlightener of Georgia, Commemorated on May 20; Martyr Asclas of Egypt, Commemorated on May 20; Hieromartyr Therapon the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 25; Virginmartyr Theodora of Alexandria, Commemorated on May 27 ; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5; Virginmartyr Archelais Beheaded at Salerno, Commemorated on June 6; Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Hieromartyr Sisinius the Deacon of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Hieromartyr Theodotus the Bishop of Ancyra, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Kyriake of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Priscilla of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Venerable Onuphrius the Great, Commemorated on June 12; Martyr Antonina of Nicea, Commemorated on June 13; Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Syria, Commemorated on June 13 ; Martyr Modestus at Lucania, Commemorated on June 15; Hieromartyr Methodius the Bishop of Patara, Commemorated on June 20; Martyr Julian of Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on June 21 ; ALBAN, FIRST MARTYR OF BRITAIN (22 JUNE 304); Martyr Zeno of Philadelphia, Commemorated on June 22 ; Virginmartyr Febronia of Nisibis, Commemorated on June 25; Hieromartyr Theodore the Bishop of Cyrene in Libya, Commemorated July 4 ; Martyr Lucy at Rome, Commemorated on July 6; Martyrs at Rome, Commemorated on July 6; Martyr Evangelicus the Bishop of Tomis, Constanta in Romania, Commemorated on July 7 ; Martyr Kyriake of Nicomedia, Commemorated on July 7; Greatmartyr Procopius of Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on July 8; Martyr Epictetus the Presbyter at Halmyris, Commemorated on July 8; Hieromartyr Cyril the Bishop of Gortyna in Crete, Commemorated on July 9 ;

Rome, 284-305, Saint Chrysogonus, Anastasia's teacher, prophet, beheaded and thrown into sea, Zolius found them, he appeared
Roman Saint, 284-305, Saint Chrysogonus ; Greatmartyr Anastasia the œDeliverer from Potions, Commemorated on December 22; Martyr Chrysogonus the Teacher of the Greatmartyr Anastasia, Commemorated on December 22; Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions, a Roman by birth, suffered for Christ at the time of Diocletian’s persecution of Christians. Her father was a pagan, but her mother was secretly a Christian. Saint Anastasia’s teacher in her youth was an educated and pious Christian named Chrysogonus. After the death of her mother, her father gave Saint Anastasia in marriage to a pagan named Publius, but feigning illness, she preserved her virginity. herself in the garb of a beggar, and accompanied by only one servant, she visited the prisons. She fed, doctored and often ransomed captives who were suffering for their faith in Christ. When her servant told Publius about everything, he subjected his wife to a beating and locked her up at home. Saint Anastasia then began to correspond secretly with Chrysogonus, who told the saint to be patient, to cleave to the Cross of Christ, and to accept the Lord’s will. He also foretold the impending death of Publius in the sea. After a certain while Publius did indeed drown, as he was setting out with a delegation to Persia. After the death of her husband, Saint Anastasia began to distribute her property to the poor and suffering. was informed that the Christians who filled the prisons of Rome stoically endured tortures. He gave orders to kill them all in a single night, and for Chrysogonus to be sent to him at Aquileia. Saint Anastasia followed her teacher at a distance. emperor interrogated Chrysogonus personally, but could not make him renounce his faith. Therefore, he commanded that he be beheaded and thrown into the sea. The body and severed head of the holy martyr were carried to shore by the waves. There by divine Providence, the relics were found by a presbyter named Zoilus who placed them in a coffer, and concealed them at his home. Chrysogonus appeared to Zoilus and informed him that martyrdom was at hand for Agape, Chione and Irene (April 16), three sisters who lived nearby. He told him to send Saint Anastasia to them to encourage them. Saint Chrysogonus foretold that Zoilus would also die on the same day. Nine days later, the words of Saint Chrysogonus were fulfilled. Zoilus fell asleep in the Lord, and Saint Anastasia visited the three maidens before their tortures. When these three martyrs gave up their souls to the Lord, she buried them. carried out her teacher’s request, the saint went from city to city ministering to Christian prisoners. Proficient in the medical arts of the time, she zealously cared for captives far and wide, healing their wounds and relieving their suffering. Because of her labors, Saint Anastasia received the name Deliverer from Potions (Pharmakolytria), since by her intercessions she has healed many from the effects of potions, poisons, and other harmful substances. made the acquaintance of the pious young widow Theodota, finding in her a faithful helper. Theodota was taken for questioning when it was learned that she was a Christian. Meanwhile, Saint Anastasia was arrested in Illyricum. This occurred just after all the Christian captives there had been murdered in a single night by order of Diocletian. Saint Anastasia had come to one of the prisons, and finding no one there, she began to weep loudly. The jailers realized that she was a Christian and took her to the prefect of the district, who tried to persuade her to deny Christ by threatening her with torture. After his unsuccessful attempts to persuade Saint Anastasia to offer sacrifice to idols, he handed her over to the pagan priest Ulpian in Rome. cunning pagan offered Saint Anastasia the choice between luxury and riches, or grievous sufferings. He set before her gold, precious stones and fine clothing, and also fearsome instruments of torture. The crafty man was put to shame by the bride of Christ. Saint Anastasia refused the riches and chose the tools of torture. the Lord prolonged the earthly life of the saint, and Ulpian gave her three days to reconsider. Charmed by Anastasia’s beauty, the pagan priest decided to defile her purity. However, when he tried to touch her he suddenly became blind. His head began to ache so severely that he screamed like a madman. He asked to be taken to a pagan temple to appeal to the idols for help, but on the way he fell down and died. Anastasia was set free and she and Theodota again devoted themselves to the care of imprisoned Christians. Before long, Saint Theodota and her three sons accepted a martyrdom. Her eldest son, Evodus, stood bravely before the judge and endured beatings without protest. After lengthy torture, they were all thrown into a red-hot oven. Anastasia was caught again and condemned to death by starvation. She remained in prison without food for sixty days. Saint Theodota appeared to the martyr every night and gave her courage. Seeing that hunger caused Saint Anastasia no harm whatsoever, the judge sentenced her to drowning together with other prisoners. Among them was Eutychianus, who was condemned for his Christian faith. prisoners were put into a boat which went out into the open sea. The soldiers bored holes in the boat and got into a galley. Saint Theodota appeared to the captives and steered the ship to shore. When they reached dry land, 120 men believed in Christ and were baptized by Saints Anastasia and Eutychianus. All were captured and received a martyr’s crown. Saint Anastasia was stretched between four pillars and burned alive. A certain pious woman named Apollinaria buried her body, which was unharmed by the fire, in the garden outside her house. the fifth century the relics of Saint Anastasia were transferred to Constantinople, where a church was built and dedicated to her. Later the head and a hand of the Great Martyr were transferred to the monastery of Saint Anastasia [Deliverer from Potions], near Mount Athos.

Rome, 284-303, Italian and Bithynian Saint Autonomus, chruch builder, martyr, incorrupt relics
Bithynia, 284-303, Italian and Bithynian Saint Autonomus; Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy, Commemorated on September 12; Hieromartyr Autonomus was a bishop in Italy. During the time of the persecution against Christians under the emperor Diocletian (284-305), Autonomus left his own country and resettled in Bithynia, in the locality of Soreus with a man named Cornelius. Saint Autonomus did his apostolic duty with zeal and converted to Christ so many pagans, that a large Church was formed, for which he consecrated a temple in the name of the Archangel Michael. For this church, the saint at first ordained Cornelius as deacon, and then presbyter. Preaching about Christ, Saint Autonomus visited also Lykaonia and Isauria. emperor Diocletian gave orders to arrest Saint Autonomus, but the saint withdrew to Claudiopolis on the Black Sea. In returning to Soreus, he had the priest Cornelius ordained bishop. Saint Autonomus then went to Asia, and when he had returned from there, he began to preach in the vicinity of Limna, near Soreus. the newly-converted destroyed a pagan temple. The pagans decided to take revenge on the Christians. Seizing their chance, the pagans rushed upon the church of the Archangel Michael when Saint Autonomus was serving Divine Liturgy there. After torturing Saint Autonomus they killed him, reddening the altar of the church with his martyr’s blood. The deaconess Maria removed the body of the holy martyr from beneath a pile of stones and buried it. the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, a church was built over the tomb of the saint. In the year 430, a certain priest had the old church pulled down. Not realizing that the martyr’s body had been buried beneath the church, he rebuilt the church in a new spot. But after another 60 years the relics of the saint were found incorrupt, and a church was then built in the name of the Hieromartyr Autonomus.

Rome, 284-314, Empress, Alexandra, Prisca, Christian Saint, killed w daughter Valeria by Licinius
Rome, 284-314, Emperess Alexandra, Prisca Rome, 284-305, Emperor Diocletian ; Martyr Alexandra the Empress, wife of Diocletian, Commemorated on April 23; Holy Empress Alexandra was the wife of Diocletian (284-305). Her supposed death was described in the Martyrdom of Saint George, which was written immediately after his death. The empress, however, received the crown of martyrdom several years later, in 314. events occurred during these years. In 305 the emperor Diocletian resigned the throne and power passed to his co-ruler Maximian Galerius (305-311), a fanatic pagan, as well as a coarse and fierce soldier. His wife was Saint Valeria, the daughter of the holy Empress Alexandra, whom Diocletian had given in marriage against her will. Alexandra raised her daughter in Christian piety. When Galerius died, the emperor Maximinus sought her hand in marriage. When he was refused, he banished Saint Valeria to Syria, where she lived with her mother. the death of Maximinus in 311 the mother and daughter arrived in Nicomedia, trusting in the mercy of the emperor Licinius (311-324). Together with Saint Constantine, he had subscribed to the Edict of Milan, which gave Christians the freedom of religion, but secretly he remained an enemy of Christianity. Licinius gave orders to execute the holy Empress Alexandra and her daughter Valeria. They were beheaded, and their bodies thrown into the sea. Great Martyr Catherine of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 24;

Rome, 284-303, Roman Saint, Autonomus the Bishop in Italy and Bithynia, martyred by Doocletian, because large church
Roman Saint, 284-303, Autonomus the Bishop in Italy and Bithynia; Hieromartyr Autonomus the Bishop in Italy, Commemorated on September 12; Hieromartyr Autonomus was a bishop in Italy. During the time of the persecution against Christians under the emperor Diocletian (284-305), Saint Autonomus left his own country and resettled in Bithynia, in the locality of Soreus with a man named Cornelius. Saint Autonomus did his apostolic duty with zeal and converted to Christ so many pagans, that a large Church was formed, for which he consecrated a temple in the name of the Archangel Michael. For this church, the saint at first ordained Cornelius as deacon, and then presbyter. Preaching about Christ, Saint Autonomus visited also Lykaonia and Isauria. emperor Diocletian gave orders to arrest Saint Autonomus, but the saint withdrew to Claudiopolis on the Black Sea. In returning to Soreus, he had the priest Cornelius ordained bishop. Saint Autonomus then went to Asia, and when he had returned from there, he began to preach in the vicinity of Limna, near Soreus. the newly-converted destroyed a pagan temple. The pagans decided to take revenge on the Christians. Seizing their chance, the pagans rushed upon the church of the Archangel Michael when Saint Autonomus was serving Divine Liturgy there. After torturing Saint Autonomus they killed him, reddening the altar of the church with his martyr’s blood. The deaconess Maria removed the body of the holy martyr from beneath a pile of stones and buried it. the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, a church was built over the tomb of the saint. In the year 430, a certain priest had the old church pulled down. Not realizing that the martyr’s body had been buried beneath the church, he rebuilt the church in a new spot. But after another 60 years the relics of the saint were found incorrupt, and a church was then built in the name of the Hieromartyr Autonomus.

Rome, 284-305, Saint Zoilus, recovered Chrysognus' relics from sea, Martyred in Cordoba Spain by Diocletian
Roman Saint, 284-305, Saint Zoilus; Zoilus (died 304 AD) is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church. Christian tradition states that he was a young man martyred with nineteen others at Córdoba, Spain under Diocletian. name is mentioned by Prudentius and his name appears in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum as well as the Roman Martyrology. relics were enshrined at the abbey named after him: the Benedictine abbey of San Zoilo de Carrión at Carrión de los Condes, in the Province of Palencia. There was also a monastery near Córdoba dedicated to him. Some of the subsequent Martyrs of Córdoba were associated with this monastery. feast was also celebrated at Chester;[3] he was anciently and incorrectly considered to have reigned by the city's inhabitants. Greatmartyr Anastasia the œDeliverer from Potions, Commemorated on December 22; Martyr Chrysogonus the Teacher of the Greatmartyr Anastasia, Commemorated on December 22;

Rome, 290-306, Demetrius of Thessaloniki, myrrh-gusher, secret christian appointed to kill c, converted many
Macedonian Saint, 290-306, Demetrius of Thessaloniki; (or Demetrios) of Thessaloniki (Greek: Ἅγιος Δημήτριος τῆς Θεσσαλονίκης, Hágios Dēmḗtrios tēs Thessaloníkēs[a]), also known as the Holy Great-Martyr Demetrius the Myroblyte (meaning 'the Myrrh-Gusher' or 'Myrrh-Streamer';[b] 3rd century – 306), was a Christian martyr of the early 4th century AD. the Middle Ages, he came to be revered as one of the most important Orthodox military saints, often paired with George of Lydda. His feast day is 26 October for Eastern Orthodox Christians, which falls on 8 November [NS] for those following the old calendar. In the Roman Catholic church he is most commonly called "Demetrius of Sermium" and his memorial falls on 8 October. Martyr Lupus, slave of Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica, Commemorated on August 23; Martyr Lupus lived at the end of the third century and beginning of the fourth century, and was a faithful servant of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica (October 26). Being present at the death of his master, he soaked his own clothing with his blood and took a ring from his hand. With this clothing, and with the ring and the name of the Great Martyr Demetrius, Saint Lupus worked many miracles at Thessalonica. He destroyed pagan idols, for which he was subjected to persecution by the pagans, but he was preserved unharmed by the power of God. Lupus voluntarily delivered himself into the hands of the torturers, and by order of the emperor Maximian Galerius, he was beheaded by the sword. Holy, Glorious Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 26; Great Martyr Demetrios the Myrrh-gusher of Thessaloniki was the son of a Roman proconsul in Thessaloniki. Three centuries had elapsed and Roman paganism, spiritually shattered and defeated by the multitude of martyrs and confessors of the Savior, intensified its persecutions. parents of Saint Demetrios were secret Christians, and he was baptized and raised in the Christian Faith in a secret church in his father’s home. the time Demetrios had reached maturity and his father had died, Emperor Galerius Maximian had ascended the throne (305). Maximian, confident in Demetrios's education as well as his administrative and military abilities, appointed him to his father’s position as proconsul of the Thessaloniki district. The young commander's principal duties were to defend the city from barbarians and to eradicate Christianity. The Emperor's policy regarding Christians was expressed simply: “Put to death anyone who calls on the name of Christ.” The Emperor did not suspect that by appointing Demetrios he had provided him with the opportunity to bring many people to Christ. the appointment, Demetrios returned to Thessaloniki and confessed and glorified our Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of persecuting and executing Christians, he began to teach the Christian Faith openly to the inhabitants of the city and to overthrow pagan customs and the worship of idols. The compiler of his Life, Saint Simeon Metaphrastes (November 9), says that because of his teaching zeal he became “a second Apostle Paul” for Thessaloniki, particularly since “the Apostle to the Gentiles” founded the first community of believers in the city (1 Thess. and 2 Thess.). Lord also destined Saint Demetrios to follow Saint Paul on the path to martyrdom. When Maximian learned that the newly-appointed proconsul was a Christian, and that he had converted many Roman subjects to Christianity, the Emperor's rage knew no bounds. Returning from a campaign in the area of the Black Sea, the Emperor decided to lead his army through Thessaloniki, determined to massacre the Christians. of this, Saint Demetrios ordered his faithful servant Lupus to give his wealth to the poor saying, “Distribute my earthly riches among them, for we shall seek heavenly riches for ourselves.” He began to pray and fast, preparing himself for martyrdom. the Emperor came into the city, he summoned Demetrios, who boldly confessed himself a Christian and denounced the falsehood and futility of Roman polytheism. Maximian ordered Demetrios to be thrown into prison. An Angel appeared to him, comforting and encouraging him. the Emperor amused himself by staging games in the circus. His champion was a German by the name of Lyaeos. He challenged Christians to wrestle with him on a platform built over the upturned spears of the victorious soldiers. A brave Christian named Nestor went to the prison to Saint Dēmḗtrios, his instructor in the Faith, asking for his blessing to fight the barbarian. With the blessing and prayers of Saint Demetrios, Nestor defeated the fierce German and hurled him from the platform onto the spears of the soldiers, just as the murderous pagan would have done with the Christian. The enraged commander ordered the execution of the holy Martyr Nestor (October 27) and sent a guard to the prison to kill Saint Demetrios. At dawn on October 26, 306 soldiers appeared in the Saint's underground prison and ran him through with lances. His faithful servant, Saint Lupus, gathered up the blood-soaked garment of Saint Dēmḗtrios he took the imperial ring from his finger, a symbol of his high status, and dipped it in the blood. With the ring and other holy things sanctified the blood of Saint Demetrios, Saint Lupus began to heal the infirm. The Emperor ordered his soldiers to arrest and kill him. body of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios was cast out for wild animals to devour, but the Christians took it and secretly buried it in the earth. the reign of Saint Constantine (306-337), a church was built over the grave of Saint Demetrios. A hundred years later, during the construction of a majestic new church on the old spot, the incorrupt relics of the holy martyr were uncovered. Since the seventh century a miraculous flow of fragrant myrrh has been found beneath the crypt of the Great Martyr Demetrios, so he is called “the Myrrh-gusher.” times, those venerating the holy wonderworker tried to bring his holy relics, or a part of them, to Constantinople. Invariably, Saint Demetrios made it clear that he would not permit anyone to remove even a portion of his relics. is interesting that among the barbarians threatening the Romans, Slavs occupied an important place, in particular those settling upon the Thessalonian peninsula. Some even believe that the parents of Saint Dēmḗtrios were of Slavic descent. While advancing towards the city, pagan Slavs were repeatedly turned away by the apparition of a threatening radiant youth, going around on the walls and inspiring terror in the enemy soldiers. Perhaps this is why the name of Saint Demetrios was particularly venerated among the Slavic nations after they were enlightened by the Gospel. On the other hand, Greeks dismiss the idea that Saint Demetrios was a Slavic saint. very first pages of the Russian Primary Chronicle, as foreordained by God, is bound up with the name of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki. The Chronicle relates that when Oleg the Wise threatened the Greeks at Constantinople (907), the Greeks became terrified and said, “This is not Oleg, but rather Saint Demetrios sent upon us from God.” Russian soldiers always believed that they were under the special protection of the holy Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios. Moreover, in the old Russian barracks the Great Martyr Demetrios was always depicted as Russian. Thus this image entered the soul of the Russian nation. veneration of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios in Russia began shortly after the Baptism of Rus. Toward the beginning of the 1070s the Dimitriev monastery at Kiev, known afterwards as the Mikhailov-Zlatoverkh monastery, was founded, The monastery was built by the son of Yaroslav the Wise, Great Prince Izyaslav, Demetrios in Baptism (+ 1078). The mosaic icon of Saint Dēmḗtrios of Thessaloniki from the cathedral of the Dimitriev monastery has been preserved up to the present day, and is in the Tretiakov Gallery. the years 1194-1197 the Great Prince of Vladimir, Vsevolod III the Great-Nest (Demetrios in Baptism) “built at his court a beautiful church of the holy martyr Dēmḗtrios, and adorned it wondrously with icons and frescoes.” The Dimitriev cathedral also reveals the embellishment of ancient Vladimir. The wonderworking icon of Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki from the cathedral iconostasis is located even now in Moscow, at the Tretiakov gallery. It was painted on a piece of wood from the grave of the holy Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios, brought from Thessaloniki to Vladimir in 1197. of the most precious depictions of the saint, a fresco on a column of the Vladimir Dormition cathedral, was painted by the holy Iconographer Andrew Rublev (July 4). family of Saint Alexander Nevsky (November 23 also venerated Saint Demetrios. Saint Alexander named his eldest son in honor of the holy Great Martyr. His younger son, Prince Daniel of Moscow (March 4), built a church dedicated to the holy Great Martyr Demetrios in the 1280s. This was the first stone church in the Moscow Kremlin. Later in 1326, under Ivan Kalita, it was taken down and the Dormition cathedral was built in its place. memory of Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki is historically associated in Rus with the military, patriotism and the defense of the country. This is apparent by the saint’s depiction on icons as a soldier in plumed armor, with a spear and sword in hand. There is a scroll (in later depictions) on which is written the prayer of Saint Dēmḗtrios for the salvation of the people of Thessaloniki, “Lord, do not permit the city or the people to perish. If You save the city and the people, I shall be saved with them. If they perish, I will perish with them.” the particular spiritual experience of the Russian Church, veneration of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki is closely linked with the memory of the defense of the nation and Church by the Great Prince of Moscow, Demetrios of the Don (May 19). “An Account of the Life and Repose of the Great Prince Dēmḗtrios of the Don, Tsar of Russia,” written in the year 1393, already regards the Great Prince as a Saint, as other old Russian histories do. Great Prince Demetrios was a spiritual son and disciple of Saint Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow (February 12), and a disciple and associate of other great figures of prayer in the Russian Land: Saint Sergius of Radonezh (September 25), Demetrios of Priluki (February 11), Saint Theodore of Rostov (November 28). The Account states: [Great Prince Demetrios] worried a great deal about the churches of God, and he held the territory of the Russian land by his bravery: he conquered many enemies who had risen against us, and he protected his glorious city Moscow with wondrous walls. ...The land of Russia prospered during the years of his reign. the time of the building of the white-walled Kremlin (1366) by Great Prince Demetrios, Moscow was called “White-Stoned.” the prayers of his Heavenly patron, the holy warrior Dēmḗtrios of Thessaloniki, Great Prince Demetrios, in addition to his brilliant military victories, also gained the further prominence of Russia. He repelled the onslaught of the Lithuanian armies of Olgerd, he routed the Tatar army of Begich at the River Vozha (1378), and he smashed the military might of all the Golden Horde at the Battle of Kulikovo Field on September 8, 1380 (the Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos), set between the Rivers Don and Nepryadva. The Battle of Kulikovo, for which the nation calls him Dēmḗtrios of the Don, became the first Russian national exploit, rallying the spiritual power of the Russian nation around Moscow. The “Zadonschina,” an inspiring historic poem written by the priest Sophronios of Ryazem (1381) is devoted to this event. Demetrios of the Don had a great reverence for the holy Great Martyr Demetrios. In 1380, on the eve of the Battle of Kulikovo, he solemnly transferred from Vladimir to Moscow the most holy object in the Vladimir Dimitriev cathedral: the icon of the Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios of Thessaloniki, painted on a board from the grave of the saint. A chapel dedicated to the Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios was built at Moscow’s Dormition Cathedral. Saint Demetrios Memorial Saturday was established for church-wide remembrance of the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Kulikovo. This memorial service was held for the first time at the Trinity-Saint Sergius monastery on October 20, 1380 by Saint Sergius of Radonezh, in the presence of Great Prince Demetrios of the Don. It is an annual remembrance of the heroes of the Battle of Kulikovo, among whom are the Schema-monks Alexander (Peresvet) and Andrew (Oslyab). Dēmḗtrios is regarded as a protector of the young, and is also invoked by those struggling with lustful temptations. Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 27;

Rome, 290-307, Lupus, slave of Demetrius of T, soaked with D's blood, took ring, worked miracles, destroyed idols
Martyr Lupus, slave of Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica, Commemorated on August 23; Martyr Lupus lived at the end of the third century and beginning of the fourth century, and was a faithful servant of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica (October 26). Being present at the death of his master, he soaked his own clothing with his blood and took a ring from his hand. With this clothing, and with the ring and the name of the Great Martyr Demetrius, Saint Lupus worked many miracles at Thessalonica. He destroyed pagan idols, for which he was subjected to persecution by the pagans, but he was preserved unharmed by the power of God. Lupus voluntarily delivered himself into the hands of the torturers, and by order of the emperor Maximian Galerius, he was beheaded by the sword. Holy, Glorious Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 26; Great Martyr Demetrios the Myrrh-gusher of Thessaloniki was the son of a Roman proconsul in Thessaloniki. Three centuries had elapsed and Roman paganism, spiritually shattered and defeated by the multitude of martyrs and confessors of the Savior, intensified its persecutions. parents of Saint Demetrios were secret Christians, and he was baptized and raised in the Christian Faith in a secret church in his father’s home. the time Demetrios had reached maturity and his father had died, Emperor Galerius Maximian had ascended the throne (305). Maximian, confident in Demetrios's education as well as his administrative and military abilities, appointed him to his father’s position as proconsul of the Thessaloniki district. The young commander's principal duties were to defend the city from barbarians and to eradicate Christianity. The Emperor's policy regarding Christians was expressed simply: “Put to death anyone who calls on the name of Christ.” The Emperor did not suspect that by appointing Demetrios he had provided him with the opportunity to bring many people to Christ. the appointment, Demetrios returned to Thessaloniki and confessed and glorified our Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of persecuting and executing Christians, he began to teach the Christian Faith openly to the inhabitants of the city and to overthrow pagan customs and the worship of idols. The compiler of his Life, Saint Simeon Metaphrastes (November 9), says that because of his teaching zeal he became “a second Apostle Paul” for Thessaloniki, particularly since “the Apostle to the Gentiles” founded the first community of believers in the city (1 Thess. and 2 Thess.). Lord also destined Saint Demetrios to follow Saint Paul on the path to martyrdom. When Maximian learned that the newly-appointed proconsul was a Christian, and that he had converted many Roman subjects to Christianity, the Emperor's rage knew no bounds. Returning from a campaign in the area of the Black Sea, the Emperor decided to lead his army through Thessaloniki, determined to massacre the Christians. of this, Saint Demetrios ordered his faithful servant Lupus to give his wealth to the poor saying, “Distribute my earthly riches among them, for we shall seek heavenly riches for ourselves.” He began to pray and fast, preparing himself for martyrdom. the Emperor came into the city, he summoned Demetrios, who boldly confessed himself a Christian and denounced the falsehood and futility of Roman polytheism. Maximian ordered Demetrios to be thrown into prison. An Angel appeared to him, comforting and encouraging him. the Emperor amused himself by staging games in the circus. His champion was a German by the name of Lyaeos. He challenged Christians to wrestle with him on a platform built over the upturned spears of the victorious soldiers. A brave Christian named Nestor went to the prison to Saint Dēmḗtrios, his instructor in the Faith, asking for his blessing to fight the barbarian. With the blessing and prayers of Saint Demetrios, Nestor defeated the fierce German and hurled him from the platform onto the spears of the soldiers, just as the murderous pagan would have done with the Christian. The enraged commander ordered the execution of the holy Martyr Nestor (October 27) and sent a guard to the prison to kill Saint Demetrios. At dawn on October 26, 306 soldiers appeared in the Saint's underground prison and ran him through with lances. His faithful servant, Saint Lupus, gathered up the blood-soaked garment of Saint Dēmḗtrios he took the imperial ring from his finger, a symbol of his high status, and dipped it in the blood. With the ring and other holy things sanctified the blood of Saint Demetrios, Saint Lupus began to heal the infirm. The Emperor ordered his soldiers to arrest and kill him. body of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios was cast out for wild animals to devour, but the Christians took it and secretly buried it in the earth. the reign of Saint Constantine (306-337), a church was built over the grave of Saint Demetrios. A hundred years later, during the construction of a majestic new church on the old spot, the incorrupt relics of the holy martyr were uncovered. Since the seventh century a miraculous flow of fragrant myrrh has been found beneath the crypt of the Great Martyr Demetrios, so he is called “the Myrrh-gusher.” times, those venerating the holy wonderworker tried to bring his holy relics, or a part of them, to Constantinople. Invariably, Saint Demetrios made it clear that he would not permit anyone to remove even a portion of his relics. is interesting that among the barbarians threatening the Romans, Slavs occupied an important place, in particular those settling upon the Thessalonian peninsula. Some even believe that the parents of Saint Dēmḗtrios were of Slavic descent. While advancing towards the city, pagan Slavs were repeatedly turned away by the apparition of a threatening radiant youth, going around on the walls and inspiring terror in the enemy soldiers. Perhaps this is why the name of Saint Demetrios was particularly venerated among the Slavic nations after they were enlightened by the Gospel. On the other hand, Greeks dismiss the idea that Saint Demetrios was a Slavic saint. very first pages of the Russian Primary Chronicle, as foreordained by God, is bound up with the name of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki. The Chronicle relates that when Oleg the Wise threatened the Greeks at Constantinople (907), the Greeks became terrified and said, “This is not Oleg, but rather Saint Demetrios sent upon us from God.” Russian soldiers always believed that they were under the special protection of the holy Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios. Moreover, in the old Russian barracks the Great Martyr Demetrios was always depicted as Russian. Thus this image entered the soul of the Russian nation. veneration of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios in Russia began shortly after the Baptism of Rus. Toward the beginning of the 1070s the Dimitriev monastery at Kiev, known afterwards as the Mikhailov-Zlatoverkh monastery, was founded, The monastery was built by the son of Yaroslav the Wise, Great Prince Izyaslav, Demetrios in Baptism (+ 1078). The mosaic icon of Saint Dēmḗtrios of Thessaloniki from the cathedral of the Dimitriev monastery has been preserved up to the present day, and is in the Tretiakov Gallery. the years 1194-1197 the Great Prince of Vladimir, Vsevolod III the Great-Nest (Demetrios in Baptism) “built at his court a beautiful church of the holy martyr Dēmḗtrios, and adorned it wondrously with icons and frescoes.” The Dimitriev cathedral also reveals the embellishment of ancient Vladimir. The wonderworking icon of Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki from the cathedral iconostasis is located even now in Moscow, at the Tretiakov gallery. It was painted on a piece of wood from the grave of the holy Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios, brought from Thessaloniki to Vladimir in 1197. of the most precious depictions of the saint, a fresco on a column of the Vladimir Dormition cathedral, was painted by the holy Iconographer Andrew Rublev (July 4). family of Saint Alexander Nevsky (November 23 also venerated Saint Demetrios. Saint Alexander named his eldest son in honor of the holy Great Martyr. His younger son, Prince Daniel of Moscow (March 4), built a church dedicated to the holy Great Martyr Demetrios in the 1280s. This was the first stone church in the Moscow Kremlin. Later in 1326, under Ivan Kalita, it was taken down and the Dormition cathedral was built in its place. memory of Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki is historically associated in Rus with the military, patriotism and the defense of the country. This is apparent by the saint’s depiction on icons as a soldier in plumed armor, with a spear and sword in hand. There is a scroll (in later depictions) on which is written the prayer of Saint Dēmḗtrios for the salvation of the people of Thessaloniki, “Lord, do not permit the city or the people to perish. If You save the city and the people, I shall be saved with them. If they perish, I will perish with them.” the particular spiritual experience of the Russian Church, veneration of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki is closely linked with the memory of the defense of the nation and Church by the Great Prince of Moscow, Demetrios of the Don (May 19). “An Account of the Life and Repose of the Great Prince Dēmḗtrios of the Don, Tsar of Russia,” written in the year 1393, already regards the Great Prince as a Saint, as other old Russian histories do. Great Prince Demetrios was a spiritual son and disciple of Saint Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow (February 12), and a disciple and associate of other great figures of prayer in the Russian Land: Saint Sergius of Radonezh (September 25), Demetrios of Priluki (February 11), Saint Theodore of Rostov (November 28). The Account states: [Great Prince Demetrios] worried a great deal about the churches of God, and he held the territory of the Russian land by his bravery: he conquered many enemies who had risen against us, and he protected his glorious city Moscow with wondrous walls. ...The land of Russia prospered during the years of his reign. the time of the building of the white-walled Kremlin (1366) by Great Prince Demetrios, Moscow was called “White-Stoned.” the prayers of his Heavenly patron, the holy warrior Dēmḗtrios of Thessaloniki, Great Prince Demetrios, in addition to his brilliant military victories, also gained the further prominence of Russia. He repelled the onslaught of the Lithuanian armies of Olgerd, he routed the Tatar army of Begich at the River Vozha (1378), and he smashed the military might of all the Golden Horde at the Battle of Kulikovo Field on September 8, 1380 (the Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos), set between the Rivers Don and Nepryadva. The Battle of Kulikovo, for which the nation calls him Dēmḗtrios of the Don, became the first Russian national exploit, rallying the spiritual power of the Russian nation around Moscow. The “Zadonschina,” an inspiring historic poem written by the priest Sophronios of Ryazem (1381) is devoted to this event. Demetrios of the Don had a great reverence for the holy Great Martyr Demetrios. In 1380, on the eve of the Battle of Kulikovo, he solemnly transferred from Vladimir to Moscow the most holy object in the Vladimir Dimitriev cathedral: the icon of the Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios of Thessaloniki, painted on a board from the grave of the saint. A chapel dedicated to the Great Martyr Dēmḗtrios was built at Moscow’s Dormition Cathedral. Saint Demetrios Memorial Saturday was established for church-wide remembrance of the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Kulikovo. This memorial service was held for the first time at the Trinity-Saint Sergius monastery on October 20, 1380 by Saint Sergius of Radonezh, in the presence of Great Prince Demetrios of the Don. It is an annual remembrance of the heroes of the Battle of Kulikovo, among whom are the Schema-monks Alexander (Peresvet) and Andrew (Oslyab). Dēmḗtrios is regarded as a protector of the young, and is also invoked by those struggling with lustful temptations. Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 27;

Rome, 293-343, Nicholas, St Nick, Lycian Saint, Bishop of Myra, Wonderworker
Lycian Saint, 293-343, Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra; Translation of the relics of St Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari, Commemorated on May 9 ; Icon of the Mother of God œthe ConverserÂ, Commemorated on August 14;

Rome, 293-306, Emperor, Constantius Chlorus, Caesar in 293 then Emperor in 305, Constantine's father
Roman Emperor, 293-306, Constantius Chlorus; Valerius Constantius "Chlorus" (c. 250 - 25 July 306), also called Constantius I, was a Roman emperor as one of the four original members the "Tetrarchy" established by Diocletian in 293. He was a junior-ranking emperor, or Caesar, from 293 to 305, and senior emperor, Augustus, from 305 to 306. Constantius was also the father of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor of Rome. The nickname Chlorus (Greek: Î§Î»Ï‰ÏÏŒÏ‚, lit. "the Green") was first popularized by Byzantine-era historians and was not used during the emperor's lifetime.[2] Illyrian and probably humble origin, Constantius had a distinguished military career and rose to the top ranks of the army. Around 289 he set aside Helena, Constantine's mother, to marry a daughter of Emperor Maximian, and in 293 was added to the imperial college by Maximian's colleague, Diocletian. Assigned to rule Gaul, Constantius defeated the usurper Carausius there and his successor Allectus in Britain, and campaigned extensively along the Rhine frontier, defeating the Alamanni and Franks. When the Diocletianic Persecution was announced in 303, Constantius ordered the demolition of churches but did not actively hunt down Christians in his domain.[2] Upon becoming senior emperor in May 305, Constantius launched a successful punitive campaign against the Picts beyond the Antonine Wall.[3] He died suddenly at Eboracum (York) in July the following year. Constantius's death, the army, perhaps at his own instigation, immediately acclaimed his son Constantine as emperor. This act contributed to the collapse of the Diocletianic tetrarchy, sparking a series civil wars which only ended when Constantine finally united the whole Roman Empire under his rule in 324. According to the Oxford Classical Dictionary, "Constantinian propaganda bedevils assessment of Constantius, yet he appears to have been an able general and a generous ruler".[4] His descendants, the Constantinian dynasty, ruled the Empire until the death of his grandson Julian in 363. Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Commemorated on September 14; Hieromartyr Cyprian of Nicomedia, Commemorated on October 2 ; Martyr Tarachus at Tarsus, in Cilicia, Commemorated on October 12; Blessed Cleopatra with her son in Egypt, Commemorated on October 19; Martyr Varus, Commemorated on October 19; St Alexander the Bishop at Adrianopolis, Commemorated on October 22; St Crispina, Commemorated on December 5; NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 6; LUCY, VIRGIN AND MARTYR, abt. 304, Commemorated December 13; Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 5; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Virginmartyr Euphrasia of Nicomedia, Commemorated on January 19; AGNES OF ROME, MARTYR (21 JAN 304) ; Virginmartyr Agnes of Rome, Commemorated on January 21; VINCENT OF SARAGOSSA, DEACON AND MARTYR (22 JAN 304); Presbyter Ananias in Phoenicia, Commemorated on January 26; Martyr Neophytus of Nicea, Commemorated on January 21; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Martyr Manuel, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; Hieromartyr Artemon the Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria, Commemorated on April 13; Martyr Victor of Nicomedia, Commemorated on April 18 ;

Rome, 293-306, Constantius Chlorus, Roman Britain and Gaul Caesar, Father of Constantine the Great
England, 293-306, Roman Britain and Gaul Caesar, Constantius Chlorus, Father of Constantine the Great; Equal of the Apostles and Emperor Constantine with his Mother Helen, Commemorated on May 21;

Rome, 296-304, Pope Marcellinus, cowardice, humbled himself, repented, martyred
Roman Pope, 296-304, Pope Marcellinus; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Marcellinus was Pope of Rome during the height of the persecution against Christians under Diocletian and Maximian (284-305), when 17,000 men were martyred a single month. During this time Saint Marcellinus was also arrested. Afraid of the fierce tortures, he burned incense and offered sacrifice to idols. The emperor called him his friend and clothed him in splendid robes. Although he had encouraged others to undergo torture for Christ, he gave in to cowardice. He wept bitterly, filled with remorse. this time, a Synod of 180 bishops and presbyters met at the city of Sinuessa (in Campania). Saint Marcellinus appeared at the assembly in penitential sackcloth, his head sprinkled with ashes. He confessed his sin before the delegates and asked them to judge him. The Fathers of the Council said, “Judge yourself! From your lips this sin came forth, from your lips let judgment be pronounced. We know that even Saint Peter denied Christ out of fear, but he wept bitterly for his sin, and received forgiveness from the Lord.â€ Marcellinus pronounced sentence upon himself, “I strip myself of the priestly dignity, of which I am unworthy. After death, do not bury my body, but instead throw it to the dogs. Cursed be the one who dares to bury it.â€ his return to Rome Marcellinus went to the emperor, threw down the fine clothing given him, and said that he regretted his renunciation of Christ. The enraged emperor had him tortured, and sentenced him to death. Marcellinus prayed to the Lord Jesus Christ, Who mercifully receives sinners who repent, then willingly placed his head beneath the sword. The holy martyrs Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus were beheaded with him. body of Saint Marcellinus lay for thirty-six days along the wayside. Appearing in a vision to the new bishop Marcellus, the holy Apostle Peter said, “Why have you not buried the body of Marcellinus?â€ “I fear his curse,â€ replied Saint Marcellus. “Perhaps you do not remember,â€ said the Apostle Peter, “that it is written: ‘He that humbles himself shall be exalted.’ Therefore, go bury his body with reverence.â€ the command of the Apostle Peter, Saint Marcellus buried the body of Saint Marcellinus in a crypt, built for the burial of the bodies of martyrs by the illustrious Priscilla, along the Via Salaria. Martyr Priscilla of Rome, Commemorated on June 7;

Rome, 300, 4th Century, Folder, R. Empire, Diocletian then Constantine and Legal Christianity

Rome, 301-311, Martyrs Menodora, Metrodora, and Nymphodora, Bithynia, special piety, healings, martyrdom, fire, rain
Bithynia, 300-311, Martyrs Menodora, Metrodora, and Nymphodora; Great Martyr George, died in Nicomedia, 303; Martyr Menodora at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 10; Holy Virgins Menodora, Nymphodora, and Metrodora (305-311), were sisters from Bithynia (Asia Minor). Distinguished for their special piety, they wanted to preserve their virginity and avoid worldly associations. They chose a solitary place for themselves in the wilderness and spent their lives in deeds of fasting and prayer. of the holy life of the virgins soon spread, since healings of the sick began to occur through their prayers. The Bithynia region was governed at that time by a man named Frontonus, who ordered that the sisters be arrested and brought before him. first he tried to persuade them to renounce Christ, promising great honors and rewards. But the holy sisters steadfastly confessed their faith before him, rejecting all his suggestions. They told him that they did not value the temporal things of this world, and that they were prepared to die for their Heavenly Bridegroom, for death would be their gateway to eternal life. into a rage, the governor took out his wrath on Saint Menodora, the eldest sister. She was stripped of her clothes and beaten by four men, while a herald urged her to offer sacrifice to the gods. The saint bravely endured the torments and cried out, “Sacrifice? Can’t you see that I am offering myself as a sacrifice to my God?” Then they renewed their torments with even greater severity. Then the martyr cried out, “ Lord Jesus Christ, joy of my heart, my hope, receive my soul in peace.” With these words she gave up her soul to God, and went to her Heavenly Bridegroom. days later, they brought the two younger sisters Metrodora and Nymphodora to the court. They showed them the battered body of their older sister to frighten them. The virgins wept over her, but remained steadfast. Saint Metrodora was tortured. She died, crying out to her beloved Lord Jesus Christ with her last breath. Then they turned to the third sister, Nymphodora. Before her lay the bruised bodies of her sisters. Frontonus hoped that this sight would intimidate the young virgin. that he was charmed by her youth and beauty, he urged her to worship the pagan gods, promising great rewards and honors. Saint Nymphodora scoffed at his words, and shared the fate of her older sisters. She was tortured and beaten to death with iron rods. bodies of the holy martyrs were to be burned in a fire, but a heavy rain extinguished the blazing fire, and lightning struck down Frontonus and his servant. Christians took up the bodies of the holy sisters and reverently buried them at the so-called Warm Springs at Pythias (Bithynia). of the relics of the holy martyrs are preserved on Mt. Athos in the Protection cathedral of the Saint Panteleimon Russian monastery, and the hand of Saint Metrodora is on the Holy Mountain in the monastery of the Pantocrator. St Theodore the Sykeote the Bishop of Anastasiopolis, Commemorated on April 22 ;

Rome, 303-313, Diocletian Persecution, recinding Christians' rights, d idol worship, Copper Mines
Roman Diocletian Persecution, 303, copper mines at Phaeno in Palestine and Cilicia in Asia Minor ; Hieromartyr Silvanus of Gaza, Commemorated on October 14; Hieromartyr Silvanus the Bishop of Gaza, and with him 40 Martyrs, Commemorated on May 4 ;

Rome, 303-320, 9yr old Martyr Basilissa of Nicomedia, tortured, her firmness converted Gov Alex
Nicomedia; Martyr Basilissa of Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 3; Martyr Basilissa of Nicomedia suffered for her faith in Christ under the emperor Diocletian. The Nicomedia governor Alexander gave orders to arrest the nine-year-old Basilissa and force her to renounce Christ. But the young maiden displayed unshakable firmness in fidelity to her Lord, and so she was subjected to protracted and intense torture. the grace of God, the holy martyr remained alive and unharmed. This was evident to all those present as a manifestation of the power of God, and it so upset the governor Alexander, that he also came to believe in Christ and confessed himself a Christian. later by Bishop Anthimus, he lived for a short while in deep repentance, and then departed peacefully to the Lord, as did Saint Basilissa some while after him. Her death was peaceful and accompanied by miraculous signs of God’s mercy.

Rome, 303-313, Hieromartyrs of Cherson, Diocletian Persecution
Bosporan Kingdom in Thaurica (Crimea), 438 BC - 370 AD; Bosporan Kingdom of the Roman Empire; Hieromartyrs of Cherson, 303-313 Diocletian Persecution; Hieromartyr Basil of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7;

Rome, 304, Euphemia the all Praised, Chalcedon, stood alone, incorrupt relics, angel help, animals, then confessor in 451
Bithynia, 304, Euphemia the all Praised, Chalcedon, stood alone, incorrupt relics; Holy Great Martyr Euphēmia was the daughter of Christian parents, the senator Philophronos and his wife Theodosia. She suffered for Christ in the year 304 in the city of Chalcedon, on the Bosphorus opposite Constantinople, the Queen of Cities. the Proconsul of Chalcedon, issued a decree which required all the inhabitants of Chalcedon and the surrounding area to attend a pagan festival, in order to worship and offer sacrifice to the idol of Ares. He threatened grave torments for anyone who failed to appear. During this impious festival, 49 Christians were hidden in one house, where they worshiped the true God in secret. The young virgin Euphēmia was among those who prayed there. their hiding place was discovered, and they were brought before Priscus to answer the charges against them. For nineteen days the martyrs were subjected to various torments, but none of them wavered in their faith, nor did they consent to offer sacrifice to the idol. The governor, beside himself with rage and not knowing any other way of forcing the Christians to abandon their faith, sent them to Emperor Diocletian for trial. He kept the youngest, the virgin Euphēmia, hoping that she would not persevere if she were left all alone. from her fellow-Christians, Saint Euphēmia fervently prayed that the Lord Jesus Christ would strengthen her for her impending ordeal. Priscus urged the Saint to offer sacrifice to the idol, promising her many rewards. When she refused, he ordered that she be tortured. martyr was tied to a wheel with sharp knives attached to it, which slashed her body. The Saint prayed aloud, and miraculously, the wheel stopped by itself and would not move despite all the efforts of the executioners. An angel of the Lord, came down from Heaven, removed Euphēmia from the wheel, and healed her of her wounds, and the Saint gave thanks to God. did not notice the miracle which had taken place, so he ordered the soldiers Victor and Sosthenes to take the Saint to a red-hot furnace. the soldiers, seeing two Angels in the midst of the flames, refused to carry out the Proconsul's order and declared that they believed in the God Whom Euphēmia worshipped. Boldly proclaiming that they were Christians, Victor and Sosthenes awaited punishment. They were sentenced to be devoured by wild beasts. In the arena, they begged God to forgive the sins they had committed, asking the Lord to receive them into the Heavenly Kingdom. A Divine voice was heard, and the two soldiers entered into eternal life. The beasts, however, did not harm their bodies. Euphēmia, cast into the fire by other soldiers, did not suffer. With God's help she emerged unscathed after many other torments. Ascribing these things to sorcery, Priscus ordered a pit to be dug. Filling it with knives, he had it covered over with earth and grass, so that the martyr would not notice this trap. again, Saint Euphēmia remained safe, walking over the pit. Finally, she was sentenced to be devoured by wild beasts in the arena. Before her execution the Saint prayed that the Lord would deem her worthy of martyrdom. But none of the bears or lions attacked her, but only licked her feet. Finally, one she-bear wounded her foot, which bled slightly, and the Holy Great Martyr Euphēmia died right away. As her soul departed, there was an earthquake. The city was shaken, the walls fell down, and the pagan temples crumbled. As Saint Euphēmia lay dead in the sand, the guards and spectators fled in terror, so that the Saint's parents were able to take her body and bury it near Chalcedon. a majestic church was built over the grave of the Great Martyr Euphēmia. The sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council took place there in the year 451. At that time, the Holy Great Martyr Euphēmia confirmed the Orthodox confession of faith in a miraculous way, exposing the Monophysite heresy. That miracle is commemorated on July 11. the Persians captured Chalcedon in the year 617, the relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphēmia were transferred to Constantinople (around the year 620). During the Iconoclast heresy, the reliquary containing Saint Euphēmia's relics seems to have been thrown into the sea, but pious sailors recovered them. They were brought to the island of Lemnos, and they were returned to Constantinople in 796. incorrupt body of Saint Euphēmia is in the Patriarchal Church of Saint George at the Phanar in Constantinople. Portions of her relics are to be found in Kykkos Monastery on Cyprus, and in the Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra at Saint Petersburg. Chalcedon; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Miracle of Saint Euphemia the All-Praised: The holy Great Martyr Euphemia (September 16) suffered martyrdom in the city of Chalcedon in the year 304, during the time of the persecution against Christians by the emperor Diocletian (284-305). One and a half centuries later, at a time when the Christian Church had become victorious within the Roman Empire, God deigned that Euphemia the All-Praised should again be a witness and confessor of the purity of the Orthodox teaching. the year 451 in the city of Chalcedon, in the very church where the glorified relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia rested, the sessions of the Fourth Ecumenical Council (July 16) took place. The Council was convened for determining the precise dogmatic formulae of the Orthodox Church concerning the nature of the God-Man Jesus Christ. This was necessary because of the widespread heresy of the Monophysites [“mono-physis” meaning “one nature”], who opposed the Orthodox teaching of the two natures in Jesus Christ, the Divine and the Human natures (in one Divine Person). The Monophysites falsely affirmed that in Christ was only one nature, the Divine [i.e. that Jesus is God but not man, by nature], causing discord and unrest within the Church. At the Council were present 630 representatives from all the local Christian Churches. On the Orthodox side Anatolius, Patriarch of Constantinople (July 3), Juvenal, Patriarch of Jerusalem (July 2), and representatives of Saint Leo, Pope of Rome (February 18) participated in the conciliar deliberations. The Monophysites were present in large numbers, headed by Dioscorus, the Patriarch of Alexandria, and the Constantinople archimandrite Eutychius. prolonged discussions the two sides could not come to a decisive agreement. holy Patriarch Anatolius of Constantinople proposed that the Council submit the decision of the Church dispute to the Holy Spirit, through His undoubted bearer Saint Euphemia the All-Praised, whose wonderworking relics had been discovered during the Council’s discussions. The Orthodox hierarchs and their opponents wrote down their confessions of faith on separate scrolls and sealed them with their seals. They opened the tomb of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia and placed both scrolls upon her bosom. Then, in the presence of the emperor Marcian (450-457), the participants of the Council sealed the tomb, putting on it the imperial seal and setting a guard to watch over it for three days. During these days both sides imposed upon themselves strict fast and made intense prayer. After three days the patriarch and the emperor in the presence of the Council opened the tomb with its relics: the scroll with the Orthodox confession was held by Saint Euphemia in her right hand, and the scroll of the heretics lay at her feet. Saint Euphemia, as though alive, raised her hand and gave the scroll to the patriarch. After this miracle many of the hesitant accepted the Orthodox confession, while those remaining obstinant in the heresy were consigned to the Council’s condemnation and excommunication. an invasion by the Persians during the seventh century, the relics of Saint Euphemia were transferred from Chalcedon to Constantinople, into a newly built church dedicated to her. Many years later, during the period of the Iconoclast heresy, the reliquary with the relics of the saint was cast into the sea by order of the Iconoclast emperor Leo the Isaurian (716-741). The reliquary was rescued from the sea by the ship-owning brothers Sergius and Sergonos, who gave it over to the local bishop. The holy bishop ordered that the relics be preserved in secret, beneath a crypt, since the Iconoclast heresy was continuing to rage. A small church was built over the relics, and over the reliquary was put a board with an inscription stating whose relics rested within. When the Iconoclast heresy was finally condemned at the holy Seventh Ecumenical Council (in the year 787), during the time of Saint Tarasius, Patriarch of Constantinople (784-806) and the emperor Constantine VI (780-797) and his mother Saint Irene (797-802), the relics of the holy Great Martyr Euphemia were once again solemnly transferred to Constantinople. Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on September 16 ;

Rome, 305-311, Emperor, Maximian Galerius, Fanatic Pagan, horrible disease, ended D Persecution
Rome, 305-311, Emperor Maximian Galerius ; Galerius, Sophia, Castle of Roman emperor Galerius; Galerius Valerius Maximianus (c. 258 - May 311) was Roman emperor from 305 to 311. his reign he campaigned, aided by Diocletian, against the Sassanid Empire, sacking their capital Ctesiphon in 299. also campaigned across the Danube against the Carpi, defeating them in 297 and 300. he was a staunch opponent of Christianity, Galerius ended the Diocletianic Persecution when he issued an Edict of Toleration in Serdica in 311. life[edit] was born near Serdica,[14] in Dacia Ripensis, later named Dacia Mediterranea, though some modern scholars consider the strategic site where he later built his palace named after his mother – Felix Romuliana (Gamzigrad) – his birth and funeral place.[12] father was a Thracian and his mother Romula had left Roman Dacia because of the Carpians' attacks.[15][16]: 19  He originally followed his father's occupation, that of a herdsman, where he was nicknamed Armentarius, herdsman. Galerius' father-in-law and senior emperor served with distinction as a soldier under Emperors Aurelian and Probus, and in 293 at the establishment of the Tetrarchy, was designated Caesar along with Constantius Chlorus, receiving in marriage Diocletian's daughter Valeria (later known as Galeria Valeria), and at the same time being entrusted with the care of the Illyrian provinces. a few years campaigning against Sarmatians and Goths on the Danube, he received command of the legions on the eastern imperial limits. Soon after his appointment, Galerius was dispatched to Egypt to fight the rebellious cities Busiris and Coptos.[17] with Persia[edit] See also: Roman relations with the Parthians and Sassanids and Roman–Persian Wars counterinvasion[edit] 294, Narseh, a son of Shapur I, who had been passed over for the Sassanid succession, came into power in Persia. Narseh probably moved to eliminate Bahram III, a young man installed by a noble named Vahunam in the wake of Bahram II's death in 293.[18]: 292 [19]: 69  In early 294, Narseh sent Diocletian the customary package of gifts, but within Persia, he was destroying every trace of his immediate predecessors, erasing their names from public monuments. He sought to identify himself with the warlike reigns of Ardashir (r. 226–41) and Shapur (r. 241–72), who had sacked Roman Antioch and captured Emperor Valerian.[19]: 69–70  295 or 296, Narseh declared war on Rome. He appears to have first invaded western Armenia, retaking the lands delivered to Tiridates in the peace of 287. He occupied the lands there until the following year.[18][20]: 149 [21]: 292 [22] historian Ammianus Marcellinus, circa 320–395, is the only source detailing the initial invasion of Armenia.[23] Southern (1999, 149) dates the invasion to 295; Barnes (1982, 17, 293) mentions an earlier, unsuccessful invasion by Narseh based on the fact that the title Persici Maximi was given to all four emperors; Odahl (2004, 59) concurs with Barnes and suggests that Saracen princes in the Syrian desert collaborated with Narseh's invasion. then moved south into Roman Mesopotamia, where he inflicted a severe defeat on Galerius, then commander of the eastern forces, in the region between Carrhae (Harran, Turkey) and Callinicum (Raqqa, Syria).[21] may or may not have been present at the battle,[18]: 652  but presented himself soon afterwards at Antioch, where the official version of events was made clear: Galerius was to take all the blame for the affair. Antioch, Diocletian forced Galerius to walk a mile in advance of his imperial cart while still clad in the purple robes of an emperor.[18][21]: 292–3  The message conveyed was clear; the loss at Carrhae was not due to the failings of the empire's soldiers, but due to the failings of their commander, and Galerius' failures would not be accepted.[24] Galerius' position at the head of the caravan possibly was merely the conventional organization of an imperial progression, designed to show a Caesar's deference to his Augustus.[25] of Galerius attacking Narseh on the Arch of Galerius at Thessaloniki, Greece, the city where Galerius carried out most of his administrative actions.[20]: 151  army was reinforced probably in the spring of 298 by new contingents collected from the empire's Danubian holdings.[26] did not advance from Armenia and Mesopotamia leaving Galerius to lead the offensive in 298 with an attack on northern Mesopotamia via Armenia.[24] may or may not have been present to assist the campaign.[27] retreated to Armenia to fight Galerius' force, to Narseh's disadvantage; the rugged Armenian terrain was favorable to Roman infantry, but not to Sassanid cavalry. Local aid gave Galerius the advantage of surprise over the Persian forces, and, in two successive battles, Galerius secured victories over Narseh.[24][26] the second encounter, the Battle of Satala in 298, Roman forces seized Narseh's camp, his treasury, his harem, and his wife.[24][26] Narseh's wife would live out the remainder of the war in Daphne, a suburb of Antioch, serving as a constant reminder to the Persians of the Roman victory.[24] advanced into Media and Adiabene, winning continuous victories, most prominently near Theodosiopolis (Erzurum),[20]: 151  securing Nisibis (Nusaybin) before 1 October 298. He moved down the Tigris, taking Ctesiphon, and gazing onwards to the ruins of Babylon before returning to Roman territory via the Euphrates.[26] source ever specifically claims that Ctesiphon was sacked, but it is assumed to have been, primarily due to the seizure of Narseh's wife and harem.[20]: 150  negotiations[edit] had previously sent an ambassador to Galerius to plead for the return of his wife and children, but Galerius had dismissed this ambassador, reminding him of how Shapur had treated Valerian.[26] Romans, in any case, treated Narseh's captured family well perhaps seeking to evoke comparisons to Alexander and his beneficent conduct towards the family of Darius III.[24] negotiations began in the spring of 299, with both Diocletian and Galerius presiding. Their magister memoriae (secretary) Sicorius Probus was sent to Narseh to present terms.[26] conditions of the Peace of Nisibis were heavy:[24] Persia would give up territory to Rome, making the Tigris the boundary between the two empires. terms specified that Armenia was returned to Roman domination with the fort of Ziatha as its border; Caucasian Iberia would pay allegiance to Rome under a Roman appointee; now under Roman rule, would become the sole conduit for trade between Persia and Rome; and Rome would exercise control over the five satrapies between the Tigris and Armenia: Ingilene, Sophanene (Sophene), Arzanene (Aghdznik), Corduene, and Zabdicene (near modern Hakkâri, Turkey). regions included the passage of the Tigris through the Anti-Taurus range; the Bitlis pass, the quickest southerly route into Persian Armenia; and access to the Tur Abdin plateau. these territories, Rome would have an advance station north of Ctesiphon, and would be able to slow any future advance of Persian forces through the region.[28] the terms of the peace, Tiridates would regain both his throne and the entirety of his ancestral claim, and Rome would secure a wide zone of cultural influence in the region.[26] Because the empire was able to sustain such constant warfare on so many fronts, it has been taken as a sign of the essential efficacy of the Diocletianic system and the goodwill of the army towards the tetrarchic enterprise.[20]: 150  as Augustus[edit] of Galerius the elevation of Constantius I and Galerius to the rank of Augustus, two new Caesars were required to take their place. The two persons whom Galerius promoted to the rank of Caesar were very much his creatures, and he hoped to enhance his authority throughout the empire with their elevation.[29] was Maximinus Daza, whose mother was Galerius' sister. An inexperienced youth with little formal education, he was invested with the purple, exalted to the dignity of Caesar, and assigned the command of Egypt and Syria. Second was Severus, Galerius' comrade in arms; he was sent to Milan to receive the possession of Italy and Africa. According to the forms of the constitution, Severus acknowledged the supremacy of the western emperor, but he was absolutely devoted to the commands of his benefactor Galerius, who, reserving to himself the intermediate countries from the confines of Italy to those of Syria, firmly established his power over three-quarters of the empire.[29] hopes were dashed when his colleague Constantius died at York in 306 and the legions elevated his son Constantine to the position of Augustus. Galerius only discovered this when he received a letter from Constantine, who informed him of his father's death, modestly asserted his natural claim to the succession, and respectfully lamented that the enthusiastic violence of his troops had not allowed him to obtain the imperial purple in the regular and constitutional manner. The first emotions of Galerius were those of surprise, disappointment, and rage, and as he could seldom restrain his passions, he threatened to burn both the letter and the messenger.[30][31][32][33] however, when he had time to reconsider his position, he inevitably saw that his chances of winning a war against Constantine were doubtful at best. Galerius was well aware of Constantine's strengths – Constantine had been his guest for some time at Nicomedia – and knew that Constantius' legions were wildly devoted to his son.[29] Therefore, without either condemning or ratifying the choice of the Roman army, Galerius accepted the son of his deceased colleague as the ruler of the provinces beyond the Alps; but he gave him only the title of Caesar, and the fourth rank among the Roman princes, whilst he conferred the vacant place of Augustus on his favourite Severus. ambitious spirit of Galerius was only just over this disappointment when he beheld the unexpected loss of Italy to Maxentius, who was married to his daughter Valeria Maximilla.[34] Galerius’ need for additional revenue had persuaded him to make a very strict and rigorous examination of the property of his subjects for the purpose of a general taxation. A very minute survey was taken of their real estates and, wherever there was the slightest suspicion of concealment, torture was used to obtain a sincere declaration of their personal wealth. Italy had traditionally been exempt from any form of taxation, but Galerius ignored this precedent, and the officers of the revenue already began to number the Roman people, and to settle the proportion of the new taxes. Italy began to murmur against this indignity and Maxentius used this sentiment to declare himself emperor in Italy, to the fury of Galerius. Therefore, Galerius ordered his colleague Severus to immediately march to Rome, in the full confidence that, by his unexpected arrival, he would easily suppress the rebellion.[29] Severus was captured after his troops deserted to their old commander Maximian, who had once again been elevated to the rank of co-emperor, this time by his son Maxentius. Severus was later executed. Palace of Galerius in Zaječar, Serbia, today an UNESO World Heritage Site importance of the occasion needed the presence and abilities of Galerius. At the head of a powerful army collected from Illyricum and the East, he entered Italy, determined to avenge Severus and to punish the rebellious Romans.[citation needed] But due to the skill of Maximian, Galerius found every place hostile, fortified, and inaccessible; and though he forced his way as far as Narni, within sixty miles of Rome, his control in Italy was confined to the narrow limits of his camp. that he was facing ever-greater difficulties, Galerius made the first advances towards reconciliation, and dispatched two officers to tempt the Romans by the offer of a conference, and the declaration of his paternal regard for Maxentius, reminding them that they would obtain much more from his willing generosity than anything that might have been obtained through a military campaign. The offers of Galerius were rejected with firmness, his friendship refused, and it was not long before he discovered that, unless he retreated, he would share Severus' fate. It was not a moment too soon; large monetary gifts from Maxentius to his soldiers had corrupted the fidelity of the Illyrian legions. When Galerius finally began his withdrawal from Italy, it was only with great difficulty that he managed to stop his veterans deserting him.[29] frustration, Galerius allowed his legions to ravage the countryside as they passed northwards. Maxentius declined to make a general engagement. so many emperors now in existence, in 308 Galerius, together with the retired emperor Diocletian and the now active Maximian, called an imperial 'conference' at Carnuntum on the River Danube to rectify the situation and bring some order back into the imperial government.[citation needed] Here it was agreed that Galerius’ long-time friend and military companion Licinius, who had been entrusted by Galerius with the defense of the Danube while Galerius was in Italy, would become Augustus in the West, with Constantine as his Caesar. In the East, Galerius remained Augustus and Maximinus remained his Caesar. Maximian was to retire, and Maxentius was declared a usurper. ’ plan soon failed. The news of Licinius’ promotion was no sooner carried into the East, than Maximinus, who governed the provinces of Egypt and Syria, rejected his position as Caesar, and, notwithstanding the prayers as well as arguments of Galerius, exacted the equal title of Augustus.[29] For the first, and indeed for the last time, six emperors administered the Roman world. Though the opposition of interest, and the memory of a recent war, divided the empire into two great hostile powers, their mutual fears and the fading authority of Galerius produced an apparent tranquility in the imperial government. last years of Galerius saw him relinquishing his aspirations towards being the supreme ruler of the empire, though he managed to retain the position of first among equals. He spent the remainder of his years enjoying himself and ordering some important public works, such as discharging into the Danube the superfluous waters of Lake Pelso, and cutting down the immense forests that encompassed it.[29] of Christians[edit] Main article: Diocletian Persecution of the Arch of Galerius in Thessaloniki. had lived pleasantly during most of the rule of Diocletian. The persecutions that began with an edict of February 24, 303, were credited by Christians to Galerius' work, as he was a fierce advocate of the old ways and old gods. Christian houses of assembly were destroyed, for fear of sedition in secret gatherings.[citation needed] was not anti-Christian during the first part of his reign, and historians have claimed that Galerius decided to prod him into persecuting them by secretly burning the Imperial Palace and blaming it on Christian saboteurs. Regardless of who was at fault for the fire, Diocletian's rage was aroused and he began one of the last and greatest Christian persecutions in the history of the Roman Empire.[citation needed] was at the insistence of Galerius that the last edicts of persecution against the Christians were published, beginning on February 24, 303, and this policy of repression was maintained by him until the appearance of the general edict of toleration, issued from Nicomedia in April 311, apparently during his last bout of illness (see Edict of Toleration by Galerius). Galerius's last request was that Christians should pray for him as he suffered with a painful and fatal illness; he died six days later.[35] one of the leading figures in the persecutions, Galerius later admitted that the policy of trying to eradicate Christianity had failed, saying: "wherefore, for this our indulgence, they ought to pray to their God for our safety, for that of the republic, and for their own, that the republic may continue uninjured on every side, and that they may be able to live securely in their homes." Lactantius gives the text of the edict in his moralized chronicle of the bad ends to which all the persecutors came, De Mortibus Persecutorum.[36] This marked the end of official persecution of Christians. Christianity was officially legalized in the Roman Empire two years later in 313 by Constantine and Licinius in the Edict of Milan.[citation needed] died in late April or early May 311[37] from a horribly gruesome disease described by Eusebius[38] and Lactantius,[39] possibly some form of bowel cancer, gangrene or Fournier gangrene. was buried in his mausoleum at Gamzigrad-Romuliana, which was part of the palace he built at his birthplace, today's Zaječar in Serbia. Several lumps composed of corroded iron ring mail (lorica hamata) have been found at the site. This mail armour may have been worn by the wax ﬁgure of the emperor that was burned during the imperial funeral and apotheosis ceremony.[40] The entire site has been inscribed into the World Heritage List in June 2007. accusations[edit] to Lactantius, Galerius affirmed his Dacian identity and avowed himself the enemy of the Roman name once made emperor, even proposing that the empire should be called, not the Roman, but the Dacian Empire, much to the horror of the patricians and senators. Lactantius further states that Galerius exhibited anti-Roman attitude as soon as he had attained the highest power, treating the Roman citizens with ruthless cruelty, like the conquerors treated the conquered, all in the name of the same treatment that the victorious Trajan had applied to the conquered Dacians, forefathers of Galerius, two centuries before.[41] Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Martyr Paul at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated July 16 ; Martyr and Archdeacon Euplus of Catania, Commemorated on August 11; Martyr Lucius, Commemorated August 20 ; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia, and others who suffered under Maximian, Commemorated on August 22; Martyr Lupus the Slave of St Demetrius of Thessalonica, Commemorated on August 23 ; Martyr Adrian of Nicomedia, Commemorated on August 26 ; 3,628 Martyrs who suffered at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 2 ; Hieromartyr Anthimus the Bishop of Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 3; Martyr Eudoxius, Commemorated September 6 ; Martyr Menodora at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 10 ; Martyr Theodotus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated on September 15 ; 156 Martyrs in Palestine, Commemorated on September 17 ; Martyr Peleus the Bishop of Palestine, Commemorated on September 17 ; Hieromartyr Hierotheus the Bishop of Athens, Commemorated October 4 ; Martyr Callisthene and her father Audactus of Ephesus, Commemorated on October 4; Martyr Theotecnus of Antioch, Commemorated on October 10 ; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Martyr Cyrenia in Cilicia, Commemorated on November 1; Repose of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated November 23 ; NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) ; Greatmartyr Catherine of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 24; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; Greatmartyr Barbara at Heliopolis, in Syria, Commemorated on December 4; Martyr Juliana at Heliopolis, in Syria, Commemorated on December 4; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 6; St Sophronius the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 9; Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on December 10; Martyr Elias in Cilicia, Commemorated on December 19; Martyr Philetairus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on December 30; Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 5; Martyr Peter of Anium, at Hieropolis, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Martyr Julian of Emesa, Commemorated on February 6; Virginmartyr Ennatha of Palestine, Commemorated on February 10; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Greatmartyr Theodore the Tyro ("œthe Recruit"Â), Commemorated on February 17; Uncovering of the relics of the Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 17; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18 ; Martyr Archippus of the Seventy Apostles, Commemorated on February 19; Martyr Maximus of Adrianopolis, Commemorated February 19; Martyr Maurice at Apamea in Syria, Commemorated on February 22; Martyr Eutropius of Amasea, Commemorated on March 3 ; Hieromartyr Basil of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7; Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9; Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9 ; Martyr Alexander of Macedonia, Commemorated on March 13 ; Martyr Julian of Anazarbus, Commemorated on March 16; Martyr Papas of Lyconia, Commemorated on March 16; Virginmartyr Alexandra of Amisus, Commemorated on March 20; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Hieromartyr Irenaeus the Bishop of Sirmium in Hungary, Commemorated on March 26; Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Amphianus (Apphianus) of Lycia, Commemorated on April 2 ; Martyr Polycarp of Alexandria, Commemorated on April 2 ; Virginmartyr Theodosia of Tyre, Commemorated on April 3 ; Martyr Rufinus the Deacon at Sinope, Commemorated on April 7; St Akaki Asistavi of Georgia, Commemorated on May 7; Martyr Hesychius of Antioch, Commemorated on May 10; Martyr Basiliscus the Bishop of Comana, Commemorated on May 22; Virginmartyr Theodosia of Tyre, Commemorated on May 29; Martyr Marcian of Egypt, Commemorated on June 5; Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Hieromartyr Sisinius the Deacon of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Priscilla of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Doulas of Cilicia, Commemorated on June 15; Venerable Paisius the Great, Commemorated on June 19; Hieromartyr Methodius the Bishop of Patara, Commemorated on June 20; Martyr Aristocles the Presbyter of Cyprus, Commemorated on June 20; Translation of the relics of the Holy and Wonderworking Unmercenary John, Commemorated on June 28 ;

Rome, 305-313, Empress, Galeria Valeria, Christian, Diocletian's daughter, k w mother Alexandra by Licinius
Rome, 305-313, Empeess Agusta, Galeria Valeria ; Valeria (died 315) was the daughter of Roman Emperor Diocletian and wife of his co-emperor Galerius. as Valeria to Diocletian and Prisca, she married Galerius in 293, when her father elevated him to the position of Caesar. This marriage was clearly organized to strengthen the bonds between the two emperors. was raised to the title of Augusta and Mater Castrorum in November 308. Since Galerius fathered no child with her, Valeria adopted her husband's illegitimate son, Candidianus, as her own. In her honor, Galerius renamed the province of Upper Pannonia Valeria, which he had improved by draining marshes and removing forests.[1] Galerius died, in 311, Licinius was entrusted with the care of Valeria and her mother Prisca. The two women, however, fled from Licinius to Maximinus Daia, whose daughter was betrothed to Candidianus. After a short time, Valeria refused the marriage proposal of Maximinus, who arrested and confined her in Syria and confiscated her properties. At the death of Maximinus, Licinius ordered the death of both women. Valeria and Prisca fled, hiding for a year, until they were recognized by residents in Thessaloniki. She and her mother were captured by Licinius' soldiers, beheaded in the central square of the city, and their bodies thrown in the sea.[2] Valeria was sympathetic towards Christians, while Galerius persecuted them. She was canonized as a Christian saint with her mother (see Saint Alexandra). Roman Emperor, 305-313, Maximian Galerius Greatmartyr Catherine of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 24;

Rome, 305-312, Emperor, Maximinus II Daia, in the East, pagan, defeated by Licinius
Roman Emperor, 305-312, Maximinus II Daia; Valerius Maximinus, also known as Daza[i] (c. 270 – c. July 313), was Roman emperor from 310 to 313. He became embroiled in the Civil wars of the Tetrarchy between rival claimants for control of the empire, in which he was defeated by Licinius. A committed pagan, he engaged in one of the last persecutions of Christians, before issuing an edict of tolerance near his death. ANTONY, ABBOT IN EGYPT (17 JAN 356); Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Martyr Julian of Emesa, Commemorated on February 6; Virginmartyr Ennatha of Palestine, Commemorated on February 10; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Uncovering of the relics of the Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 17; Martyr Archippus of the Seventy Apostles, Commemorated on February 19; Martyr Eutropius of Amasea, Commemorated on March 3 ; Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9; Martyr Alexander of Macedonia, Commemorated on March 13 ; Martyr Julian of Anazarbus, Commemorated on March 16; Martyr Papas of Lyconia, Commemorated on March 16; Virginmartyr Alexandra of Amisus, Commemorated on March 20; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Amphianus (Apphianus) of Lycia, Commemorated on April 2 ; Martyr Polycarp of Alexandria, Commemorated on April 2 ; Virginmartyr Theodosia of Tyre, Commemorated on April 3 ;

Rome, 306-312, Emperor, Maxentius, in Rome, civil war against Licinius and Constantine, drowned in Tiber
Roman Emperor, 306-312, Maxentius ; (Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius; c. 276 - 28 October 312) was Roman emperor from 306 to 312. He was the son of former Emperor Maximian and the son-in-law of Emperor Galerius. latter part of his reign was preoccupied with civil war, allying with Maximinus II against Licinius and Constantine. The latter defeated him at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312, where Maxentius, with his army in flight, purportedly perished by drowning in the Tiber river. Martyr Menodora at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 10; Martyr Theotecnus of Antioch, Commemorated on October 10 ; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 6; St Sophronius the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 9; Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 5; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Martyr Julian of Emesa, Commemorated on February 6; Virginmartyr Ennatha of Palestine, Commemorated on February 10; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Uncovering of the relics of the Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 17; Martyr Archippus of the Seventy Apostles, Commemorated on February 19; Martyr Eutropius of Amasea, Commemorated on March 3 ; Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9; Martyr Julian of Anazarbus, Commemorated on March 16; Martyr Papas of Lyconia, Commemorated on March 16; Virginmartyr Alexandra of Amisus, Commemorated on March 20; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; Martyr Amphianus (Apphianus) of Lycia, Commemorated on April 2 ; Martyr Polycarp of Alexandria, Commemorated on April 2 ; Virginmartyr Theodosia of Tyre, Commemorated on April 3 ; Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Hieromartyr Sisinius the Deacon of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Priscilla of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Venerable Paisius the Great, Commemorated on June 19; Hieromartyr Methodius the Bishop of Patara, Commemorated on June 20;

Rome, 306-337, Emperor, Constantine the Great, declared emperor at York, Roman Britain
Roman Emperor, 306-337, Constantine the Great ; Venerable Onesimus of Magnesia, Commemorated on July 14 ; Martyr Julita (Ulita) of Tarsus, Commemorated on July 15 ; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; St Myron the Wonderworker and Bishop of Crete, Commemorated on August 8 ; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; St Hosius the Confessor the Bishop of Cordova, Commemorated August 27 ; Martyr Menodora at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 10; The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Commemorated on September 14; Martyr Callisthene and her father Audactus of Ephesus, Commemorated on October 4; Martyr Theotecnus of Antioch, Commemorated on October 10 ; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated on October 20; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; St John of Egypt, Commemorated on December 2; NICHOLAS OF MYRA, FRIEND OF CHILDREN, GIVER OF GIFTS, CLIMBER OF CHIMNEYS, ETC. (6 DEC 326) ; St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Commemorated on December 6; St Sophronius the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 9; St Spyridon the Wonderworker and Bishop of Tremithus, Commemorated on December 12 ; Martyr Zoticus the Keeper of Orphans, Commemorated on December 30; Hieromartyr Theogenes the Bishop of Parium on the Hellespont, Commemorated on January 2; Martyr Gordius at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 3 ; Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 5; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15 ; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Martyr Silvanus Bishop of Emesa, Commemorated on January 29; Martyr Julian of Emesa, Commemorated on February 6; St Parthenius the Bishop of Lampsacus on the Hellespont, Commemorated on February 7; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Uncovering of the relics of the Martyr Menas of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 17; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; St Agapitus the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia, Commemorated February 18; St Agapitus the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; Martyr Archippus of the Seventy Apostles, Commemorated on February 19; Hieromartyr Theodotus the Bishop of Cyrenia, Commemorated on March 2; Martyr Eutropius of Amasea, Commemorated on March 3 ; Uncovering of the Precious Cross and the Precious Nails by the Empress St Helen in Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 6; 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, Commemorated on March 9; Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9; Martyr Julian of Anazarbus, Commemorated on March 16; Martyr Papas of Lyconia, Commemorated on March 16; Virginmartyr Alexandra of Amisus, Commemorated on March 20; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); Venerable Paisius the Great, Commemorated on June 19; Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Venerable Arcadius of Cyprus, Commemorated on March 6; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, Commemorated on March 9; Martyr Alexander of Macedonia, Commemorated on March 13 ; Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica, Commemorated on March 27; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); Martyr Cyril the Deacon of Heliopolis, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29 ; St Hypatius the Wonderworker and Bishop of Gangraz, Commemorated on March 31; Martyr Amphianus (Apphianus) of Lycia, Commemorated on April 2 ; Martyr Polycarp of Alexandria, Commemorated on April 2 ; Virginmartyr Theodosia of Tyre, Commemorated on April 3 ; St Platonida (Platonis) of Nisibis, Syria, Commemorated on April 6; Hieromartyr Basil the Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 26; Righteous Virginmartyr Glaphyra, Commemorated on April 26; Uncovering of the relics of St Basil the Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 30; ATHANASIUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, THEOLOGIAN, DOCTOR (2 MAY 373); GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); Martyr Philadelphus and 18 others in Sicily, Commemorated on May 10; Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 11 ; St Achilles the Bishop of Larissa, Commemorated on May 15 ; Venerable Pachomius the Great, Founder of Coenobitic Monasticism, Commemorated on May 15; Equal of the Apostles and Emperor Constantine with his Mother Helen, Commemorated on May 21; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5; Hieromartyr Sisinius the Deacon of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Martyr Priscilla of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Translation of the relics of the Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates, Commemorated on June 8; Hieromartyr Methodius the Bishop of Patara, Commemorated on June 20;

Rome, 308-309, Pope Marcellus I, renounced in cowardice, then repentented and martyred
Roman Pope, 308-309, Pope Marcellus I; Marcellinus was the bishop of Rome from 30 June 296 to his death in 304. He may have renounced Christianity during Emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians before repenting afterwards, which would explain why he is omitted from lists of martyrs. He is today venerated as a saint in Catholic and Serbian Orthodox Church. St Sylvester the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 2; Hieromartyr Marcellinus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on June 7; Marcellinus was Pope of Rome during the height of the persecution against Christians under Diocletian and Maximian (284-305), when 17,000 men were martyred a single month. During this time Saint Marcellinus was also arrested. Afraid of the fierce tortures, he burned incense and offered sacrifice to idols. The emperor called him his friend and clothed him in splendid robes. Although he had encouraged others to undergo torture for Christ, he gave in to cowardice. He wept bitterly, filled with remorse. this time, a Synod of 180 bishops and presbyters met at the city of Sinuessa (in Campania). Saint Marcellinus appeared at the assembly in penitential sackcloth, his head sprinkled with ashes. He confessed his sin before the delegates and asked them to judge him. The Fathers of the Council said, “Judge yourself! From your lips this sin came forth, from your lips let judgment be pronounced. We know that even Saint Peter denied Christ out of fear, but he wept bitterly for his sin, and received forgiveness from the Lord.” Marcellinus pronounced sentence upon himself, “I strip myself of the priestly dignity, of which I am unworthy. After death, do not bury my body, but instead throw it to the dogs. Cursed be the one who dares to bury it.” his return to Rome Marcellinus went to the emperor, threw down the fine clothing given him, and said that he regretted his renunciation of Christ. The enraged emperor had him tortured, and sentenced him to death. Marcellinus prayed to the Lord Jesus Christ, Who mercifully receives sinners who repent, then willingly placed his head beneath the sword. The holy martyrs Claudius, Cyrinus and Antoninus were beheaded with him. body of Saint Marcellinus lay for thirty-six days along the wayside. Appearing in a vision to the new bishop Marcellus, the holy Apostle Peter said, “Why have you not buried the body of Marcellinus?” “I fear his curse,” replied Saint Marcellus. “Perhaps you do not remember,” said the Apostle Peter, “that it is written: ‘He that humbles himself shall be exalted.’ Therefore, go bury his body with reverence.” the command of the Apostle Peter, Saint Marcellus buried the body of Saint Marcellinus in a crypt, built for the burial of the bodies of martyrs by the illustrious Priscilla, along the Via Salaria.

Rome, 308-324, Emperor, Licinius, West and East, Fake Christian then Last Pagan
Roman Emperor, 308-324, Licinius ; Martyr Severian of Sebaste, Commemorated on September 9 ; Hieromartyr Julian of Galatia, Commemorated September 13 ; Martyr Callisthene and her father Audactus of Ephesus, Commemorated on October 4; Martyr and Confessor Gurias of Edessa, Commemorated on November 15; Hieromartyr Theogenes the Bishop of Parium on the Hellespont, Commemorated on January 2; St Sylvester the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 2; Martyr Hermylus of Belgrade, Commemorated on January 13; Martyr Stratonicus of Belgrade, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; ANTONY, ABBOT IN EGYPT (17 JAN 356); Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates "œthe General"Â, Commemorated on February 8; Hieromartyr Blaise the Bishop of Sebaste, Commemorated on February 11; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18 ; St Agapitus the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; Hieromartyr Theodotus the Bishop of Cyrenia, Commemorated on March 2; Martyr Eutropius of Amasea, Commemorated on March 3 ; 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, Commemorated on March 9; Martyr Urpasianus of Nicomedia, Commemorated on March 9; Martyr Alexander of Macedonia, Commemorated on March 13 ; Martyr Julian of Anazarbus, Commemorated on March 16; Virginmartyr Alexandra of Amisus, Commemorated on March 20; GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); St Hypatius the Wonderworker and Bishop of Gangraz, Commemorated on March 31; Hieromartyr Basil the Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 26; Righteous Virginmartyr Glaphyra, Commemorated on April 26; Uncovering of the relics of St Basil the Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 30; Martyr Philadelphus and 18 others in Sicily, Commemorated on May 10; Martyrs of Niculitsel, Commemorated on June 4;

Rome, 311-314, Pope, Miltiades, Edict of Milan, received Latern palace, condemned rebaptism
Roman Pope, 311-314, Pope Miltiades ; Miltiades, also known as Melchiades the African, was the bishop of Rome from 311 to his death on 10 or 11 January 314. It was during his pontificate that Emperor Constantine the Great issued the Edict of Milan (313), giving Christianity legal status within the Roman Empire. The pope also received the palace of Empress Fausta where the Lateran Palace, the papal seat and residence of the papal administration, would be built. At the Lateran Council, during the schism with the Church of Carthage, Miltiades condemned the rebaptism of apostatised bishops and priests, a teaching of Donatus Magnus. St Sylvester the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 2;

Rome, 312, Indiction, Sept 1, Church New Year, C's Cross vision, Promised Land entry, Christ's mission announcement
Byzantium, 312, Indiction, Constantine's vision of the Cross, somewhere, Church New Year; first day of the Church New Year is also called the beginning of the Indiction. The term Indiction comes from a Latin word meaning, “to impose.” It was originally applied to the imposition of taxes in Egypt. The first worldwide Indiction was in 312 when the Emperor Constantine (May 21) saw a miraculous vision of the Cross in the sky. Before the introduction of the Julian calendar, Rome began the New Year on September 1. to Holy Tradition, Christ entered the synagogue on September 1 to announce His mission to mankind (Luke 4:16-22). Quoting Isaiah 61:1-2, the Savior proclaimed, “The spirit of the Lord is upon Me; because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to proclaim release to captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord...” This scene is depicted in a Vatican manuscript (Vatican, Biblioteca. Cod. Gr. 1613, p.1). says that the Hebrews entered the Promised Land in September. Byzantine Emperor, 306-337, Constantine the Great ;

Rome, 313 and 323, Edict of Milan
Edict of Milan, 313 Western Roman Empire and 323 extended to the Eastern Roman Empire; The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Commemorated on September 14 ; Greatmartyr, Victory-bearer and Wonderworker George, Commemorated on April 23; Hieromartyr Basil the Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 26; ATHANASIUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, THEOLOGIAN, DOCTOR (2 MAY 373); Equal of the Apostles and Emperor Constantine with his Mother Helen, Commemorated on May 21;

Rome, 314-335, Pope, Sylvester I, famous debate converted 120 Jews, large churches, P supremacy Legend
Roman Pope, 314-335, Pope Sylvester I ; I (also Silvester, died 31 December 335) was the bishop of Rome from 314 until his death. He was the 33rd pope of the Catholic Church.[2] filled the see of Rome at an important era in the history of the Western Church, yet very little is known of him.[3] accounts of his pontificate preserved in the seventh- or eighth-century Liber Pontificalis contain little more than a record of the gifts said to have been conferred on the church by Constantine I,[4] although it does say that he was the son of a Roman named Rufinus.[5] feast is celebrated as Saint Sylvester's Day in Western Christianity on 31 December, while Eastern Christianity commemorates it on 2 January.[6] Large churches were founded and built during Sylvester I's pontificate, including Basilica of St. John Lateran, Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, Old St. Peter's Basilica and several churches built over the graves of martyrs.[5][7] Sylvester did not attend the First Council of Nicaea in 325, where the Nicene Creed was formulated, but he was represented by two legates, Vitus and Vincentius, and he approved the council's decision. One of the Symmachian forgeries, the Vita beati Silvestri (c. 501–508), which has been preserved in Greek and Syriac (and in Latin in the Constitutum Silvestri), is an apocryphal alleged account of a Roman council, including legends of Sylvester's close relationship with the first Christian emperor. These also appear in the Donation of Constantine.[5] after his death, the figure of Sylvester was embroidered upon in a fictional account of his relationship to Constantine, which seemed to successfully support the later Gelasian doctrine of papal supremacy, papal auctoritas (authority) guiding imperial potestas (power), the doctrine that is embodied in the forged Donation of Constantine of the eighth century. In the fiction, of which an early version is represented in the early sixth-century Symmachean forgeries emanating from the curia of Pope Symmachus (died 514), the Emperor Constantine was cured of leprosy by the virtue of the baptismal water administered by Sylvester.[8] Sylvester I and Constantine in a 1247 fresco Emperor, abjectly grateful, not only confirmed the bishop of Rome as the primate above all other bishops, he resigned his imperial insignia and walked before Sylvester's horse holding the Pope's bridle as the papal groom. Pope, in return, offered the crown of his own good will to Constantine, who abandoned Rome to the pope and took up residence in Constantinople. doctrine behind this charming story is a radical one," Norman F. Cantor observes: "The pope is supreme over all rulers, even the Roman emperor, who owes his crown to the pope and therefore may be deposed by papal decree". Such a useful legend quickly gained wide circulation; Gregory of Tours referred to this political legend in his history of the Franks, written in the 580s.[9] Sylvester II, himself a close associate of Otto III, Holy Roman Emperor, chose the name Sylvester in imitation of Sylvester I. of Saint Sylvester in the Abbey of Saint Sylvester in Nonantola the West, the liturgical feast of Saint Sylvester is on 31 December, the day of his burial in the Catacomb of Priscilla.[5] This is the last day in the year and, accordingly, in German-speaking countries and in some others close to them, New Year's Eve is known as Silvester. In some other countries, too, the day is usually referred to as Saint Sylvester's Day or the Feast of Saint Sylvester.[10] In São Paulo, Brazil, a long-distance running event called the Saint Silvester Road Race occurs every year on 31 December.[11] Sylvester I portrayed slaying a dragon and resurrecting its victims, a fresco by Maso di Banco The Donation of Constantine is a document fabricated in the second half of the eighth century, purporting to be a record by the Emperor himself of his conversion, the profession of his new faith, and the privileges he conferred on Pope Sylvester I, his clergy, and their successors. According to it, Pope Sylvester was offered the imperial crown, which, however, he refused.[12] Santu Papa Silvestru", a story in Giuseppe Pitrè's collection of Sicilian fables, recounts the legend as follows: Constantine the king wants to take a second wife, and asks Sylvester. Sylvester denies him permission, calling on heaven as witness; Constantine threatens him, and Sylvester, rather than give in, escapes into the woods. Not long after, Constantine falls ill; when he is desperate of ever regaining his health he has a dream which commands him to send for Sylvester. He obeys, and Sylvester receives Constantine's messengers in his cave and swiftly baptizes them, whereafter (having shown them several miracles) he is led back to Constantine, whom he baptizes also, and cures. In this story, Constantine and his entourage are not pagans but Jews.[13] legend has Sylvester slaying a dragon. He is often depicted with the dying beast.[14][15] St Sylvester the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on January 2;

Rome, 323-337, Emperor, Constantine the Great sole ruler of the Roman Empire
Byzantine Emperor, 306-337, Constantine the Great ; Greatmartyr Euphemia the All-praised, Commemorated on July 11 ; Venerable Onesimus of Magnesia, Commemorated on July 14 ; Martyr Julita (Ulita) of Tarsus, Commemorated on July 15 ; Venerable Pambo the Hermit of Egypt, Commemorated on July 18; MACRINA THE YOUNGER, MONASTIC AND TEACHER (19 JUL 379) ; Venerable Macrina the Sister of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on July 19 ; Martyr Eusignius of Antioch, Commemorated on August 5; Venerable Horus of the Thebaid, Egypt, Commemorated on August 7; Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons, Commemorated on August 21; St Hosius the Confessor the Bishop of Cordova, Commemorated August 27 ; St Alexander the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 30; 40 Women Martyrs at Heraclea, in Thrace, Commemorated on September 1; Martyr Menodora at Nicomedia, Commemorated on September 10; Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) at Jerusalem, Commemorated on September 13; FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS, (14 SEP 335); The Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross, Commemorated on September 14; Commemoration of the apparition of the Pillar with the Robe of the Lord under it at Mtskheta in Georgia, Commemorated on October 1; Martyr Callisthene and her father Audactus of Ephesus, Commemorated on October 4; Martyr Polychronius the Presbyter, Commemorated on October 7; Martyr Theotecnus of Antioch, Commemorated on October 10 ; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on October 12 ; Greatmartyr Artemius at Antioch, Commemorated on October 20; Venerable Hilarion the Great, Commemorated on October 21; Holy, Glorious Demetrius the Myrrh-gusher of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 26; Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica, Commemorated on October 27; Hieromartyr Cyriacus the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Commemorated on October 28 ; Venerable Abramius the Recluse of Mesopotamia, Commemorated on October 29; St Marcian of Cyrrhus, Commemorated on November 2; Dedication of the Church of the Greatmartyr George in Lydia, Commemorated on November 3; St Martin the Merciful the Bishop of Tours, Commemorated on November 11; St Hypatius of Gangra, Commemorated on November 16; Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on November 25; Martyr Anna, Commemorated on November 28; St John of Egypt, Commemorated on December 2; St Spyridon the Wonderworker and Bishop of Tremithus, Commemorated on December 12 ; St Niphon the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on December 23; St Paul the Bishop of Neocaesarea, Commemorated on December 23; Martyr Zoticus the Keeper of Orphans, Commemorated on December 30; St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Kaesarea in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 1; St Emilia, the Mother of St Basil the Great, Commemorated on January 1; Martyr Gordius at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, Commemorated on January 3 ; Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 5; HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); St James the Bishop of Nisibis, Commemorated on January 13; Venerable Theodulus, son of the Venerable Nilus of Sinai, Commemorated on January 14; ANTONY, ABBOT IN EGYPT (17 JAN 356); Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; St Athanasius the Great the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 18; Venerable Macarius of Alexandria, Commemorated on January 19; Venerable Ephraim the Syrian, Commemorated on January 28; Martyr Silvanus Bishop of Emesa, Commemorated on January 29; Hieromartyr Abramius the Bishop of Arbela in Assyria, Commemorated on February 4; St Parthenius the Bishop of Lampsacus on the Hellespont, Commemorated on February 7; Venerable Eusebius the Hermit of Syria, Commemorated on February 15; Martyr Victor of Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18 ; St Agapitus the Confessor the Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia, Commemorated on February 18; Hieromartyr Sadoc (Sadoth) the Bishop of Persia, Commemorated on February 20; St Eustathius the Archbishop of Antioch, Commemorated on February 21; First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John, Commemorated on February 24; Virginmartyr Piama, Commemorated on March 3; Uncovering of the Precious Cross and the Precious Nails by the Empress St Helen in Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 6; Venerable Arcadius of Cyprus, Commemorated on March 6; Hieromartyr Capiton of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7; Hieromartyr Eugene of Cherson, Commemorated on March 7; Venerable Paul the Simple and Disciple of the Venerable Anthony the Great, Commemorated on March 7; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; 40 Holy Martyrs of Sebaste, Commemorated on March 9; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); St Cyril the Archbishop of Jerusalem, Commemorated on March 18; St Malchus of Chalcis in Syria, Commemorated on March 26 ; Venerable John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 27; Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29; Venerable Apollonius, Ascetic, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 31; Venerable Vitalius of Gaza, Commemorated on April 22; Martyr Theognes at Cyzicus, Commemorated on April 29; Uncovering of the relics of St Basil the Bishop of Amasea, Commemorated on April 30; ATHANASIUS, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA, THEOLOGIAN, DOCTOR (2 MAY 373); St Akaki Asistavi of Georgia, Commemorated on May 7; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); Blessed Isidora the Fool of Tabenna in Egypt, Commemorated on May 10; Martyr Philadelphus and 18 others in Sicily, Commemorated on May 10; Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 11 ; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Sabinus the Archbishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12; St Achilles the Bishop of Larissa, Commemorated on May 15 ; Venerable Pachomius the Great, Founder of Coenobitic Monasticism, Commemorated on May 15; The Entrance of St Nino (Nina) the Enlightener into Georgia, Commemorated on May 19; Equal of the Apostles and Emperor Constantine with his Mother Helen, Commemorated on May 21; Hieromartyr Helladius the Bishop in the East, Commemorated on May 28; St Metrophanes the first Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on June 4; Hieromartyr Dorotheus the Bishop of Tyre, Commemorated on June 5; Martyr Marcian of Egypt, Commemorated on June 5; Translation of the relics of the Greatmartyr Theodore Stratelates, Commemorated on June 8; EPHREM OF EDESSA, DEACON AND HYMN-WRITER (10 JUNE 373); Martyr Alexander at Constantinople, Commemorated on June 10; St Triphyllius the Bishop of Leucosia (Nicosia) in Cyprus, Commemorated on June 13; BASIL THE GREAT, BISHOP, THEOLOGIAN (14 JUNE 379);

Rome, 335, Commem Resurrection Church F, after rebuilding Jerusalem, a Aelia Capitolinna, C of Tyre attends
Jerusalem, 335, Commemoration Resurrection Church Founding; Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre) at Jerusalem, Commemorated on September 13; Dedication of the Temple of the Resurrection of Christ at Jerusalem celebrates the dedication of the Church of the Resurrection, built by Saint Constantine the Great and his mother, the empress Helen. the voluntary Passion and Death on the Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the holy place of His suffering was long trampled on by pagans. When the Roman emperor Titus conquered Jerusalem in the year 70, he razed the city and destroyed the Temple of Solomon on Mount Moriah, leaving there not a stone upon a stone, as even the Savior foretold (Mt.13:1-2). on the zealous pagan emperor Hadrian (117-138) built on the site of the Jerusalem destroyed by Titus a new city named Aelia Capitolina for him (Hadrian Aelius). It was forbidden to call the city by its former name. gave orders to cover the Holy Tomb of the Lord with earth and stones, and on that spot to set up an idol. On Golgotha, where the Savior was crucified, he constructed a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Venus in 119. Before the statues they offered sacrifice to demons and performed pagan rites, accompanied by wanton acts. Bethlehem, at the place the Savior was born of the All-Pure Virgin, the impious emperor set up an idol of Adonis. He did all this intentionally, so that people would forget completely about Christ the Savior and that they would no loner remember the places where He lived, taught, suffered and arose in glory. the beinning of the reign of Saint Constantine the Great (306-337), the first of the Roman emperors to recognize the Christian religion, he and his pious mother the empress Helen decided to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. They also planned to build a church on the site of the Lord’s suffering and Resurrection, in order to reconsecrate and purify the places connected with memory of the Savior from the taint of foul pagan cults. empress Helen journeyed to Jerusalem with a large quantity of gold, and Saint Constantine the Great wrote a letter to Patriarch Macarius I (313-323), requesting him to assist her in every possible way with her task of the renewing the Christian holy places. her arrival in Jerusalem, the holy empress Helen destroyed all the pagan temples and reconsecrated the places desecrated by the pagans. She was zealous to find the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, and she ordered the excavation of the place where the temple of Venus stood. There they discovered the Sepulchre of the Lord and Golgotha, and they also found three crosses and some nails. order to determine upon which of the three crosses the Savior was crucified, Patriarch Macarius gave orders to place a dead person, who was being carried to a place of burial, upon each cross in turn. When the dead person was placed on the Cross of Christ, he immediately came alive. With the greatest of joy the empress Helen and Patriarch Macarius raised up the Life-Creating Cross and displayed it to all the people standing about. holy empress quickly began the construction of a large church which enclosed within its walls Golgotha, the place of the Crucifixion of the Savior, and the Sepulchre of the Lord, located near each other. The holy Apostle and Evangelist John wrote about this: "Now in the place where He was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been laid. Therefore they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day, for the tomb was nearby" (John 19:41-42). The Church of the Resurrection was ten years in building, and the holy empress Helen did not survive to see its completion. She returned to Constantinople, and reposed in the year 327. After her arrival in Jerusalem, the holy empress built churches in Bethlehem, on the Mount of Olives, at Gethsemane and in many other places connected with the life of the Savior and events in the New Testament. construction of the church of the Resurrection, called "Martyrion" in memory of the sufferings of the Savior, was completed in the same year as the Council of Tyre, and in the thirtieth year of the reign of Saint Constantine the Great. Therefore, at the assembly of September 13, 335, the consecration of the temple was particularly solemn. Hierarchs of Christian Churches in many lands: Bythnia, Thrace, Cilicia, Cappadocia, Syria, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia, Arabia, Palestine, and Egypt, participated in the consecration of the church. The bishops who participated in the Council of Tyre, and many others, went to the consecration in Jerusalem. On this day all the city of Jerusalem was consecrated. The Fathers of the Church established September 13 as the commemoration of this remarkable event.

Rome, 337-340, Emperor, Constantine II, Orthodox, Gaul, died invading Italy
Roman Emperor, 337-340, Constantine II (emperor); II (Latin: Flavius Claudius Constantinus; February 316 – 340) was Roman emperor from 337 to 340. Son of Constantine the Great and co-emperor alongside his brothers, his attempt to exert his perceived rights of primogeniture led to his death in a failed invasion of Italy in 340. St Liberius the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 27; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; St Caesarius, brother of St Gregory the Theologian, Commemorated on March 9 ; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); St Hypatius the Wonderworker and Bishop of Gangraz, Commemorated on March 31; 120 Martyrs of Persia, Commemorated on April 6; Hieromartyr Zeno the Bishop of Verona, Commemorated on April 12 ; Martyr Sava the Goth of Wallachia, Commemorated on April 15; Commemoration of the Apparition of the Sign of the Precious Cross Over Jerusalem, in 351 AD, Commemorated on May 7; Venerable Theodore the Sanctified, Disciple of the Venerable Pachomius the Great, Commemorated on May 16; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, 337-350, Emperor, Constans, Orthodox, Italy, Illyricum, Africa, then Gaul, u by M
Roman Emperor,;337-350, Constans; Julius Constans (c. 320 – 350) was Roman emperor from 337 to 350. He held the imperial rank of caesar from 333, and was the youngest son of Constantine the Great. After his father's death, he was made augustus alongside his brothers in September 337. Constans was given the administration of the praetorian prefectures of Italy, Illyricum, and Africa.[3] He defeated the Sarmatians in a campaign shortly afterwards.[3] In the civil war that followed, in 340 he defeated his eldest brother and co-emperor Constantine II's invasion of Italy, who was killed in battle with Constans's forces near Aquileia.[3] Constans gained from him the praetorian prefecture of Gaul.[3] Thereafter there were tensions with his remaining younger brother and co-augustus Constantius II (r. 337–361), including over the exiled bishop Athanasius of Alexandria.[3] In the following years he campaigned against the Franks and in 343 visited Roman Britain.[3] In January 350, Magnentius (r. 350–353) the commander of the Jovians and Herculians, a corps in the Roman army, was acclaimed augustus at Augustodunum (Autun) with the support of Marcellinus, the comes rei privatae.[4] Magnentius overthrew and killed Constans.[3][4] Surviving sources, possibly influenced by the propaganda of Magnentius's faction, accuse Constans of misrule and of homosexuality.[3] St Liberius the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 27; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; St Caesarius, brother of St Gregory the Theologian, Commemorated on March 9 ; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); St Hypatius the Wonderworker and Bishop of Gangraz, Commemorated on March 31; 120 Martyrs of Persia, Commemorated on April 6; Hieromartyr Zeno the Bishop of Verona, Commemorated on April 12 ; Martyr Sava the Goth of Wallachia, Commemorated on April 15; Commemoration of the Apparition of the Sign of the Precious Cross Over Jerusalem, in 351 AD, Commemorated on May 7; Venerable Theodore the Sanctified, Disciple of the Venerable Pachomius the Great, Commemorated on May 16; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, 337-361, Emperor, Constantius II, Greece, Thrace, Asia, Egypt, Orthodox then Arian
Roman Emperor, 324-361, Constantius II, Son of Constantine the Great ; Julius Constantius (Greek: ÎšÏ‰Î½ÏƒÏ„Î¬Î½Ï„Î¹Î¿Ï‚; 7 August 317 – 3 November 361), known as Constantius II, was Roman emperor from 337 to 361. His reign saw constant warfare on the borders against the Sasanian Empire and Germanic peoples, while internally the Roman Empire went through repeated civil wars, court intrigues and usurpations. His religious policies inflamed domestic conflicts that would continue after his death. Constantius was a son of Constantine the Great, who elevated him to the imperial rank of caesar on 8 November 324 and after whose death Constantius became augustus together with his brothers, Constantine II and Constans on 9 September 337. He promptly oversaw the massacre of his father-in-law, an uncle and several cousins, consolidating his hold on power. The brothers divided the empire among themselves, with Constantius receiving Greece, Thrace, the Asian provinces and Egypt in the east. For the following decade a costly and inconclusive war against Persia took most of Constantius's time and attention. In the meantime, his brothers Constantine and Constans warred over the western provinces of the empire, leaving the former dead in 340 and the latter as sole ruler of the west. The two remaining brothers maintained an uneasy peace with each other until, in 350, Constans was overthrown and assassinated by the usurper Magnentius. Unwilling to accept Magnentius as co-ruler, Constantius waged a civil war against the usurper, defeating him at the battles of Mursa Major in 351 and Mons Seleucus in 353. Magnentius committed suicide after the latter battle, leaving Constantius as sole ruler of the empire. In 351, Constantius elevated his cousin Constantius Gallus to the subordinate rank of caesar to rule in the east, but had him executed three years later after receiving scathing reports of his violent and corrupt nature. Shortly thereafter, in 355, Constantius promoted his last surviving cousin, Gallus' younger half-brother Julian, to the rank of caesar. As emperor, Constantius promoted Arian Christianity, persecuted pagans by banning sacrifices and closing pagan temples and issued laws discriminating against Jews. His military campaigns against Germanic tribes were successful: he defeated the Alamanni in 354 and campaigned across the Danube against the Quadi and Sarmatians in 357. The war against the Sasanians, which had been in a lull since 350, erupted with renewed intensity in 359 and Constantius traveled to the east in 360 to restore stability after the loss of several border fortresses. However, Julian claimed the rank of augustus in 360, leading to war between the two after Constantius' attempts to persuade Julian to back down failed. No battle was fought, as Constantius became ill and died of fever on 3 November 361 in Mopsuestia, naming Julian as his rightful successor before his death. St Liberius the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 27; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); Venerable Paul of Thebes, Commemorated on January 15; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great, Commemorated on January 17; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; St Caesarius, brother of St Gregory the Theologian, Commemorated on March 9 ; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, APOSTLE TO ARMENIA (23 March 332); St Hypatius the Wonderworker and Bishop of Gangraz, Commemorated on March 31; 120 Martyrs of Persia, Commemorated on April 6; Hieromartyr Zeno the Bishop of Verona, Commemorated on April 12 ; Martyr Sava the Goth of Wallachia, Commemorated on April 15; Venerable Theodore the Sanctified, Disciple of the Venerable Pachomius the Great, Commemorated on May 16; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, 352-366, Pope, St Liberius, Orthodox against Arianism, defended Athanasius
Roman Pope, 352-366 , St Liberius ; St Liberius the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on August 27; Liberius the Confessor, Bishop of Rome, became Bishop of Rome in the year 352, after the death of Pope Julius. Liberius was a fervent proponent of Orthodoxy against the Arian heresy and a defender of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria (May 2). The emperor Constantius (337-361) was inclined to side with the Arians, but was not able to compel Saint Liberius to condemn Saint Athanasius. For such intransigence he was sent off to prison in Beroea (Thrace), but was soon returned to his see on the insistent petitions of the Roman people. his return, they summoned Saint Liberius to the Semi-Arian Council of Sirmium, where they forced him to sign the acts of the Council. Saint Liberius deeply repented of this later, and labored much at Rome on behalf of Orthodoxy. He died peacefully in the year 366.

Rome, 361-363, Emperor Julian the Apostate, Constantinople, C's step brother
Roman Emperor, 361-363, Julian the Apostate, Constantinople; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; Martyr Anthusa at Rome, Commemorated on December 8; HILARY OF POITIERS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (13 JANUARY 367); St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; Hieromartyr Theodoritus of Antioch, Commemorated on March 8; Icon œNot Made by Hands from Lydda, Commemorated on March 12; CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (18 MAR 386); Hieromartyr Basil of Ancyra, Commemorated on March 22; Hieromartyr Mark the Bishop of Arethusa, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29; Martyr Cyril the Deacon of Heliopolis, who suffered under Julian the Apostate, Commemorated on March 29 ; Venerable Publius of Egypt, Commemorated on April 5 ; Venerable Publius of Egypt, Commemorated on April 5 ; Martyr Barbarus the Soldier in Morea, Commemorated on May 6; GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (9 MAY 389); St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, 360-397, Roman Saint, Ambrose, against Arianism
Rome, 360-397, Roman Saint, Ambrose; (born Aurelius Ambrosius; c. 340 -“ 397), venerated as Saint Ambrose[a], was the Bishop of Milan, a theologian, and one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century. was serving as the Roman governor of Aemilia-Liguria in Milan when he was unexpectedly made Bishop of Milan in 374 by popular acclamation. As bishop, he took a firm position against Arianism and attempted to mediate the conflict between the emperor Theodosius I and the usurper Magnus Maximus. Tradition credits Ambrose with promoting "antiphonal chant", a style of chanting in which one side of the choir responds alternately to the other, as well as with composing Veni redemptor gentium, an Advent hymn. He also had notable influence on Augustine of Hippo (354-430). Christianity identified Ambrose as one of its four traditional Doctors of the Church. He is considered a saint by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion, and various Lutheran denominations, and venerated as the patron saint of Milan. 1 Life 1.1 Early life 1.2 Bishop of Milan 1.3 Arianism 1.4 Imperial relations 1.5 Attitude towards Jews 1.6 Attitude towards pagans 1.7 Later years and death 1.8 Character 2 Theology 2.1 Giving to the poor 2.2 Mariology 3 Writings 4 Church music 5 Augustine 5.1 Reading 6 Bibliography 7 See also 8 References 8.1 Notes 8.2 Citations 8.3 Works cited 9 External links life[edit] was born into a Roman Christian family about 340 and was raised in Gallia Belgica, the capital of which was Augusta Treverorum.[3] His father is sometimes identified with Aurelius Ambrosius,[4][5] a praetorian prefect of Gaul;[6] but some scholars identify his father as an official named Uranius who received an imperial constitution dated 3 February 339 (addressed in a brief extract from one of the three emperors ruling in 339, Constantine II, Constantius II, or Constans, in the Codex Theodosianus, book XI.5).[7][8][9] mother was a woman of intellect and piety[10] and a member of the Roman family Aurelii Symmachi,[11] and thus Ambrose was cousin of the orator Quintus Aurelius Symmachus. He was the youngest of three children, who included Marcellina and Satyrus (who is the subject of Ambrose's De excessu fratris Satyri), also venerated as saints.[12] There is a legend that as an infant, a swarm of bees settled on his face while he lay in his cradle, leaving behind a drop of honey. His father considered this a sign of his future eloquence and honeyed tongue. For this reason, bees and beehives often appear in the saint's symbology. the year 354 Ambrosius, the father, died, whereupon the family moved to Rome.[13] There he studied literature, law, and rhetoric. He then followed in his father's footsteps and entered public service. Praetorian Prefect Sextus Claudius Petronius Probus first gave him a place in the council and then in about 372 made him governor of Liguria and Emilia, with headquarters at Milan.[6] In 286 Diocletian had moved the capital of the Western Roman Empire from Rome to Mediolanum (Milan). was the Governor of Aemilia-Liguria in northern Italy until 374, when he became the Bishop of Milan. Ambrose was a very popular political figure, and since he had been the Governor in the effective capital in the Roman West, he was a recognizable figure in the court of Valentinian I. of Milan[edit] the late 4th century there was a deep conflict in the diocese of Milan between the Nicene Church and Arians.[14][15] In 374 the bishop of Milan, Auxentius, an Arian, died, and the Arians challenged the succession. Ambrose went to the church where the election was to take place, to prevent an uproar, which was probable in this crisis. His address was interrupted by a call, "Ambrose, bishop!", which was taken up by the whole assembly.[15] was known to be Nicene Christian in belief, but also acceptable to Arians due to the charity shown in theological matters in this regard. At first he energetically refused the office, for which he was in no way prepared: Ambrose was neither baptized nor formally trained in theology.[6] Upon his appointment, Ambrose fled to a colleague's home seeking to hide. Upon receiving a letter from the Emperor Gratian praising the appropriateness of Rome appointing individuals evidently worthy of holy positions, Ambrose's host gave him up. Within a week, he was baptized, ordained and duly consecrated bishop of Milan. bishop, he immediately adopted an ascetic lifestyle, apportioned his money to the poor, donating all of his land, making only provision for his sister Marcellina (who had become a nun). This raised his popularity even further, giving him considerable political leverage over even the emperor. Upon the unexpected appointment of Ambrose to the episcopate, his brother Satyrus resigned a prefecture in order to move to Milan, where he took over managing the diocese's temporal affairs.[3] 383 Gratian was assassinated at Lyon, France, and Paulinus of Nola, who had served as governor of Campania, went to Milan to attend the school of Ambrose.[16] of Saint Ambrose with a scourge in Museo del Duomo, Milan. Unknown Lombard author, early 17 century. studied theology with Simplician, a presbyter of Rome.[10] Using to his advantage his excellent knowledge of Greek, which was then rare in the West, he studied the Old Testament and Greek authors like Philo, Origen, Athanasius, and Basil of Caesarea, with whom he was also exchanging letters.[17] He applied this knowledge as preacher, concentrating especially on exegesis of the Old Testament, and his rhetorical abilities impressed Augustine of Hippo, who hitherto had thought poorly of Christian preachers. the confrontation with Arians, Ambrose sought to theologically refute their propositions, which were contrary to the Nicene creed and thus to the officially defined orthodoxy. The Arians appealed to many high level leaders and clergy in both the Western and Eastern empires. Although the western Emperor Gratian supported orthodoxy, the younger Valentinian II, who became his colleague in the Empire, adhered to the Arian creed.[18] Ambrose did not sway the young prince's position. In the East, Emperor Theodosius I likewise professed the Nicene creed; but there were many adherents of Arianism throughout his dominions,[10] especially among the higher clergy. this contested state of religious opinion, two leaders of the Arians, bishops Palladius of Ratiaria and Secundianus of Singidunum, confident of numbers, prevailed upon Gratian to call a general council from all parts of the empire. This request appeared so equitable that he complied without hesitation. However, Ambrose feared the consequences and prevailed upon the emperor to have the matter determined by a council of the Western bishops. Accordingly, a synod composed of thirty-two bishops was held at Aquileia in the year 381. Ambrose was elected president and Palladius, being called upon to defend his opinions, declined. A vote was then taken and Palladius and his associate Secundianus were deposed from their episcopal offices.[10] the increasing strength of the Arians proved a formidable task for Ambrose. In 385[18] or 386 the emperor and his mother Justina, along with a considerable number of clergy and laity, especially military, professed Arianism. They demanded two churches in Milan, one in the city (the Basilica of the Apostles), the other in the suburbs (St Victor's), be allocated to the Arians.[18] Ambrose refused and was required to answer for his conduct before the council.[6][page needed] He went, his eloquence in defense of the Church reportedly overawing the ministers of Valentinian, so he was permitted to retire without making the surrender of the churches. The day following, when he was performing divine service in the basilica, the prefect of the city came to persuade him to give up at least the Portian basilica in the suburbs. As he still refused, certain deans or officers of the court were sent to take possession of the Portian basilica, by hanging up in it imperial escutcheons[18] to prepare for the arrival of the emperor and his mother at the ensuing festival of Easter.[19] spite of Imperial opposition, Ambrose declared, "If you demand my person, I am ready to submit: carry me to prison or to death, I will not resist; but I will never betray the church of Christ. I will not call upon the people to succour me; I will die at the foot of the altar rather than desert it. The tumult of the people I will not encourage: but God alone can appease it."[19] 386 Justina and Valentinian received the Arian bishop Auxentius the younger, and Ambrose was again ordered to hand over a church in Milan for Arian usage. Ambrose and his congregation barricaded themselves inside the church, and the imperial order was rescinded.[20 relations[edit] Ambrose barring Theodosius from Milan Cathedral by Anthony van Dyck. National Gallery, London. imperial court was displeased with the religious principles of Ambrose, though his aid was soon solicited by the Emperor. When Magnus Maximus usurped the supreme power in Gaul, and was meditating a descent upon Italy, Valentinian sent Ambrose to dissuade him from the undertaking, and the embassy was successful.[19] second later embassy was unsuccessful. The enemy entered Italy and Milan was taken. Justina and her son fled but Ambrose remained at his post and did good service to many of the sufferers by causing the plate of the church to be melted for their relief.[19] I, the emperor of the East, espoused the cause of Justina, and regained the kingdom. Theodosius was excommunicated by Ambrose for the massacre of 7,000 people at Thessalonica in 390,[19] after the murder of the Roman governor there by rioters.[6][page needed] - Ambrose told Theodosius to imitate David in his repentance as he had imitated him in guilt,[19] and he readmitted the emperor to the Eucharist only after several months of penance. This shows the strong position of a bishop in the western part of the empire, even when facing a strong emperor. The controversy of John Chrysostom with a much weaker emperor a few years later in Constantinople led to a crushing defeat of the bishop. 392, after the death of Valentinian II and the fall of Eugenius, Ambrose supplicated the emperor for the pardon of those who had supported Eugenius after Theodosius was eventually victorious.[19] of St. Ambrose Saint Ambrose with scourge and book, a painting in the church of San Giuseppe alla Lungara, Rome towards Jews[edit] his treatise on Abraham, Ambrose warns against intermarriage with pagans, Jews, or heretics.[21] 388, Emperor Theodosius the Great was informed that a crowd of Christians, led by their bishop, had destroyed the synagogue at Callinicum on the Euphrates. He ordered the synagogue rebuilt at the expense of the bishop,[22] but Ambrose persuaded Theodosius to retreat from this position.[23] He wrote to the Emperor, pointing out that he was thereby "exposing the bishop to the danger of either acting against the truth or of death"; in the letter "the reasons given for the imperial rescript are met, especially by the plea that the Jews had burnt many churches".[24] Ambrose, referring to a prior incident where Magnus Maximus issued an edict censuring Christians in Rome for burning down a Jewish synagogue, warned Theodosius that the people in turn exclaimed "the emperor has become a Jew", implying that if Theodosius attempted to apply the law to protect his Jewish subjects he'd be viewed similarly.[25] In the course of the letter Ambrose speaks of the clemency that the emperor had shown with regard to the many houses of wealthy people and churches that had been destroyed by unruly mobs, with many then still not restored and then adds: "There is, then, no adequate cause for such a commotion, that the people should be so severely punished for the burning of a building, and much less since it is the burning of a synagogue, a home of unbelief, a house of impiety, a receptacle of folly, which God Himself has condemned. For thus we read, where the Lord our God speaks by the mouth of the prophet Jeremiah: 'And I will do to this house, which is called by My Name, wherein ye trust, and to the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh, and I will cast you forth from My sight, as I cast forth your brethren, the whole seed of Ephraim. And do not thou pray for that people, and do not thou ask mercy for them, and do not come near Me on their behalf, for I will not hear thee. Or seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah?'[Jeremiah 7:14] God forbids intercession to be made for those."[24][26] Yet, Ambrose did not oppose punishing those who were directly responsible for destroying the synagogue. his exposition of Psalm 1, Ambrose says: "Virtues without faith are leaves, flourishing in appearance, but unproductive. How many pagans have mercy and sobriety but no fruit, because they do not attain their purpose! The leaves speedily fall at the wind's breath. Some Jews exhibit purity of life and much diligence and love of study, but bear no fruit and live like leaves."[27] towards pagans[edit] article: Anti-paganism influenced by Saint Ambrose his influence, emperors Gratian, Valentinian II and Theodosius I carried on a persecution of paganism;[28][b][30][31] Theodosius issued the 391 "Theodosian decrees," which with increasing intensity outlawed pagan practices.[29][32]The Altar of Victory was removed by Gratian. Ambrose prevailed upon Gratian, Valentinian and Theodosius to reject requests to restore the altar. years and death[edit] silver urn with the body of Ambrose (with white vestments) in the crypt of Sant'Ambrose, with the skeletons of Gervase and Protase. April 393 Arbogast, magister militum of the West and his puppet Emperor Eugenius, marched into Italy to consolidate their position in regard to Theodosius I and his son, Honorius, whom Theodosius had appointed Augustus to govern the western portion of the empire. Arbogast and Eugenius courted Ambrose's support by very obliging letters; but before they arrived at Milan, he had retired to Bologna, where he assisted at the translation of the relics of Saints Vitalis and Agricola. From there he went to Florence, where he remained until Eugenius withdrew from Milan to meet Theodosius in the Battle of the Frigidus in early September 394.[33] after acquiring the undisputed possession of the Roman Empire, Theodosius died at Milan in 395, and two years later (4 April 397) Ambrose also died. He was succeeded as bishop of Milan by Simplician.[19] Ambrose's body may still be viewed in the church of Saint Ambrogio in Milan, where it has been continuously venerated“ along with the bodies identified in his time as being those of Saints Gervase and Protase. Drawing based on a statue of Saint Ambrose circumstances in the history of Ambrose are characteristic of the general spirit of the times. The chief causes of his victory over his opponents were his great popularity and the reverence paid to the episcopal character at that period. He used several indirect means to obtain and support his authority with the people.[19] was his custom to comment severely in his preaching on the public characters of his times; and he introduced popular reforms in the order and manner of public worship. It is alleged, too, that at a time when the influence of Ambrose required vigorous support, he was admonished in a dream to search for, and found under the pavement of the church, the remains of two martyrs, Gervasius and Protasius. The saints, although they would have had to have been hundreds of years old, looked as if they had just died. The applause of the people was mingled with the derision of the court party.[19] joins Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great as one of the Latin Doctors of the Church. Theologians compare him with Hilary, who they claim fell short of Ambrose's administrative excellence but demonstrated greater theological ability. He succeeded as a theologian despite his juridical training and his comparatively late handling of Biblical and doctrinal subjects.[19] intense episcopal consciousness furthered the growing doctrine of the Church and its sacerdotal ministry, while the prevalent asceticism of the day, continuing the Stoic and Ciceronian training of his youth, enabled him to promulgate a lofty standard of Christian ethics. Thus we have the De officiis ministrorum, De viduis, De virginitate and De paenitentia.[19] displayed a kind of liturgical flexibility that kept in mind that liturgy was a tool to serve people in worshiping God, and ought not to become a rigid entity that is invariable from place to place. His advice to Augustine of Hippo on this point was to follow local liturgical custom. "When I am at Rome, I fast on a Saturday; when I am at Milan, I do not. Follow the custom of the church where you are."[34][35] Thus Ambrose refused to be drawn into a false conflict over which particular local church had the "right" liturgical form where there was no substantial problem. His advice has remained in the English language as the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." interpretation of Ambrose's writings is that he was a Christian universalist.[36] It has been noted that Ambrose's theology was significantly influenced by that of Origen and Didymus the Blind, two other early Christian universalists.[36] quotation cited in favor of this belief is: Our Savior has appointed two kinds of resurrection in the Apocalypse. 'Blessed is he that hath part in the first resurrection,' for such come to grace without the judgment. As for those who do not come to the first, but are reserved unto the second resurrection, these shall be disciplined until their appointed times, between the first and the second resurrection.[37] could interpret this passage as being another example of the mainstream Christian belief in a general resurrection (that both those in heaven and in hell undergo a bodily resurrection), or an allusion to purgatory (that some destined for heaven must first undergo a phase of purification). Several other works by Ambrose clearly teach the mainstream view of salvation. For example: "The Jews feared to believe in manhood taken up into God, and therefore have lost the grace of redemption, because they reject that on which salvation depends."[38] to the poor[edit] was also interested in the condition of contemporary Italian society.[39] Ambrose considered the poor not a distinct group of outsiders, but a part of the united, solidary people. Giving to the poor was not to be considered an act of generosity towards the fringes of society but a repayment of resources that God had originally bestowed on everyone equally and that the rich had usurped.[40] The theological treatises of Ambrose of Milan would come to influence Popes Damasus, Siricius and Leo XIII. Central to Ambrose is the virginity of Mary and her role as Mother of God.[41] virgin birth is worthy of God. Which human birth would have been more worthy of God, than the one in which the Immaculate Son of God maintained the purity of his immaculate origin while becoming human?[42] confess that Christ the Lord was born from a virgin, and therefore we reject the natural order of things. Because she conceived not from a man but from the Holy Spirit.[43] is not divided but one. If we adore him as the Son of God, we do not deny his birth from the virgin. ... But nobody shall extend this to Mary. Mary was the temple of God but not God in the temple. Therefore, only the one who was in the temple can be worshiped.[44] truly blessed for having surpassed the priest (Zechariah). While the priest denied, the Virgin rectified the error. No wonder that the Lord, wishing to rescue the world, began his work with Mary. Thus she, through whom salvation was being prepared for all people, would be the first to receive the promised fruit of salvation.[45] viewed celibacy as superior to marriage and saw Mary as the model of virginity.[46] Roman Saint, 367-420, Jerome ; AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430); JEROME, SCHOLAR, TRANSLATOR, AND THEOLOGIAN (30 SEP 420); St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, 360-397, Bishop of Milan, Ambrose, against Arianism, antiphonal chant, Augistine of H
Northern Italy, 360-397, Bishop of Milan, Ambrose, against Arianism, antiphonal chant, Augistine of H; (born Aurelius Ambrosius; c. 340 -“ 397), venerated as Saint Ambrose[a], was the Bishop of Milan, a theologian, and one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures of the 4th century. was serving as the Roman governor of Aemilia-Liguria in Milan when he was unexpectedly made Bishop of Milan in 374 by popular acclamation. As bishop, he took a firm position against Arianism and attempted to mediate the conflict between the emperor Theodosius I and the usurper Magnus Maximus. Tradition credits Ambrose with promoting "antiphonal chant", a style of chanting in which one side of the choir responds alternately to the other, as well as with composing Veni redemptor gentium, an Advent hymn. He also had notable influence on Augustine of Hippo (354-430). Christianity identified Ambrose as one of its four traditional Doctors of the Church. He is considered a saint by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion, and various Lutheran denominations, and venerated as the patron saint of Milan. 1 Life 1.1 Early life 1.2 Bishop of Milan 1.3 Arianism 1.4 Imperial relations 1.5 Attitude towards Jews 1.6 Attitude towards pagans 1.7 Later years and death 1.8 Character 2 Theology 2.1 Giving to the poor 2.2 Mariology 3 Writings 4 Church music 5 Augustine 5.1 Reading 6 Bibliography 7 See also 8 References 8.1 Notes 8.2 Citations 8.3 Works cited 9 External links life[edit] was born into a Roman Christian family about 340 and was raised in Gallia Belgica, the capital of which was Augusta Treverorum.[3] His father is sometimes identified with Aurelius Ambrosius,[4][5] a praetorian prefect of Gaul;[6] but some scholars identify his father as an official named Uranius who received an imperial constitution dated 3 February 339 (addressed in a brief extract from one of the three emperors ruling in 339, Constantine II, Constantius II, or Constans, in the Codex Theodosianus, book XI.5).[7][8][9] mother was a woman of intellect and piety[10] and a member of the Roman family Aurelii Symmachi,[11] and thus Ambrose was cousin of the orator Quintus Aurelius Symmachus. He was the youngest of three children, who included Marcellina and Satyrus (who is the subject of Ambrose's De excessu fratris Satyri), also venerated as saints.[12] There is a legend that as an infant, a swarm of bees settled on his face while he lay in his cradle, leaving behind a drop of honey. His father considered this a sign of his future eloquence and honeyed tongue. For this reason, bees and beehives often appear in the saint's symbology. the year 354 Ambrosius, the father, died, whereupon the family moved to Rome.[13] There he studied literature, law, and rhetoric. He then followed in his father's footsteps and entered public service. Praetorian Prefect Sextus Claudius Petronius Probus first gave him a place in the council and then in about 372 made him governor of Liguria and Emilia, with headquarters at Milan.[6] In 286 Diocletian had moved the capital of the Western Roman Empire from Rome to Mediolanum (Milan). was the Governor of Aemilia-Liguria in northern Italy until 374, when he became the Bishop of Milan. Ambrose was a very popular political figure, and since he had been the Governor in the effective capital in the Roman West, he was a recognizable figure in the court of Valentinian I. of Milan[edit] the late 4th century there was a deep conflict in the diocese of Milan between the Nicene Church and Arians.[14][15] In 374 the bishop of Milan, Auxentius, an Arian, died, and the Arians challenged the succession. Ambrose went to the church where the election was to take place, to prevent an uproar, which was probable in this crisis. His address was interrupted by a call, "Ambrose, bishop!", which was taken up by the whole assembly.[15] was known to be Nicene Christian in belief, but also acceptable to Arians due to the charity shown in theological matters in this regard. At first he energetically refused the office, for which he was in no way prepared: Ambrose was neither baptized nor formally trained in theology.[6] Upon his appointment, Ambrose fled to a colleague's home seeking to hide. Upon receiving a letter from the Emperor Gratian praising the appropriateness of Rome appointing individuals evidently worthy of holy positions, Ambrose's host gave him up. Within a week, he was baptized, ordained and duly consecrated bishop of Milan. bishop, he immediately adopted an ascetic lifestyle, apportioned his money to the poor, donating all of his land, making only provision for his sister Marcellina (who had become a nun). This raised his popularity even further, giving him considerable political leverage over even the emperor. Upon the unexpected appointment of Ambrose to the episcopate, his brother Satyrus resigned a prefecture in order to move to Milan, where he took over managing the diocese's temporal affairs.[3] 383 Gratian was assassinated at Lyon, France, and Paulinus of Nola, who had served as governor of Campania, went to Milan to attend the school of Ambrose.[16] of Saint Ambrose with a scourge in Museo del Duomo, Milan. Unknown Lombard author, early 17 century. studied theology with Simplician, a presbyter of Rome.[10] Using to his advantage his excellent knowledge of Greek, which was then rare in the West, he studied the Old Testament and Greek authors like Philo, Origen, Athanasius, and Basil of Caesarea, with whom he was also exchanging letters.[17] He applied this knowledge as preacher, concentrating especially on exegesis of the Old Testament, and his rhetorical abilities impressed Augustine of Hippo, who hitherto had thought poorly of Christian preachers. the confrontation with Arians, Ambrose sought to theologically refute their propositions, which were contrary to the Nicene creed and thus to the officially defined orthodoxy. The Arians appealed to many high level leaders and clergy in both the Western and Eastern empires. Although the western Emperor Gratian supported orthodoxy, the younger Valentinian II, who became his colleague in the Empire, adhered to the Arian creed.[18] Ambrose did not sway the young prince's position. In the East, Emperor Theodosius I likewise professed the Nicene creed; but there were many adherents of Arianism throughout his dominions,[10] especially among the higher clergy. this contested state of religious opinion, two leaders of the Arians, bishops Palladius of Ratiaria and Secundianus of Singidunum, confident of numbers, prevailed upon Gratian to call a general council from all parts of the empire. This request appeared so equitable that he complied without hesitation. However, Ambrose feared the consequences and prevailed upon the emperor to have the matter determined by a council of the Western bishops. Accordingly, a synod composed of thirty-two bishops was held at Aquileia in the year 381. Ambrose was elected president and Palladius, being called upon to defend his opinions, declined. A vote was then taken and Palladius and his associate Secundianus were deposed from their episcopal offices.[10] the increasing strength of the Arians proved a formidable task for Ambrose. In 385[18] or 386 the emperor and his mother Justina, along with a considerable number of clergy and laity, especially military, professed Arianism. They demanded two churches in Milan, one in the city (the Basilica of the Apostles), the other in the suburbs (St Victor's), be allocated to the Arians.[18] Ambrose refused and was required to answer for his conduct before the council.[6][page needed] He went, his eloquence in defense of the Church reportedly overawing the ministers of Valentinian, so he was permitted to retire without making the surrender of the churches. The day following, when he was performing divine service in the basilica, the prefect of the city came to persuade him to give up at least the Portian basilica in the suburbs. As he still refused, certain deans or officers of the court were sent to take possession of the Portian basilica, by hanging up in it imperial escutcheons[18] to prepare for the arrival of the emperor and his mother at the ensuing festival of Easter.[19] spite of Imperial opposition, Ambrose declared, "If you demand my person, I am ready to submit: carry me to prison or to death, I will not resist; but I will never betray the church of Christ. I will not call upon the people to succour me; I will die at the foot of the altar rather than desert it. The tumult of the people I will not encourage: but God alone can appease it."[19] 386 Justina and Valentinian received the Arian bishop Auxentius the younger, and Ambrose was again ordered to hand over a church in Milan for Arian usage. Ambrose and his congregation barricaded themselves inside the church, and the imperial order was rescinded.[20 relations[edit] Ambrose barring Theodosius from Milan Cathedral by Anthony van Dyck. National Gallery, London. imperial court was displeased with the religious principles of Ambrose, though his aid was soon solicited by the Emperor. When Magnus Maximus usurped the supreme power in Gaul, and was meditating a descent upon Italy, Valentinian sent Ambrose to dissuade him from the undertaking, and the embassy was successful.[19] second later embassy was unsuccessful. The enemy entered Italy and Milan was taken. Justina and her son fled but Ambrose remained at his post and did good service to many of the sufferers by causing the plate of the church to be melted for their relief.[19] I, the emperor of the East, espoused the cause of Justina, and regained the kingdom. Theodosius was excommunicated by Ambrose for the massacre of 7,000 people at Thessalonica in 390,[19] after the murder of the Roman governor there by rioters.[6][page needed] - Ambrose told Theodosius to imitate David in his repentance as he had imitated him in guilt,[19] and he readmitted the emperor to the Eucharist only after several months of penance. This shows the strong position of a bishop in the western part of the empire, even when facing a strong emperor. The controversy of John Chrysostom with a much weaker emperor a few years later in Constantinople led to a crushing defeat of the bishop. 392, after the death of Valentinian II and the fall of Eugenius, Ambrose supplicated the emperor for the pardon of those who had supported Eugenius after Theodosius was eventually victorious.[19] of St. Ambrose Saint Ambrose with scourge and book, a painting in the church of San Giuseppe alla Lungara, Rome towards Jews[edit] his treatise on Abraham, Ambrose warns against intermarriage with pagans, Jews, or heretics.[21] 388, Emperor Theodosius the Great was informed that a crowd of Christians, led by their bishop, had destroyed the synagogue at Callinicum on the Euphrates. He ordered the synagogue rebuilt at the expense of the bishop,[22] but Ambrose persuaded Theodosius to retreat from this position.[23] He wrote to the Emperor, pointing out that he was thereby "exposing the bishop to the danger of either acting against the truth or of death"; in the letter "the reasons given for the imperial rescript are met, especially by the plea that the Jews had burnt many churches".[24] Ambrose, referring to a prior incident where Magnus Maximus issued an edict censuring Christians in Rome for burning down a Jewish synagogue, warned Theodosius that the people in turn exclaimed "the emperor has become a Jew", implying that if Theodosius attempted to apply the law to protect his Jewish subjects he'd be viewed similarly.[25] In the course of the letter Ambrose speaks of the clemency that the emperor had shown with regard to the many houses of wealthy people and churches that had been destroyed by unruly mobs, with many then still not restored and then adds: "There is, then, no adequate cause for such a commotion, that the people should be so severely punished for the burning of a building, and much less since it is the burning of a synagogue, a home of unbelief, a house of impiety, a receptacle of folly, which God Himself has condemned. For thus we read, where the Lord our God speaks by the mouth of the prophet Jeremiah: 'And I will do to this house, which is called by My Name, wherein ye trust, and to the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh, and I will cast you forth from My sight, as I cast forth your brethren, the whole seed of Ephraim. And do not thou pray for that people, and do not thou ask mercy for them, and do not come near Me on their behalf, for I will not hear thee. Or seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah?'[Jeremiah 7:14] God forbids intercession to be made for those."[24][26] Yet, Ambrose did not oppose punishing those who were directly responsible for destroying the synagogue. his exposition of Psalm 1, Ambrose says: "Virtues without faith are leaves, flourishing in appearance, but unproductive. How many pagans have mercy and sobriety but no fruit, because they do not attain their purpose! The leaves speedily fall at the wind's breath. Some Jews exhibit purity of life and much diligence and love of study, but bear no fruit and live like leaves."[27] towards pagans[edit] article: Anti-paganism influenced by Saint Ambrose his influence, emperors Gratian, Valentinian II and Theodosius I carried on a persecution of paganism;[28][b][30][31] Theodosius issued the 391 "Theodosian decrees," which with increasing intensity outlawed pagan practices.[29][32]The Altar of Victory was removed by Gratian. Ambrose prevailed upon Gratian, Valentinian and Theodosius to reject requests to restore the altar. years and death[edit] silver urn with the body of Ambrose (with white vestments) in the crypt of Sant'Ambrose, with the skeletons of Gervase and Protase. April 393 Arbogast, magister militum of the West and his puppet Emperor Eugenius, marched into Italy to consolidate their position in regard to Theodosius I and his son, Honorius, whom Theodosius had appointed Augustus to govern the western portion of the empire. Arbogast and Eugenius courted Ambrose's support by very obliging letters; but before they arrived at Milan, he had retired to Bologna, where he assisted at the translation of the relics of Saints Vitalis and Agricola. From there he went to Florence, where he remained until Eugenius withdrew from Milan to meet Theodosius in the Battle of the Frigidus in early September 394.[33] after acquiring the undisputed possession of the Roman Empire, Theodosius died at Milan in 395, and two years later (4 April 397) Ambrose also died. He was succeeded as bishop of Milan by Simplician.[19] Ambrose's body may still be viewed in the church of Saint Ambrogio in Milan, where it has been continuously venerated“ along with the bodies identified in his time as being those of Saints Gervase and Protase. Drawing based on a statue of Saint Ambrose circumstances in the history of Ambrose are characteristic of the general spirit of the times. The chief causes of his victory over his opponents were his great popularity and the reverence paid to the episcopal character at that period. He used several indirect means to obtain and support his authority with the people.[19] was his custom to comment severely in his preaching on the public characters of his times; and he introduced popular reforms in the order and manner of public worship. It is alleged, too, that at a time when the influence of Ambrose required vigorous support, he was admonished in a dream to search for, and found under the pavement of the church, the remains of two martyrs, Gervasius and Protasius. The saints, although they would have had to have been hundreds of years old, looked as if they had just died. The applause of the people was mingled with the derision of the court party.[19] joins Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great as one of the Latin Doctors of the Church. Theologians compare him with Hilary, who they claim fell short of Ambrose's administrative excellence but demonstrated greater theological ability. He succeeded as a theologian despite his juridical training and his comparatively late handling of Biblical and doctrinal subjects.[19] intense episcopal consciousness furthered the growing doctrine of the Church and its sacerdotal ministry, while the prevalent asceticism of the day, continuing the Stoic and Ciceronian training of his youth, enabled him to promulgate a lofty standard of Christian ethics. Thus we have the De officiis ministrorum, De viduis, De virginitate and De paenitentia.[19] displayed a kind of liturgical flexibility that kept in mind that liturgy was a tool to serve people in worshiping God, and ought not to become a rigid entity that is invariable from place to place. His advice to Augustine of Hippo on this point was to follow local liturgical custom. "When I am at Rome, I fast on a Saturday; when I am at Milan, I do not. Follow the custom of the church where you are."[34][35] Thus Ambrose refused to be drawn into a false conflict over which particular local church had the "right" liturgical form where there was no substantial problem. His advice has remained in the English language as the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." interpretation of Ambrose's writings is that he was a Christian universalist.[36] It has been noted that Ambrose's theology was significantly influenced by that of Origen and Didymus the Blind, two other early Christian universalists.[36] quotation cited in favor of this belief is: Our Savior has appointed two kinds of resurrection in the Apocalypse. 'Blessed is he that hath part in the first resurrection,' for such come to grace without the judgment. As for those who do not come to the first, but are reserved unto the second resurrection, these shall be disciplined until their appointed times, between the first and the second resurrection.[37] could interpret this passage as being another example of the mainstream Christian belief in a general resurrection (that both those in heaven and in hell undergo a bodily resurrection), or an allusion to purgatory (that some destined for heaven must first undergo a phase of purification). Several other works by Ambrose clearly teach the mainstream view of salvation. For example: "The Jews feared to believe in manhood taken up into God, and therefore have lost the grace of redemption, because they reject that on which salvation depends."[38] to the poor[edit] was also interested in the condition of contemporary Italian society.[39] Ambrose considered the poor not a distinct group of outsiders, but a part of the united, solidary people. Giving to the poor was not to be considered an act of generosity towards the fringes of society but a repayment of resources that God had originally bestowed on everyone equally and that the rich had usurped.[40] The theological treatises of Ambrose of Milan would come to influence Popes Damasus, Siricius and Leo XIII. Central to Ambrose is the virginity of Mary and her role as Mother of God.[41] virgin birth is worthy of God. Which human birth would have been more worthy of God, than the one in which the Immaculate Son of God maintained the purity of his immaculate origin while becoming human?[42] confess that Christ the Lord was born from a virgin, and therefore we reject the natural order of things. Because she conceived not from a man but from the Holy Spirit.[43] is not divided but one. If we adore him as the Son of God, we do not deny his birth from the virgin. ... But nobody shall extend this to Mary. Mary was the temple of God but not God in the temple. Therefore, only the one who was in the temple can be worshiped.[44] truly blessed for having surpassed the priest (Zechariah). While the priest denied, the Virgin rectified the error. No wonder that the Lord, wishing to rescue the world, began his work with Mary. Thus she, through whom salvation was being prepared for all people, would be the first to receive the promised fruit of salvation.[45] viewed celibacy as superior to marriage and saw Mary as the model of virginity.[46] St Monica, Commemorated on May 4; Saint Bassian, Bishop of Lodi in Lombardy, Commemorated on June 10; AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430);

Rome, 364-378, Emperor, Valentian I in the West, Orthodox, last great western emperor
Roman Emperor, 364-378, Valentian I in the West ; Valentinian I (Latin: Flavius Valentinianus; 3 July 321 -“ 17 November 375), also known as Valentinian the Great,[2][3][4][5] was Roman emperor from 364 to 375. Upon becoming emperor he made his brother Valens his co-emperor, giving him rule of the eastern provinces while Valentinian retained the west. his reign, Valentinian fought successfully against the Alamanni, Quadi, and Sarmatians. Most notable was his victory over the Alamanni in 367 at the Battle of Solicinium. His brilliant general Count Theodosius defeated a revolt in Africa and the Great Conspiracy, a coordinated assault on Roman Britain by Picts, Scots, and Saxons. Valentinian was also the last emperor to conduct campaigns across both the Rhine and Danube rivers. Valentinian rebuilt and improved the fortifications along the frontiers, even building fortresses in enemy territory. to the successful nature of his reign and the rapid decline of the empire after his death, he is often considered to be the "last great western emperor". He founded the Valentinianic dynasty, with his sons Gratian and Valentinian II succeeding him in the western half of the empire. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430) ; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; Martyr Anthusa at Rome, Commemorated on December 8; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26; Hieromartyr Zeno the Bishop of Verona, Commemorated on April 12 ; St Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12 ; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, 364-378, Emperor, Valens in the East, Arian, died and lost to Goths at Adrianople, bad g, good a
Roman Emperor, 364-375, Valens in the East ; Valens (328 -“ 9 August 378) was Roman emperor from 364 to 378. He was the younger brother of the emperor Valentinian I, who gave Valens the eastern half of the Roman Empire to rule. Before 364, Valens had a largely unremarkable military career. In 378, Valens was defeated and killed at the Battle of Adrianople against the invading Goths, which astonished contemporaries and marked the beginning of barbarian encroachment into Roman territory. emperor Valens continually faced threats both internal and external.[6] He defeated, after some dithering, the usurper Procopius in 366, and campaigned against the Goths across the Danube in 367 and 369. In the following years, Valens focused on the eastern frontier, where he faced the perennial threat of Persia, particularly in Armenia, as well as additional conflicts with the Saracens and Isaurians. Domestically, he inaugurated the Aqueduct of Valens in Constantinople, which was longer than all the aqueducts of Rome. In 376-77, the Gothic War broke out, following a mismanaged attempt to settle the Goths in the Balkans. Valens returned from the east to fight the Goths in person, but lack of coordination with his nephew, the western emperor Gratian (Valentinian I's son), as well as poor battle tactics, led to Valens and much of the eastern Roman army dying at a battle near Adrianople in 378. Valens is described as indecisive, impressionable, a mediocre general and overall "utterly undistinguished", he was also a conscientious and capable administrator,[7] and a notable achievement of his was to significantly relieve the burden of taxation on the population.[8] At the same time, his suspicious and fearful disposition, and excessive concern for personal safety, resulted in numerous treason trials and executions, which heavily stained his reputation. Valens was a Arian Christian “ (the last Roman emperor to profess this denomination)“ and unenthusiastically persecuted eastern Catholics while interfering little in the affairs of the pagans.[8][9] AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430) ; Greatmartyr Nicetas the Goth, Commemorated on September 15; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; Martyr Anthusa at Rome, Commemorated on December 8; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26; Hieromartyr Zeno the Bishop of Verona, Commemorated on April 12 ; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, 366-384, Pope, Damasus I, presided over canon of scripture, encouraged Vulgate and martyr veneration
Pope, 366-384, Pope Damasus I; I (c. 305 - 11 December 384) was the bishop of Rome from October 366 to his death. presided over the Council of Rome of 382 that determined the canon or official list of sacred scripture.[1] He spoke out against major heresies in the church (including Apollinarianism and Macedonianism) and encouraged production of the Vulgate Bible with his support for Jerome. He helped reconcile the relations between the Church of Rome and the Church of Antioch, and encouraged the veneration of martyrs. well as various prose letters and other pieces Damasus was the author of Latin verse. Alan Cameron describes his epitaph for a young girl called Projecta (of great interest to scholars as the Projecta Casket in the British Museum may have been made for her) as "a tissue of tags and clichés shakily strung together and barely squeezed into the meter".[2] Damasus has been described as "the first society Pope",[3] and was possibly a member of a group of Spanish Christians, largely related to each other, who were close to the Spaniard Theodosius I.[4] number of images of "DAMAS" in gold glass cups probably represent him and seem to be the first contemporary images of a pope to survive, though there is no real attempt at a likeness. "Damas" appears with other figures, including a Florus who may be Projecta's father. It has been suggested that Damasus or another of the group commissioned and distributed these to friends or supporters, as part of a programme "insistently inserting his episcopal presence in the Christian landscape".[5] is recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church; his feast day is 11 December.[6] In the Eastern Orthodox Church his feast day is 13 November.[7] JEROME, SCHOLAR, TRANSLATOR, AND THEOLOGIAN (30 SEP 420); Venerable Arsenius the Great, Commemorated on May 8; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, 367-420, Roman Saint, Jerome, scholar, translator, theologian
Roman Saint, 367-420, Jerome ; AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430); JEROME, SCHOLAR, TRANSLATOR, AND THEOLOGIAN (30 SEP 420); was the foremost biblical scholar of the ancient Church. His translation of the Bible, along with his commentaries and homilies on the biblical books, have made him a major intellectual force in the Western Church. was born in about 347, and was converted and baptized during his student days in Rome. a visit to Trier, he found himself attracted to the monastic life, which he tested in a brief but unhappy experience as a hermit in the deserts of Syria. Antioch, he continued his studies in Hebrew and Greek. In 379, he went to Constantinople where he studied under Gregory of Nazianzus. 382 to 384 he was secretary to Pope Damasus I, and spiritual director of many noble Roman ladies who were becoming interested in the monastic life. It was Damasus who set him the task of making a new translation of the Bible into Latin -- into the popular form of the language, hence the name of the translation: the Vulgate. the death of Damasus, Jerome returned to the East, and established a monastery at Bethlehem, where he lived and worked until his death on 30 September 420. is best known as the translator of the Bible into Latin. A previous version (now called the Old Latin) existed, but Jerome's version far surpassed it in scholarship and in literary quality. was well versed in classical Latin (as well as Greek and Hebrew), but deliberately translated the Bible into the style of Latin that was actually spoken and written by the majority of persons in his own time. This kind of Latin is known as Vulgate Latin (meaning the Latin of the common people), and accordingly Jerome's translation is called the Vulgate. Vulgate Latin is classical Latin in the first stages of evolving into such modern languages as Spanish, French, and Italian. It has begun the process of changing from an inflected language (in which words have various endings, or inflections, which are used to show the relation of the word to other words in the sentence) to a separate-word language like English (in which additional words, such as prepositions, are used, along with word order, to show the function of the word). Thus, in classical Latin, "He spoke to me," is dix it mihi or mihi dixit, but in Vulgate Latin it is dixit ad me. In the second century BC, Jewish scholars in Alexandria, Egypt, had translated the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek. Tradition had it that this translation was the work of 70 (or 72) scholars, and accordingly the result was known as the Septuagint (often written as LXX). The LXX contains six or more books (there is some leeway here) not found in the standard Hebrew text, known as the Masoretic Text (or MT), and sometimes reads differently from the MT in particular verses. New Testament writers, except for Matthew, when they are quoting the Old Testament, usually quote from the LXX. The differences in readings between the MT and the LXX were formerly explained by assuming that the LXX translators were sometimes not very good translators. very ancient Hebrew manuscripts of the Bible, recently found at Qumran and elsewhere, often agree with the LXX against the MT. Accordingly, it is now generally supposed that the LXX is a fairly accurate translation of Hebrew manuscripts available at the time, and that sometimes the manuscripts that the LXX translators worked from differed from the manuscripts that became the basis for the standardized Hebrew text that we know today. The early Christians, most of whom knew Greek but not Hebrew, were accustomed to use the LXX as their version of the Old Testament Scriptures. (So, for that matter, did most Jews living in the Roman Empire outside of the land of Israel itself.) Old Latin translation had been made from the Greek. But Jerome was determined to make his translation from the Hebrew, partly because he considered it to be more accurate, and partly because he wanted a text that he could use as a basis for argument with Jewish opponents, without having them object, "But that is not what the Hebrew text says." a translation from the Hebrew, he ran into a difficulty with the Psalms. They were used regularly in public and private worship, and many Christians knew them well enough to notice and resent any radical changes from the wording they had always used. So Jerome translated the Psalms from the Greek, and salved his scholarly feelings by publishing a translation of the Psalms from the Hebrew in an Appendix. The history of the Psalms in English is in some ways similar. 1611, the King James Version of the Bible was published, and generally accepted by English-speakers. However, the Psalms in English were already an established part of public worship in the Coverdale translation of 1536 or thereabouts. For roughly 75 years worshippers in England had been reading, saying, singing, or chanting the Psalms in the Coverdale translation (also called the Prayer Book Version). Their response to the Psalms in the King James Version was: "What is this nonsense! Take away this new-fangled modern translation, and leave me to recite the Psalms in the good old-fashioned version that I learned at the knee of my dear old silver-haired mother, the most magnificent version that the pen of man has ever written, the version that has comforted and sustained me all the days of my life." So, when you attend an Anglican funeral, and you hear the choir chanting, The LORD is my shepherd, therefore can I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture, and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. are hearing the Coverdale Psalter. And for some of us, at least, it is a great tree, deeply rooted in the soil of English Christianity, and full of complex associations that make reading it a deeply moving experience. (I have heard rumors that there are versions of the Psalter used in some circles, that are even more modern and trendy than the King James. Hmmph!) was intemperate in controversy, and any correspondence with him tended to degenerate into a flame war. (His friendship with Augustine, conducted by letter, nearly ended before it began. Fortunately Augustine sized him up correctly, soothed his feelings, and was extremely tactful thereafter.) His hot temper, pride of learning, and extravagant promotion of asceticism involved him in many bitter controversies over questions of theology and of Bible interpretation. However, he was candid at times in admitting his failings, and was never ambitious for either worldly or churchly honors. He was a militant champion of orthodoxy, a tireless worker, and a scholar of rare gifts. by James Kiefer Martyr Pamphilius the Presbyter at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 16; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15; Jerome of Stridon was born into a Christian family in the city of Stridon located on the border between Dalmatia and Pannonia. full name is Eusebius Hieronymos Sophronius. His parents sent him to Rome, where he studied the secular sciences. At the beginning of his life in the capital, the youth was captivated by worldly vanities and fell into temptation. At the end of his time in Rome, Jerome resolved to change his life and to live in goodness and purity. the youth was about 20 years old, he accepted holy Baptism. After this he visited in Gaul (France). Then Saint Jerome decided to dedicate himself totally to God, and to become a monk. about the year 372 Saint Jerome returned to his native city, but his parents had already departed this life. On him fell the responsibility of raising his younger sisters and his brother Paulinian. These cares forced him to put aside his plans to enter a monastery, at least for a time. made arrangements for the care of his siblings, he journeyed to the East with several of his friends. 374, he decided to dwell in the desert of Chalcis southeast of Antioch. There he remained for about 5 years, combining work on the Holy Scriptures with austere ascetic deeds. Besides this, Saint Jerome mastered the Hebrew and Chaldean languages. this period he began his correspondence with numerous persons upon a variety of questions. About 120 letters, considered as authentically written by Saint Jerome, have been preserved. the beginning of the 360s there arose a controversy between the proponents of bishops Meletius, Paulinos and Vitalis. The controversy also reached the monastery where Saint Jerome toiled. In consequence, the disputes caused him to leave the monastery and go to Antioch. Here Bishop Paulinos ordained him to the priesthood. Saint Jerome visited Constantinople and conversed with the holy hierarchs Gregory the Theologian and Gregory of Nyssa the year 381 he set off for Rome. At Rome he continued his studies. The holy Pope Damasus I (366-384), who also devoted much of his time to the study of Holy Scripture, made Jerome his secretary. because the saint denounced the morals of the contemporary Christian society, a whole party of those bearing malice towards the saint came forward to spread slanders about him. a three year stay at Rome, Saint Jerome felt compelled to abandon this city for good. Together with his brother Paulinian and friends, Saint Jerome visited the Holy Land, and also the monks of the Nitria wilderness monastery. the year 386 he settled into a cave at Bethlehem near the cave where Christ was born, and there he began a life of austere asceticism. was the period of blossoming of his creative activity. Attending to the studies of his time, Saint Jerome left to the Church a rich written legacy: collections of dogmatic-polemic works, moral-ascetic works, commentaries on Scripture, and historical works. the most important of his works was a new translation the books of the Old and New Testaments into the Latin language. This Latin translation is called the “Vulgate,” and it passed into general use throughout the Western Church. Jerome lived through the fall of his beloved city Rome, which was sacked by the Goths in the year 410. In the year 411 a new ordeal beset the saint, Bethlehem was invaded by wild Bedouin Arabs. Only through the mercy of God was the community of the aged ascetic saved from complete destruction. He finished his life at the cave in Bethlehem. Saint Jerome is believed to have reposed in 420. relics were transferred from Bethlehem to Rome in 642, but their present location is unknown. His hand is enshrined in a church near Rome’s Piazza Farnese.

Rome, 374-430, Saint Augustine, Hippo, Rome, Milan, western theologian, Mani, Gnostic, reason vs authority, Ambrose
Rome, 374-430, Saint Augustine of Hippo; (Aurelius Augustinus) was one of the greatest theologians of Western Christianity. (In his day the Mediterranean world consisted of an Eastern, Greek-speaking half and a Western, Latin-speaking half, with different ways of looking at things, and different habits of thought.) was born 13 November 354 in North Africa, about 45 miles south of the Mediterranean, in the town of Tagaste in Numidia (now Souk-Ahras in Algeria), near ancient Carthage (modern Tunis). mother, Monnica, was a Christian (see 4 May), and his father for many years a pagan (although he became a Christian before his death). mother undertook to bring him up as a Christian, and on one level he always found something attractive about Christ, but in the short run he was more interested in the attractions of sex, fame, and pride in his own cleverness. a moderate amount of running around as a teen-ager, he took a mistress, who bore him a son when he was about eighteen. Theirs was a long-term relationship, apparently with faithfulness on both sides, and the modern reader is left wondering why he did not simply marry the girl. He never tells us this (and in fact never tells us her name), so that we can only guess. It seems likely that she was a freedwoman, and the laws forbade marriage between a free-born Roman citizen and a slave, or an ex-slave. he was 19 and a student at Carthage, he read a treatise by Cicero that opened his eyes to the delights of philosophy. He was from the beginning a brilliant student, with an eager intellectual curiosity, but he never mastered Greek -- he tells us that his first Greek teacher was a brutal man who constantly beat his students, and Augustine rebelled and vowed never to learn Greek. By the time he realized that he really needed to know Greek, it was too late; and although he acquired a smattering of the language, he was never really at home in it. However, his mastery of Latin was another matter. He became an expert both in the eloquent use of the language and in the use of clever arguments to make his points. became a teacher of rhetoric in Carthage, but was dissatisfied. It was the custom for students to pay their fees to the professor on the last day of the term, and many students attended faithfully all term, and then did not pay. In his late twenties, Augustine decided to leave Africa and seek his fortune in Rome. Augustine teaching in Rome, by Gozzoli Augustine teaching in Rome, by Gozzoli a long time Augustine was attracted by the teachings of Manicheeism, named for Mani, a Persian who had preached kind of synthesis of Christianity with Zoroastrianism, the dominant religion of Persia. Zoroaster had taught the existence of a power of light, God, the supreme Creator, and of a dark and evil power that opposed him. On the Zoroastrian (Parsi) view, the dark power was a rebel against his creator, and doomed to ultimate defeat. Mani, on the other hand, was a thoroughgoing dualist, who taught that there are two gods of equal power and eternity, and that the universe is the scene of an unending battle between light and darkness, good and evil, knowledge and ignorance, soul and body, etc. Manichees as they moved west into the Roman Empire adopted many traits of what is generically called Gnosticism. In particular, they advertised themselves as being not an alternative to Christianity but as the advanced version of Christianity, as the faith for the spiritually mature, the intellectually gifted. They claimed that their beliefs were based on reason rather than authority, and that they had answers for everything, at least as soon as the learner was sufficiently advanced to comprehend them. differed from the classical Gnostics by not contrasting spirit with matter. On their view, everything was composed of material particles, but these were either light or dark. Since the mind was composed of light particles, imprisoned in the body, a cage made of dark particles, something like the Gnostic contrast between spirit and matter was there. Members were divided into an inner circle, the "elect," who were expected to be celibate and vegetarian, so as to avoid all those dark particles, and the "learners," of whom considerably less was expected. Augustine signed up as a learner. He was at first completely captivated, but then met with a series of disappointments. The rank and file of the movement did not seem to be very clear thinkers. He met the leaders, who were advertised as the Towering Intellects of the Ages, and was not impressed. prospered in Rome, and was eventually appointed chief professor of rhetoric for the city of Milan, at that time the capital city of the Empire in the West. It should be noted that this was an extremely prestigious appointment. In classical times, when laws were often made and issues voted on by huge public assemblies, when even juries typically had several hundred members, and when a man's public influence, or even on occasion his life, depended on his ability to sway large audiences, rhetoric -- the art of manipulating an audience -- was a skill that few men thought they could afford to neglect. (Socrates was one of the few, and we know what happened to him!) The art, at first intensely practical, had by Augustine's day become a display form admired for its own sake. However, the admiration was there. Every lawyer, arguing a case, was expected to give an eloquent speech, full of classical allusions and standard rhetorical flourishes. And Augustine was at the top of the field. St. Augustine entering Milan, by Gozzoli St. Augustine entering Milan, by Gozzoli Milan Augustine met the bishop Ambrose, and was startled to find in him a reasonableness of mind and belief, a keenness of thought, and an integrity of character far in excess of what he had found elsewhere. For the first time, Augustine saw Christianity as a religion fit for a philosopher. Soon after his arrival in Milan, Augustine was plunged into two crises. First, his mother arrived from Africa, and persuaded him that he ought to give up his mistress and get married. He agreed to a betrothal to a suitable young lady; but his betrothed was too young for immediate marriage, and so the actual wedding was postponed for two years. Meanwhile the mistress had been sent back to Africa. Augustine, not ready for two years of sexual abstinence, lapsed back into promiscuity. The second crisis was that Augustine became a neo-Platonist. Plato, as interpreted by his later spokesmen, in particular by Plotinus, taught that only God is fully real, and that all other things are degenerations in varying degrees from the One--things are progressively less good, less spiritual, and less real as one goes rung by rung down the cosmic ladder. By contemplating spiritual realities, directing one's attention first to one's own mind and then moving up the ladder rung by one to the contemplation of God, one acquires true wisdom, true self-fulfilment, true spirituality, and union with God, or the One. Augustine undertook this approach, and believed that he had in fact had an experience of the presence of God, but found that this only made him more aware of the gulf between what he was and what he realized that he ought to be. he continued to hear Bishop Ambrose. And finally, partly because Ambrose had answers for his questions, partly because he admired Ambrose personally, and chiefly (or so he believed) because God touched his heart, he was converted to Christianity in 386 and was baptised by Ambrose at Easter of 387. About 12 years later he wrote an account of his life up to a time shortly after his conversion, a book called the Confessions, a highly readable work available in English. Ostensibly an autobiography, it is more an outpouring of penitence and thanksgiving. "Take and Read", by Gozzoli "Take and Read", by Gozzoli a well-known chapter, Augustine describes his conversion. His intellectual objections had lost their force, and he was at a point where the difficulty was that he seemed unable to make a commitment to living chastely, or unable to make a commitment, period. He heard of a group of young men, Christians, one of whom decided to become a desert hermit, whereupon the others, one at a time, made the same commitment, encouraged and inspired by the examples of those in the group who had already done so. (In many circles at that time, becoming a desert hermit had the same overtones as joining the Peace Corps did for many young persons in the 1960's, or joining the armed forces for many in the weeks immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor.) Augustine went aside to ponder the question, "How is it that these young men can make so drastic a commitment, and I cannot take even the first step of declaring myself a Christian?" He heard what seemed to be a child's voice coming from next door, saying over and over, "Tolle, lege; tolle, lege," or, "Pick up and read; pick up and read." Since he could not think of any reason why a child would be saying that, he took it as an omen, and picked up a copy of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. As he opened it, his eye fell on the end of the thirteenth chapter: The night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. he read, he experienced this as God speaking directly to him, convicting him of his past sins, and offering him forgiveness; calling him to amend his life, and promising him the grace and power to do it. He burst into tears, and surrendered. Later, he wrote: Late have I loved Thee, O Lord; and behold, Thou wast within and I without, and there I sought Thee. Thou was with me when I was not with Thee. Thou didst call, and cry, and burst my deafness. Thou didst gleam, and glow, and dispell my blindness. Thou didst touch me, and I burned for Thy peace. For Thyself Thou hast made us, and restless our hearts until in Thee they find their ease. Late have I loved Thee, Thou Beauty ever old and ever new. Thou hast burst my bonds asunder; unto Thee will I offer up an offering of praise. written as an account of his life, the Confessions keeps digressing into speculations about the nature of time, the nature of causality, the nature of free will, the motives of human action, etc. Louis deWohl has written a novel about Augustine, based mostly on the Confessions, called The Restless Flame. It is an excellent introduction to the man. his conversion, Augustine went back to his native Africa in 387, where he was ordained a priest in 391 and consecrated bishop of Hippo in 396. It was not his intention to become a priest. He was visiting the town of Hippo (or Hippo Regius, now Annaba, 36:55 N 7:47 E), was in church hearing a sermon, and the bishop, without warning, said, "This congregation is in need of more priests, and I believe that the ordination of Augustine would be to the glory of God." Willing hands dragged Augustine forward, and the bishop together with his council of priests laid hands on Augustine and ordained him to the priesthood. (The experience may have colored Augustine's perception of such questions as, "Does a man come to God because he has chosen to do so, or because God has chosen him, and drawn him to Himself?") A few years later, when the Bishop of Hippo died, Augustine was chosen to succeed him. was a diligent shepherd of his flock, but he also found time to write extensively. He was an admirer of Jerome, and wrote him a letter hoping to establish a friendship, but the letter went astray. (In those days there was no public post office, and if you wanted to send a letter to a friend in Athens, you entrusted it to someone you knew who was travelling to Athens, or at least in that general direction, with instructions to deliver it or pass it on to someone else who would oblige.) Jerome did not get the letter, and the contents became public knowledge before he heard of it. Augustine, in addition to saying how much he admired Jerome, had offered some criticisms of something Jerome had written. Jerome was furious, and came close to writing Augustine off altogether. However, Augustine wrote him a second letter, apologizing and explaining what had happened, and Jerome was mollified. They had a long and intellectually substantial correspondence. written output was vast, and largely responsible for the fact that the entry for him in the index of the Encyc. Brit. is more than a column long. His surviving works (and it is assumed that the majority did not survive) include 113 books and treatises, over 200 letters, and over 500 sermons. His work greatly influenced Luther and Calvin, to the point where for a while Roman Catholic speakers and writers were wary of quoting him lest they be suspected of Protestant tendencies. have already mentioned his Confessions. A second great work of his is the book, De Civitatae Dei (The City of God). This was written after Rome had been sacked by invaders led by Alaric the Visigoth. It is a reply to those who said that the Roman Empire was falling apart because the Christians had taken over; he discusses the work of God in history, and the relation between the Christian as citizen of an earthly commonwealth and the Christian as citizen of Heaven. third great work is his De Trinitate (On the Trinity). Here, he discusses the doctrine of the Trinity by undertaking to compare the mind of man with the mind of God, since man is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Augustine begins by pointing out a Trinitarian structure in the act of knowing something. He continues by pointing out a Trinitarian structure in the act of self-awareness. He concludes by pointing out a Trinitarian structure in the act of religious contemplation by which man sees himself as made in the image of God. Roman Saint, 367-420, Jerome ; AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430); was one of the greatest theologians of Western Christianity. (In his day the Mediterranean world consisted of an Eastern, Greek-speaking half and a Western, Latin-speaking half, with different ways of looking at things, and different habits of thought.) He was born 13 November 354 in North Africa, about 45 miles south of the Mediterranean, in the town of Tagaste in Numidia (now Souk-Ahras in Algeria), near ancient Carthage (modern Tunis). His mother, Monnica, was a Christian (see 4 May), and his father for many years a pagan (although he became a Christian before his death). His mother undertook to bring him up as a Christian, and on one level he always found something attractive about Christ, but in the short run he was more interested in the attractions of sex, fame, and pride in his own cleverness. After a moderate amount of running around as a teen-ager, he took a mistress, who bore him a son when he was about eighteen. Theirs was a long-term relationship, apparently with faithfulness on both sides, and the modern reader is left wondering why he did not simply marry the girl. He never tells us this (and in fact never tells us her name), so that we can only guess. It seems likely that she was a freedwoman, and the laws forbade marriage between a free-born Roman citizen and a slave, or an ex-slave. he was 19 and a student at Carthage, he read a treatise by Cicero that opened his eyes to the delights of philosophy. He was from the beginning a brilliant student, with an eager intellectual curiosity, but he never mastered Greek -- he tells us that his first Greek teacher was a brutal man who constantly beat his students, and Augustine rebelled and vowed never to learn Greek. By the time he realized that he really needed to know Greek, it was too late; and although he acquired a smattering of the language, he was never really at home in it. However, his mastery of Latin was another matter. He became an expert both in the eloquent use of the language and in the use of clever arguments to make his points. He became a teacher of rhetoric in Carthage, but was dissatisfied. It was the custom for students to pay their fees to the professor on the last day of the term, and many students attended faithfully all term, and then did not pay. In his late twenties, Augustine decided to leave Africa and seek his fortune in Rome. Augustine teaching in Rome, by Gozzoli Augustine teaching in Rome, by Gozzoli a long time Augustine was attracted by the teachings of Manicheeism, named for Mani, a Persian who had preached kind of synthesis of Christianity with Zoroastrianism, the dominant religion of Persia. Zoroaster had taught the existence of a power of light, God, the supreme Creator, and of a dark and evil power that opposed him. On the Zoroastrian (Parsi) view, the dark power was a rebel against his creator, and doomed to ultimate defeat. Mani, on the other hand, was a thoroughgoing dualist, who taught that there are two gods of equal power and eternity, and that the universe is the scene of an unending battle between light and darkness, good and evil, knowledge and ignorance, soul and body, etc. The Manichees as they moved west into the Roman Empire adopted many traits of what is generically called Gnosticism. In particular, they advertised themselves as being not an alternative to Christianity but as the advanced version of Christianity, as the faith for the spiritually mature, the intellectually gifted. They claimed that their beliefs were based on reason rather than authority, and that they had answers for everything, at least as soon as the learner was sufficiently advanced to comprehend them. They differed from the classical Gnostics by not contrasting spirit with matter. On their view, everything was composed of material particles, but these were either light or dark. Since the mind was composed of light particles, imprisoned in the body, a cage made of dark particles, something like the Gnostic contrast between spirit and matter was there. Members were divided into an inner circle, the "elect," who were expected to be celibate and vegetarian, so as to avoid all those dark particles, and the "learners," of whom considerably less was expected. Augustine signed up as a learner. He was at first completely captivated, but then met with a series of disappointments. The rank and file of the movement did not seem to be very clear thinkers. He met the leaders, who were advertised as the Towering Intellects of the Ages, and was not impressed. prospered in Rome, and was eventually appointed chief professor of rhetoric for the city of Milan, at that time the capital city of the Empire in the West. It should be noted that this was an extremely prestigious appointment. In classical times, when laws were often made and issues voted on by huge public assemblies, when even juries typically had several hundred members, and when a man's public influence, or even on occasion his life, depended on his ability to sway large audiences, rhetoric -- the art of manipulating an audience -- was a skill that few men thought they could afford to neglect. (Socrates was one of the few, and we know what happened to him!) The art, at first intensely practical, had by Augustine's day become a display form admired for its own sake. However, the admiration was there. Every lawyer, arguing a case, was expected to give an eloquent speech, full of classical allusions and standard rhetorical flourishes. And Augustine was at the top of the field. St. Augustine entering Milan, by Gozzoli St. Augustine entering Milan, by Gozzoli Milan Augustine met the bishop Ambrose, and was startled to find in him a reasonableness of mind and belief, a keenness of thought, and an integrity of character far in excess of what he had found elsewhere. For the first time, Augustine saw Christianity as a religion fit for a philosopher. Soon after his arrival in Milan, Augustine was plunged into two crises. First, his mother arrived from Africa, and persuaded him that he ought to give up his mistress and get married. He agreed to a betrothal to a suitable young lady; but his betrothed was too young for immediate marriage, and so the actual wedding was postponed for two years. Meanwhile the mistress had been sent back to Africa. Augustine, not ready for two years of sexual abstinence, lapsed back into promiscuity. The second crisis was that Augustine became a neo-Platonist. Plato, as interpreted by his later spokesmen, in particular by Plotinus, taught that only God is fully real, and that all other things are degenerations in varying degrees from the One--things are progressively less good, less spiritual, and less real as one goes rung by rung down the cosmic ladder. By contemplating spiritual realities, directing one's attention first to one's own mind and then moving up the ladder rung by one to the contemplation of God, one acquires true wisdom, true self-fulfilment, true spirituality, and union with God, or the One. Augustine undertook this approach, and believed that he had in fact had an experience of the presence of God, but found that this only made him more aware of the gulf between what he was and what he realized that he ought to be. he continued to hear Bishop Ambrose. And finally, partly because Ambrose had answers for his questions, partly because he admired Ambrose personally, and chiefly (or so he believed) because God touched his heart, he was converted to Christianity in 386 and was baptised by Ambrose at Easter of 387. About 12 years later he wrote an account of his life up to a time shortly after his conversion, a book called the Confessions, a highly readable work available in English. Ostensibly an autobiography, it is more an outpouring of penitence and thanksgiving. "Take and Read", by Gozzoli "Take and Read", by Gozzoli a well-known chapter, Augustine describes his conversion. His intellectual objections had lost their force, and he was at a point where the difficulty was that he seemed unable to make a commitment to living chastely, or unable to make a commitment, period. He heard of a group of young men, Christians, one of whom decided to become a desert hermit, whereupon the others, one at a time, made the same commitment, encouraged and inspired by the examples of those in the group who had already done so. (In many circles at that time, becoming a desert hermit had the same overtones as joining the Peace Corps did for many young persons in the 1960's, or joining the armed forces for many in the weeks immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor.) Augustine went aside to ponder the question, "How is it that these young men can make so drastic a commitment, and I cannot take even the first step of declaring myself a Christian?" He heard what seemed to be a child's voice coming from next door, saying over and over, "Tolle, lege; tolle, lege," or, "Pick up and read; pick up and read." Since he could not think of any reason why a child would be saying that, he took it as an omen, and picked up a copy of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. As he opened it, his eye fell on the end of the thirteenth chapter: The night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. he read, he experienced this as God speaking directly to him, convicting him of his past sins, and offering him forgiveness; calling him to amend his life, and promising him the grace and power to do it. He burst into tears, and surrendered. Later, he wrote: Late have I loved Thee, O Lord; and behold, Thou wast within and I without, and there I sought Thee. Thou was with me when I was not with Thee. Thou didst call, and cry, and burst my deafness. Thou didst gleam, and glow, and dispell my blindness. Thou didst touch me, and I burned for Thy peace. For Thyself Thou hast made us, and restless our hearts until in Thee they find their ease. Late have I loved Thee, Thou Beauty ever old and ever new. Thou hast burst my bonds asunder; unto Thee will I offer up an offering of praise. written as an account of his life, the Confessions keeps digressing into speculations about the nature of time, the nature of causality, the nature of free will, the motives of human action, etc. deWohl has written a novel about Augustine, based mostly on the Confessions, called The Restless Flame. It is an excellent introduction to the man. his conversion, Augustine went back to his native Africa in 387, where he was ordained a priest in 391 and consecrated bishop of Hippo in 396. It was not his intention to become a priest. He was visiting the town of Hippo (or Hippo Regius, now Annaba, 36:55 N 7:47 E), was in church hearing a sermon, and the bishop, without warning, said, "This congregation is in need of more priests, and I believe that the ordination of Augustine would be to the glory of God." Willing hands dragged Augustine forward, and the bishop together with his council of priests laid hands on Augustine and ordained him to the priesthood. (The experience may have colored Augustine's perception of such questions as, "Does a man come to God because he has chosen to do so, or because God has chosen him, and drawn him to Himself?") A few years later, when the Bishop of Hippo died, Augustine was chosen to succeed him. was a diligent shepherd of his flock, but he also found time to write extensively. He was an admirer of Jerome, and wrote him a letter hoping to establish a friendship, but the letter went astray. (In those days there was no public post office, and if you wanted to send a letter to a friend in Athens, you entrusted it to someone you knew who was travelling to Athens, or at least in that general direction, with instructions to deliver it or pass it on to someone else who would oblige.) Jerome did not get the letter, and the contents became public knowledge before he heard of it. Augustine, in addition to saying how much he admired Jerome, had offered some criticisms of something Jerome had written. Jerome was furious, and came close to writing Augustine off altogether. However, Augustine wrote him a second letter, apologizing and explaining what had happened, and Jerome was mollified. They had a long and intellectually substantial correspondence. written output was vast, and largely responsible for the fact that the entry for him in the index of the Encyc. Brit. is more than a column long. His surviving works (and it is assumed that the majority did not survive) include 113 books and treatises, over 200 letters, and over 500 sermons. His work greatly influenced Luther and Calvin, to the point where for a while Roman Catholic speakers and writers were wary of quoting him lest they be suspected of Protestant tendencies. have already mentioned his Confessions. A second great work of his is the book, De Civitatae Dei (The City of God). This was written after Rome had been sacked by invaders led by Alaric the Visigoth. It is a reply to those who said that the Roman Empire was falling apart because the Christians had taken over; he discusses the work of God in history, and the relation between the Christian as citizen of an earthly commonwealth and the Christian as citizen of Heaven. third great work is his De Trinitate (On the Trinity). Here, he discusses the doctrine of the Trinity by undertaking to compare the mind of man with the mind of God, since man is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Augustine begins by pointing out a Trinitarian structure in the act of knowing something. He continues by pointing out a Trinitarian structure in the act of self-awareness. He concludes by pointing out a Trinitarian structure in the act of religious contemplation by which man sees himself as made in the image of God. AND THE DONATISTS Almost a century before Augustine was born, the Church in Africa had been torn apart by the Donatist controversy. For a brief account of this controversy (and the Pelagian and other controversies of the day), but a longer one than I am prepared to give here, I refer the reader to the relevant section of the book, Sketches of Church History, by Canon Robertson. the persecution of the Church by the Emperor Decius, some Christian clergymen in Africa, or so it was alleged, had stood firm against threat of torture, imprisonment and death more consistently and nobly than others. The Donatists maintained that their clergy derived their ordinations from clergy with very good records of constancy under persecution, and that they were the Church of the Martyrs, as opposed to the Church of the Sell-outs, which was everybody else. They further held that sacraments received at the hands of unworthy ministers were of no value. Or at least it seems that they held this. Augustine had a long correspondence and controversy with them, and at one point they apparently replied that they did not hold this, to which Augustine replied, "In that case, will you kindly tell me what the controversy is all about, and what you and I have been debating for the last eighteen months, and what your bishops and ours have been out of fellowship with each other about for the last century?" The controversy dragged on, with part of the dispute historical (whether Bishop so-and-so, now seventy years dead, had really done what he was accused of doing), and part theological. It seems clear that the Donatists, at least most of the time, argued that the holiness of the Church depended on the holiness of its members, especially its clergy. Against them, Augustine maintained that the holiness of the Church is not derived from the average level of virtue of its individual members, but is derived from the Holiness of its Head, who is Christ. AND THE PELAGIANS In Augustine's day, a man from Britain named Morgan, or in Latin Pelagius (means "islander" -- consider the words "pelagic" and "archipelago"), began to preach, denouncing what he saw as a slackening of moral standards. He saw professed Christians living less than exemplary lives, and offering human frailty as an excuse. His reply was: "Nonsense. God has given you free will. You can choose to follow the example of Adam, or you can choose to follow the example of Christ. God has given everyone the grace he needs to be good. If you are not good, you simply need to try harder." Augustine asked him about original sin, and he replied that there is no such thing. Augustine asked him why, in that case, it was the universal custom to baptize infants, and he had no answer. Augustine saw the teaching of Pelagius as totally undermining the doctrine that God is the ultimate source of all good, and encouraging the virtuous and well-behaved Christian to feel that he had earned God's approval by his own efforts. Pelagius was condemned by Pope Innocent I, and then re-instated by Pope Zosimus. Augustine refused to accept the judgement of Zosimus, and ultimately won the day. the end of his life, the Vandals, a barbarian people with a reputation for wanton destructiveness (hence our modern term "vandal"), who had earlier invaded Spain from the north and settled down there (hence the province of Spain called "Andalusia"), became involved in a civil war in Northern Africa, and their troops invaded Africa in huge numbers. The leader of the losing side took refuge in the town of Hippo, and the Vandals were besieging the town (which they ultimately captured) when Augustine, bishop of Hippo, died 28 August 430, aged 75. by James Kiefer JEROME, SCHOLAR, TRANSLATOR, AND THEOLOGIAN (30 SEP 420); Martyr Pamphilius the Presbyter at Caesarea, in Palestine, Commemorated on February 16; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, 374-450, Egyptian, Roman, Byzantine Saint, Arsenius the Great, educated, hide from people, silence, tears
Egypt, 370-445, Egyptian, Roman, Byzantine Saint, Arsenius the Great; Venerable Arsenius the Great, Commemorated on May 8 ; Arsenius the Great was born in the year 354 at Rome into a pious Christian family, which provided him a fine education and upbringing. studied rhetoric and philosophy, and mastered the Latin and Greek languages. Saint Arsenius gave up philosophy and the vanity of worldly life, seeking instead the true wisdom praised by Saint James “pure, peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits” (Jas. 3:17). He entered the ranks of the clergy as a deacon in one of the Roman churches, dedicating himself to the service of God. emperor Theodosius (379-395), who ruled the eastern half of the Roman Empire, heard about his erudition and piety, and he wished to entrust Arsenius with the education of his sons Arcadius and Honorius. however, protested that he had given up secular studies in order to serve God. Against his will, but in obedience to the will of Pope Damasus (December 11), Saint Arsenius agreed to teach the imperial children, hoping to teach them Christian piety as well. he arrived at Constantinople, Arsenius was received with great honor by the emperor Theodosius, who charged him to educate his sons not only in wisdom, but also in piety, guarding them from the temptations of youth. “Forget that they are the emperor’s sons,” said Theodosius, “for I want them to submit to you in all things, as to their father and teacher.” fervor the saint devoted himself to the education of the youths, but the high esteem in which he was held troubled his spirit, which yearned for the quietude of monastic life. Saint Arsenius entreated the Lord to show him the way to salvation. The Lord heard his prayer and one time he heard a voice telling him, “Arsenius, flee from men, and you shall be saved.” And then, removing his rich clothing and replacing it with old and tattered garments, he secretly left the palace, boarded a ship for Alexandria, and he made his way to Sketis, a monastery in the midst of the desert. at the church, he asked the priests to accept him into the monastic brotherhood, calling himself a wretched wanderer, though his very manner betrayed him as a cultivated man. The brethren led him to Abba John the Dwarf (November 9), famed for his holiness of life. He, wishing to test the newcomer’s humility, did not seat Arsenius with the monks for the trapeza meal. He threw him a piece of dry bread saying, “Eat if you wish.” Saint Arsenius got down on his hands and knees, and picked up the bread with his mouth. Then he crawled off into a corner and ate it. Seeing this, Elder John said, “He will be a great ascetic!” Then accepting Arsenius with love, he tonsured him into monasticism. Arsenius zealously passed through his obediences and soon he surpassed many of the desert Fathers in asceticism. The saint again heard the Voice while he was praying, “Arsenius, hide from people and dwell in silence, this is the root of virtue.” From that moment Saint Arsenius settled in a solitary cell deep in the desert. taken on the struggle of silence he seldom left his seclusion. He came to church only on Sundays and Feast days, observing complete silence and conversing with no one. When Abba Moses asked him why he hid himself from people, Saint Arsenius replied, “God knows that I love you, but I cannot remain with God and with men at the same time. The Heavenly Powers all have one will and praise God together. On earth, however, there are many human wills, and each man has his own thoughts. I cannot leave God in order to live with people.” absorbed in constant prayer, the saint did not refuse visiting monks with his counsel and guidance, giving short, but perceptive answers to their questions. Once, a monk from Sketis saw the great Elder through a window standing at prayer, surrounded by a flame. handicraft of Saint Arsenius was to weave baskets, for which he used the fronds of date palms soaked in water. For a whole year Saint Arsenius did not change the water in the container, but merely added a little water to it from time to time. This caused his cell to be permeated with a foul stench. When asked why he did this, the saint replied that it was fitting for him to humble himself in this way, because in the world he had used incense and fragrant oils. He prayed that after death he would not experience the stench of hell. fame of the great ascetic spread far, and many wanted to see him, and they disturbed his tranquility. As a result, the saint was forced to move around from place to place. But those thirsting to receive his guidance and blessing still found him. Arsenius taught that many take upon themselves great deeds of repentance, fasting, and vigil, but it is rare for someone to guard his soul from pride, greed, jealousy, hatred of one’s brother, remembrance of wrongs, and judgment. In this they resemble graves which are decorated outwardly, but filled with stinking bones. certain monk once asked Saint Arsenius what he should do when he read the Holy Scriptures and did not comprehend their meaning. The Elder answered, “My child, you must study and learn the Holy Scriptures constantly, even if you do not understand their power... For when we have the words of the Holy Scriptures on our lips, the demons hear them and are terrified. Then they flee from us, unable to bear the words of the Holy Spirit Who speaks through His apostles and prophets.” monks heard how the saint often urged himself on in his efforts with the words, “Rouse yourself, Arsenius, work! Do not remain idle! You have not come here to rest, but to labor.” He also said, “I have often regretted the words I have spoken, but I have never regretted my silence.” great ascetic and keeper of silence was given the gift of tears with which his eyes were constantly filled. He spent fifty-five years at monastic labors and struggles. He spent forty years at Sketis, and ten years on the mountain of Troe near Memphis. Then he spent three years at Canopus, and two more years at Troe, where he fell asleep in the Lord. holy, God-bearing Father Arsenius reposed when he was nearly one hundred years old, in the year 449 or 450. only disciples seem to have been Alexander, Zoilos, and Daniel (June 7).

Rome, 375-392, Emperor, Valentian II, figurehead, 4 year old Agustus, set up by south western generals
Roman Emperor, 375-392, Valentian II ; II (371- 15 May 392) was Roman emperor from AD 375 to 392. 1 Early life and accession (371-375) 2 Reign from Milan (375-“387) 3 Reign from Vienne (388-“392) 4 Significance 5 See also 6 Notes 7 References 8 Bibliography 9 External links life and accession (371-375)[edit] Valentinianus was born to Emperor Valentinian I and his second wife, Justina. He was the half-brother of Valentinian's other son, Gratian, who had shared the imperial title with his father since 367. He had three sisters: Galla, Grata and Justa. The elder Valentinian died on campaign in Pannonia in 375. Neither Gratian (then in Trier) nor his uncle Valens (emperor for the East) were consulted by the army commanders on the scene. Instead of merely acknowledging Gratian as his father's successor, Valentinian I's generals acclaimed the four-year-old Valentinian augustus on 22 November 375. The army, and its Frankish general Merobaudes, may have been uneasy about Gratian's lack of military ability, and so raised a boy who would not immediately aspire to military command.[2][3] from Milan (375-“387)[edit] of Valentinian II forced to accommodate the generals who supported his half-brother, governed the trans-alpine provinces (including Gaul, Hispania, and Britain), while Italy, part of Illyricum, and North Africa were under the rule of Valentinian. 378, their uncle, the Emperor Valens, was killed in battle with the Goths at Adrianople, and Gratian invited the general Theodosius to be emperor in the East. a child, Valentinian II was under the influence of his Arian mother, the Empress Justina, and the imperial court at Milan, an influence contested by the Nicene bishop of Milan, Ambrose.[4] used her influence over her young son to oppose the Nicean party which was championed by Ambrose. 385 Ambrose refused an imperial request to hand over the Portian basilica for the celebration of Easter by the Imperial court.[5] When he was summoned to be punished to the Imperial palace, the orthodox populace rioted, and Justina's Gothic troops were prevented by the arch-bishop himself, standing in the doorway, from entering the Basilica. Justina was forced to back down.[6] Afterwards, Justina ordered legislation to rescind the penalties enacted by Gratian and Valentinian against heresy, proclaiming universal toleration.[7] Ambrose was found, as no doubt she had intended, to have determinedly infracted the new laws, Justina again tried to have him banished, and Ambrose was forced to barricade himself, with the enthusiastic backing of the people, within the walls of the Basilica. The Imperial troops besieged him, but Ambrose held on, reinforcing the resolution of his followers by allegedly unearthing, beneath the foundations of the church, the bodies of two ancient martyrs.[8] the orthodox emperor of the east, interceded, forcing Justina to again relent.[9] Magnus Maximus was to use the emperor's heterodoxy against him. also tried to restrain the despoiling of pagan temples in Rome. Buoyed by this instruction, the pagan senators, led by Aurelius Symmachus, the Prefect of Rome, petitioned in 384 for the restoration of the Altar of Victory in the Senate House, which had been removed by Gratian in 382. Valentinian, at the insistence of Ambrose, refused the request and, in so doing, rejected the traditions and rituals of pagan Rome to which Symmachus had appealed. 383, Magnus Maximus, commander of the armies in Britain, declared himself Emperor and established himself in Gaul and Hispania. Gratian died while fleeing him. For a time the court of Valentinian, through the mediation of Ambrose, came to an accommodation with the usurper, and Theodosius recognized Maximus as co-emperor of the West. In 386 or 387, Maximus crossed the Alps into the Po valley and threatened Milan. Valentinian II and Justina fled to Theodosius in Thessalonica. The latter came to an agreement, cemented by his marriage to Valentinian's sister Galla, to restore the young emperor in the West.[4] In 388, Theodosius marched west and defeated Maximus. Although he was to appoint both of his sons emperor (Arcadius in 383, Honorius in 393), Theodosius remained loyal to the dynasty of Valentinian I. from Vienne (388-“392)[edit] solidus minted by Valentinian II. On the reverse, both Valentinian and Theodosius I are celebrated as victorious. the defeat of Maximus, Theodosius remained in Milan until 391. Valentinian took no part in Theodosius's triumphal celebrations over Maximus. Valentinian and his court were installed at Vienne in Gaul, while Theodosius appointed key administrators in the West and had coins minted, which implied his guardianship over the 17-year-old.[10] had already died, and Vienne was far away from the influence of Ambrose. Theodosius's trusted general, the Frank Arbogast, was appointed magister militum for the Western provinces (bar Africa) and guardian of Valentinian. Acting in the name of Valentinian, Arbogast was actually subordinate only to Theodosius.[11] While the general campaigned successfully on the Rhine, the young emperor remained at Vienne, in contrast to his warrior father and his older brother, who had campaigned at his age. Arbogast's domination over the emperor was considerable, and the general even murdered Harmonius, a friend of Valentinian suspected of taking bribes, in the emperor's presence.[12] crisis reached a peak when Arbogast prohibited the emperor from leading the Gallic armies into Italy to oppose a barbarian threat. Valentinian, in response, formally dismissed Arbogast. The latter ignored the order, publicly tearing it up and arguing that Valentinian had not appointed him in the first place. The reality of where the power lay was openly displayed. Valentinian wrote to Theodosius and Ambrose complaining of his subordination to his general. In explicit rejection of his earlier Arianism, he invited Ambrose to come to Vienne to baptize him. 15 May 392, Valentinian was found hanged in his residence in Vienne. Arbogast maintained that the emperor's death was suicide. Most sources agree, however, that Arbogast murdered him with his own hands, or paid the Praetorians. Zosimus writing in the early sixth century from Constantinople, states that Arbogast had Valentinian murdered;[13] ancient authorities being divided in their opinion.[14][page needed] Ambrose's eulogy is the only contemporary Western source for Valentinian's death.[15] It is ambiguous on the question of the emperor's death, which is not surprising, as Ambrose represents him as a model of Christian virtue. Suicide, not murder, would make the bishop dissemble on this key question.[16] young man's body was conveyed in ceremony to Milan for burial by Ambrose, mourned by his sisters Justa and Grata. He was laid in a porphyry sarcophagus next to his brother Gratian, most probably in the Chapel of Sant'Aquilino attached to San Lorenzo.[a] He was deified with the consecratio: Divae Memoriae Valentinianus, lit. 'the Divine Memory of Valentinian'.[18] first Arbogast recognized Theodosius's son Arcadius as emperor in the West, seemingly surprised by his charge's death.[19] After three months, during which he had no communication from Theodosius, Arbogast selected an imperial official, Eugenius, as emperor. Theodosius initially tolerated this regime but, in January 393, elevated the eight-year-old Honorius as augustus to succeed Valentinian II. Civil war ensued and, in 394, Theodosius defeated Eugenius and Arbogast at the Battle of Frigidus River. himself seems to have exercised no real authority, and was a figurehead for various powerful interests: his mother, his co-emperors, and powerful generals. the Crisis of the Third Century the empire had been ruled by powerful generals, a situation formalised by Diocletian and his collegiate system which collapsed a year after his abdication in 305. Constantine I and his sons, strong military figures, re-established the practice of hereditary succession adopted by Valentinian I.[contradictory] The obvious flaw in these two competing requirements came in the reign of Valentinian II, a child.[20] His reign was a harbinger of the fifth century, when children or nonentities, reigning as emperors, were controlled by powerful generals and officials in the West and in the East until mid-century. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430) ; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; Martyr Anthusa at Rome, Commemorated on December 8; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26; MONNICA, MOTHER OF AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (4 MAY 387); St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, 375-383, Emperor, Gratian in the North West, moved seat from Trier to Milan, Orthodox
Roman Emperor, 375-383, Gratian in the West ; Gratian (18 April 359 - 25 August 383) was Roman emperor from 367 to 383. The eldest son of Valentinian I, Gratian accompanied his father on several campaigns along the Rhine and Danube frontiers and was raised to the rank of augustus in 367. Upon the death of Valentinian in 375, Gratian took over government of the west while his half-brother Valentinian II was also acclaimed emperor in Pannonia. Gratian governed the western provinces of the empire, while his uncle Valens was already the emperor over the east. Gratian subsequently led a campaign across the Rhine, attacked the Lentienses, and forced the tribe to surrender. That same year, the eastern emperor Valens was killed fighting the Goths at the Battle of Adrianople, which led to Gratian elevating Theodosius to replace him in 379. Gratian favoured Nicene Christianity over traditional Roman religion, issuing the Edict of Thessalonica, refusing the office of pontifex maximus, and removing the Altar of Victory from the Roman Senate's Curia Julia. The city of Cularo on the Isure river in Roman Gaul was renamed after him, becoming Grenoble from Latin: Gratianopolis. In 383, faced with rebellion by the usurper Magnus Maximus, Gratian marched his army towards Lutetia (Paris). His army deserted him, he fled to Lyons, and was later murdered. Contents 1 Early life 2 Reign 2.1 Junior augustus 2.2 Senior augustus 3 Death and burial 4 See also 5 Notes 6 References 7 Sources 8 External links Early life[edit] According to the Chronicle of Jerome and the Chronicon Paschale, Valentinian's eldest son Gratian was born on 18 April 359 at Sirmium, now Sremska Mitrovica in Serbia, the capital of Pannonia Secunda, to Valentinian's first wife Marina Severa.[2][3][4][5] Gratian was his parents' only son together.[4][5] At the time of his birth Gratian's father was living in exile.[6] Gratian was named after his grandfather Gratian the Elder, who was a tribune and later comes of Britannia for Constantine the Great (r. 306-“337).[7] Following the death of the emperor Jovian (r. 363-“364), on 26 February 364, Valentinian was proclaimed augustus (emperor).[8] Within a month, motivated by senior officers, he proclaimed his brother Valens, Gratian's uncle, augustus of the Eastern empire.[8] Gratian was appointed consul in 366 and was entitled nobilissimus puer by his father.[a][2][9] Gratian was seven when entitled nobilissimus puer, which indicated he was to be proclaimed augustus.[9] Gratian's tutor was the rhetor Ausonius, who mentioned the relationship in his epigrams and a poem.[2] Reign[edit] In summer 367, Valentinian became ill at Civitas Ambianensium (Amiens), raising questions about his succession. On recovery, he presented his then eight-year-old son to his troops on 27 August, as his co-augustus (r. 367 to “383), passing over the customary initial step of caesar.[3][2][10][11] Solidus of Valentinian I showing Valentinian and Gratian on the reverse, marked: victores augusti ("the Victors Augusti"). A palm bough is between them and Victory crowns each with a wreath Junior augustus[edit] On 24 August 367[contradictory] Gratian received from his father Valentinian the title of augustus.[9] Valentinian, concerned with Gratian's age and inexperience, stated his son would assist commanders with upcoming campaigns.[12] The magister peditum Merobaudes, together with the comes rei militaris Sebastianus, was sent by Valentinian to campaign against the Quadi.[13] Around 370, Gratian's mother Marina Severa died and was interred in the Church of the Holy Apostles.[10] Valentinian married again, wedding Justina.[10] On the 9 April 370, according to the Consularia Constantinopolitana and the Chronicon Paschale, the Church of the Holy Apostles adjoining the Mausoleum of Constantine in Constantinople was inaugurated.[14] In autumn 371, Gratian's half brother, called Valentinian, was born to Justina, possibly at Augusta Treverorum (Trier).[15][16] Gratian, who was then 15, was married in 374 to Constantius II's 13 year-old posthumous daughter Flavia Maxima Constantia at Trier.[2][3][17][18][19] This marriage consolidated the dynastic link to Constantinian dynasty, as had his Valentinian I's second marriage to Justina, with her family connections.[20] When a party of Alamanni visited Valentinian's headquarters to receive the customary gifts towards the end of 364, Ursatius, the magister officiorum made them an offering they considered inferior to that of his predecessor. Angered by Ursatius' attitude, they vowed revenge and crossed over the Rhine into Roman Germania and Gaul in January 365, overwhelming the Roman defences.[21][22] Although at first unsuccessful, eventually Jovinus, the magister equitum in Gaul inflicted heavy losses on the enemy at Scarpona (Dieulouard) and at Catalauni (ChÃ¢lons-sur-Marne), forcing them to retire.[22] An opportunity to further weaken the Alamanni occurred in the summer of 368, when king Vithicabius was murdered in a coup, and Valentinian and his son Gratian crossed the river Moenus (the Main) laying waste to Alamannic territories.[3][23] Gratian was awarded the victory titles of Germanicus Maximus and Alamannicus Maximus, and Francicus Maximus and Gothicus Maximus in 369.[3] Valentinian fortified the frontier from Raetia in the east to the Belgic channel, but the construction was attacked by Alamanni at Mount Pirus (the Spitzberg, Rottenburg am Neckar). In 369 (or 370) Valentinian then sought to enlist the help of the Burgundians, who were involved in a dispute with the Alamanni, but a communication failure led to them returning to their lands without joining forces with the Romans.[21] It was then that the magister equitum, Theodosius the Elder and his son Theodosius (the Theodosi) attacked the Alamanni through Raetia, taking many prisoners and resettling them in the Po Valley in Italy.[24][21][10] Valentinian made one attempt to capture Macrianus in 372, but eventually made peace with him in 374.[21] The necessity to make peace was the increasing threat from other peoples, the Quadi and the Sarmatians. Valentinian's decision to establish garrisons across the Danube had angered them, and the situation escalated after the Quadi king, Gabinus, was killed during negotiations with the Romans in 374. Consequently, in the autumn, the Quadi crossed the Danube plundering Pannonia and the provinces to the south.[10] The situation deteriorated further once the Sarmatians made common cause inflicting heavy losses on the Pannonica and Moesiaca legions.[10] However on encountering Theodosius' forces on the borders of Moesia in the eastern Balkans, which had previously defeated one of their armies in 373,[24] they sued for peace. Valentinian mounted a further offensive against the Quadi in August 375, this time using a pincer movement, one force attacking from the northwest, while Valentinian himself headed to Aquincum (Budapest), crossed the Danube and attacked from the southeast. This campaign resulted in heavy losses to the enemy, following which he returned to Aquincum and from there to Brigetio (Szany, Hungary) where he died suddenly in November.[25] When his father died on 17 November 375, Gratian inherited the administration of the western empire.[26] Days later, Gratian's half-brother Valentinian was acclaimed augustus by troops in Pannonia.[27] Despite Valentinian being given nominal authority over the praetorian prefectures of Italy, Illyricum, and Africa, Gratian ruled the western Roman empire himself.[28] Following his death, Valentinian's body was prepared for burial and started its journey to Constantinople, where it arrived the following year,[20] on 28 December 376, but was not yet buried.[10] He was deified, as was the custom, becoming known in Latin: Divus Valentinianus Senior, lit. 'the Divine Valentinian the Elder'.[10][26] Detail of drawing of obverse of medal of Valens showing the three reigning emperors: Valens (C), Gratian (R), and Valentinian II (L) and marked: pietas d augustorum[b] Location of the battle of Argentovaria in 378. With the death of Valentinian I, in the east Valens became the senior augustus[10] and the 16 year old Gratian was the only augustus in the western empire. To complicate matters further for Gratian, certain among Valentinian's generals then promoted his four-year-old second son Valentinian II (Gratian's half brother), the army on the Danube acclaiming him augustus in a palatine coup[26] at Aquincum (Budapest) on 22 November 375, despite Gratian's existing prerogatives.[2][16] The young Valentinian II was essentially the subject of the influence of his courtiers and mother, the Arian Christian Justina.[16] Gratian's tutor, Ausonius, became his quaestor, and together with the magister militum, Merobaudes, the power behind the throne.[26] Negotiations eventually left Gratian as the senior western emperor.[26] Valens and Valentinian II were consuls for the year 376, Valens's fifth consulship.[14] Neither Gratian or Valentinian travelled much, which was thought to be due to not wanting the populace to realise how young they were. Gratian is said to have visited Rome in 376, possibly to celebrate his decennalia on 24 August,[3] but whether the visit actually took place is disputed.[26] Under the tutorage of Ausonius, Gratian issued an edict of tolerance at Sirmium in 378.[29] The edict restored bishops exiled by Valens and ensured religious freedoms to all religions.[29] Gratian's uncle Valens, returning from a campaign against the Sasanian Empire, had sent a request to Gratian for reinforcements against the Goths.[30] According to Ammianus Marcellinus, Valens also requested that Sebastianus be sent to him for the war, though according to Zosimus Sebastianus went to Constantinople of his own accord as a result of intrigues by eunuchs at the western court.[13] Once Gratian had put down the invasions in the west in early 378, he notified Valens that he was returning to Thrace to assist him in his struggle against the Goths. Late in July, Valens was informed that the Goths were advancing on Adrianople (Edirne) and Nice, and started to move his forces into the area. However, Gratian's arrival was delayed by an encounter with Alans at Castra Martis, in Dacia in the western Balkans. Advised of the wisdom of awaiting the western army, Valens decided to ignore this advice because he was sure of victory and unwilling to share the glory.[31][2] The forces Gratian sent never reached Valens due to its commander feigning illness.[32] Weeks later, Gratian had arrived in Castra Martis with a few thousand men, by which time Valens was at Adrianople (Latin: Hadrianopolis; Turkish: Edirne).[33] Aware that Gratian's forces were not going to arrive, Valens attacked the Gothic army and as a result thousands[c] of Romans died in the Battle of Adrianople along with Sebastianus and the emperor himself.[32][34][13] After his death, Valens was deified by consecratio as Latin: Divus Valens, lit. 'the Divine Valens'.[14] Marble portrait head of Gratian (Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier) Solidus of Theodosius I showing Theodosius and Gratian on the reverse, marked: victoria augg ("the Victory of the Augusti") Senior augustus[edit] Following the battle of Adrianople, the Goths raided from Thrace in 378 to Illyricum the following year.[36][37] Convinced that one emperor alone was incapable of repelling the inundation of foes on several different fronts, Gratian, now senior augustus following Valens's death,[38] appointed Theodosius I augustus on 19 January 379 to govern the east.[39][40] Theodosius the Elder, who had died in 375, was then deified as: Divus Theodosius Pater, lit. 'the Divine Father Theodosius'.[24] On 3 August that year, Gratian issued an edict against heresy.[3] In 380, Gratian was made consul for the fifth time and Theodosius for the first. In September the augusti Gratian and Theodosius met, returning the Roman diocese of Dacia to Gratian's control and that of Macedonia to Valentinian II.[3][24] The same year, Gratian won a victory, possibly over the Alamanni, that was announced officially at Constantinople.[3] In the autumn of 378 Gratian issued an edict of religious toleration.[3] By 380, the Greuthungi tribe of Goths moved into Pannonia, only to be defeated by Gratian.[36] Consequently, the Vandals and Alemanni were threatening to cross the Rhine, now that Gratian had departed from the region.[41] With the collapse of the Danube frontier[d] under the incursions of the Huns and Goths, Gratian moved his seat from Augusta Treverorum (Trier) to Mediolanum (Milan) in 381,[42] and was increasingly aligned with the city's bishop, Ambrose (374 to 397), and the Roman Senate, shifting the balance of power within the factions of the western empire.[2][20][43] Under the influence of Ambrose, bishop of Mediolanum (Milan), took active steps against pagan worship.[44] On 27 February 380, Gratian, Valentinian II, and Theodosius issued the Edict of Thessalonica.[45] This edict made Nicene Christianity the only legal form of Christianity and outlawed all other forms of religion.[45] This brought to an end a period of widespread religious tolerance that had existed since the death of Julian.[46] Gratian was then forthright in his promotion of Nicene Christianity. He ordered the removal of the Altar of Victory from the Roman Senate's Curia Julia in the winter of 383/383.[3][2] State endowments for pagan cults were cancelled.[2] According to the late 5th/early 6th-century Greek historian Zosimus, Gratian refused the robe of office of the pontifex maximus, though this story is not creditable, because no such garment was associated with the priesthood.[2] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Gratian's father's remains were eventually interred in the Mausoleum of Constantine, to which the Church of the Holy Apostles was attached, on 21 February 382, beside those of his first wife and the mother of Gratian, Marina Severa.[10] In 382, Gratian issued edicts that removed the statue of the winged goddess Victory from the Senate floor,[47] removed the privileges of Vestal Virgins,[48] and confiscated money designated for sacrifices and ceremonies.[49] Gratian declared that all of the pagan temples and shrines were to be confiscated by the government and that their revenues were to be joined to the property of the treasury.[50] This resulted in protests from the Roman Senate led by Symmachus, which in turn was counter-protested by Christian senators led by Pope Damasus.[51] Sometime in 383, Gratian's wife Constantia died.[3] Gratian remarried, wedding Laeta, whose father was a consularis of Roman Syria.[2] Gratian wife Constantia died in early 383.[18][19] He subsequently married Laeta.[52] Both marriages remained childless.[53] In the summer of 383 Gratian was again at war with the Alamanni in Raetia.[3] Gratian alienated the army by his favouritism towards his Alan deserters whom he made his body-guard and to whom he gave military commands. This favouritism of former enemies and the paganism of the Alans angered his Christian army. By 383 the Roman general Magnus Maximus had raised the standard of revolt in Britain and invaded Gaul with a large army.[54] when a rebellion broke out in Britain under Magnus Maximus (r. 383 to “388), the commander of the Roman troops there. Magnus Maximus, who had served under the comes Theodosius and had won a victory over the Picts in 382, was proclaimed augustus and crossed the channel, encamping near Paris. There, his forces encountered Gratian, but much of the latter's army defected to this usurper, forcing Gratian to flee.[55][3][56][54][57] Reverse of a solidus of Gratian marked: victoria augustorum ("the Victory of the augusti") Death and burial[edit] He was pursued by Andragathius, Maximus' magister equitum and killed at Lugdunum (Lyon) on 25 August 383, according to the Consularia Constantinopolitana.[55][3][56][54][57] Maximus then established his court at the former imperial residence in Trier.[58] On the death of Gratian in 383, the 12 year old Valentinian II (r. 375 to “392) became the sole legitimate augustus in the west. The body of Constantia, Gratian's first wife, who had died earlier that year, arrived in Constantinople on 12 September 383 and was buried in the complex of the Church of the Holy Apostles (Apostoleion) on 1 December, the resting place of a number of members of the imperial family, starting with Constantine in 337, under the direction of Theodosius, who had embarked on making the site a dynastic symbol. This was the last occasion that a member of the western imperial family was buried in the east, as a new mausoleum being built at St Peter's Basilica in Rome.[20][3] According to Augustine of Hippo's The City of God and Theodoret's Historia Ecclesiastica, Gratian and Constantia had had a son, who died in infancy before 383 but had been born before 379.[3] It would not be until 387, possibly even after the death of Magnus Maximus, that Gratian's remains were interred at Mediolanum in the imperial mausoleum.[59] Gratian was deified as Latin: Divus Gratianus, lit. 'the Divine Gratian'.[3][60] AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430) ; NINIAN OF GALLOWAY, BISHOP, MISSIONARY TO SCOTLAND (16 SEP 430) ; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; Martyr Anthusa at Rome, Commemorated on December 8; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26; St Monica, Commemorated on May 4 ; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, 375-392, Emperor, Theodosius I of the East, son of Elder, Orthodox, accelerated c, persecuted p
Roman Emperor, 375-392, Theodosius I of the East ; I (11 January 347-“ 17 January 395), also called Theodosius the Great, was Roman emperor from 379 to 395, during Late Antiquity. reign accelerated the Christianization of the Roman Empire, achieved military successes when the frontiers of the empire were threatened by the wars of the Migration Period, and defeated two rival emperors in successive civil wars. He was the first emperor of the Theodosian dynasty (r. 379--“457), and married into the ruling Valentinianic dynasty (r. 364-“455). His decrees made Nicene Christianity the state church of the Roman Empire and punished Roman paganism, Hellenistic religion, and Arianism. his capital Constantinople he commissioned the honorific Column of Theodosius, the Theodosian Walls, and the Golden Gate, among the greatest works of ancient Roman architecture. a military career and a governorship under his father Theodosius the Elder he became magister equitum and was then elevated to the imperial rank of augustus by the emperor Gratian (r. 367-“383). He replaced the latter's uncle and senior augustus Valens (r. 364-“378), who had been killed in the Battle of Adrianople. Theodosius married Gratian's half-sister Galla, daughter of Valentinian the Great (r. 364-“375), and defeated the rebellion of Magnus Maximus (r. 383-“388) on behalf of his new brother-in-law, Valentinian II (r. 375-“392). When Valentinian II died, Theodosius became the senior emperor, having already made his eldest son Arcadius his co-augustus. Theodosius then defeated the usurper Eugenius (r. 392-“394). accepting his elevation, he campaigned against Goths and other barbarians who had invaded the Empire. His resources were not sufficient to destroy them or drive them out, which had been Roman policy for centuries in dealing with invaders. By treaty, which followed his indecisive victory at the end of the Gothic War, they were established as foederati, autonomous allies of the Empire, south of the Danube, in Illyricum, within the Empire's borders. They were given lands and allowed to remain under their own leaders, not assimilated as had been normal Roman practice. issued decrees that effectively made Nicene Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire, including the Edict of Thessalonica.[4][5] neither prevented nor punished the destruction of prominent Hellenistic temples of classical antiquity, including the Temple of Apollo in Delphi and the Serapeum in Alexandria. He dissolved the order of the Vestal Virgins in Rome's Temple of Vesta. In 393, he banned the pagan rituals of the Olympic Games. his death, Theodosius's young and incapable sons were the two augusti. Arcadius (r. 383-“408) inherited the eastern empire and ruled from Constantinople and Honorius (r. 393-“423) the western empire, an administrative division that endured until the fall of the western Roman empire in the late 5th century. fought two destructive civil wars, successively defeating the usurpers Magnus Maximus in 387-“388 and Eugenius in 394, at great cost to the power of the Empire. His management of the empire was marked by heavy tax exactions, by the compulsory establishment of Christianity, and by a court in which according to Peter Brown "everything was for sale".[6] is considered a saint by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches, and his feast day is on January 17.[7] 1 Early life 2 Military career 3 Accession 4 Reign 4.1 Early reign: 379â€“383 4.1.1 Temporary settlement of the Gothic Wars 4.2 First civil war: 383â€“384 4.3 Middle reign: 384â€“387 4.4 Second civil war: 387â€“388 4.5 Religious affairs: 388â€“391 4.6 Third civil war: 392â€“394 5 Death 6 Art patronage 7 Religious policy 7.1 Arianism 7.2 Definition of orthodoxy 7.3 Proscription of pagan religion 8 See also 9 References 10 Sources 11 Further reading 12 External links life[edit] to Polemius Silvius, Theodosius the Great was born on 11 January 347 or 346.[8] The epitome de Caesaribus places his birthplace at Cauca (Coca, Segovia) in Hispania.[8] According to the traditional texts of the chronicle of Hydatius and Zosimus, he was born at "Cauca in Gallaecia".[9][10][11] These texts are probably corrupted with interpolations, as Cauca was in fact not part of the province of Gallaecia, while according to Themistius, Claudius Claudianus, and Marcellinus Comes, he was born at Italica in Hispania Baetica.[11] These claims were probably fictitious and intended to connect Theodosius with the lineage of his distant predecessor Trajan (r. 98-“117), who had came from Italica.[8] Thedosius's father was Theodosius the Elder and his mother was Thermantia.[8] Theodosius had a brother named Honorius, a sister referred to in Aurelius Victor's De caesaribus but whose name is unknown, and a niece, Serena.[8] career[edit] accompanied his father, the comes rei militaris, on his 368-“369 campaign against the Franks, Scots, and Saxons to restore order and the rule of the emperors Valentinian I (r. 364-“375) and Valens (r. 364-“378) in Roman Britain, which had been threatened in 367 by the Great Conspiracy.[12][13][8] They also defeated the usurpation in Britain by Valentinus.[13] Previous to this in 366, Theodosius the Elder attacked and defeated the Alamanni in Roman Gaul; the defeated prisoners had been resettled in the Po Valley.[14][15] the Elder was made magister equitum in 369, and retained the post until 375.[8] Theodosius and his father son campaigned against the Alamanni 370.[8] The two Theodosi campaigned against Sarmatians in 372/373.[8] The emperors' rule in Roman Africa was disrupted by the revolt of Firmus in 373.[16] Theodosius the Elder moved to defeat the usurpation.[16] In about 373, Theodosius was made dux of the province of Moesia Prima.[17] In 374, the Quadi and their allies the Sarmatians overran the province of Valeria in the praetorian prefecture of Illyricum.[18] Theodosius drove the Sarmatians out of the Roman territory and then defeated the Quadi.[19][20] He is reported to have defended his province with marked ability and success.[19] the Elder fell from power in 375, and Theodosius the dux of Moesia Prima retired to his estates in the Iberian Peninsula, where he married Aelia Flaccilla in 376.[8] Their first child, Arcadius, was born around 377.[8] Pulcheria, their daughter, was born in 377 or 378.[8] Theodosius had returned to the Danube frontier by 378, when he was appointed magister equitum.[8] the death of his uncle Valens (r. 364-“378), Gratian, now the senior augustus, sought a candidate to nominate as Valens's successor. On 19 January 379, Theodosius I was made augustus over the eastern provinces at Sirmium.[8][21] His wife, Aelia Flaccilla, was accordingly raised to augusta.[8] The new augustus's territory spanned the Roman praetorian prefecture of the East, including the Roman diocese of Thrace, and the additional dioceses of Dacia and of Macedonia. Theodosius the Elder, who had died in 375, was then deified as: Divus Theodosius Pater, lit. 'the Divine Father Theodosius'.[8] administrative divisions of the Roman Empire in 395, under Theodosius I. of Valentinian II showing Valentinian and Theodosius I on the reverse, each holding a mappa reign: 379-“383[edit] October 379 the Council of Antioch was convened.[8] On 27 February 380 Theodosius issued the Edict of Thessalonica, making Nicene Christianity the state church of the Roman Empire.[8] In 380, Theodosius was made Roman consul for the first time and Gratian for the fifth; in September the augusti Gratian and Theodosius met, returning the Roman diocese of Dacia to Gratian's control and that of Macedonia to Valentinian II.[21][8] In autumn Theodosius fell ill, and was baptized.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Theodosius arrived at Constantinople and staged an adventus, a ritual entry to the capital, on 24 November 380.[8] issued a decree against Christians deemed heretics on 10 January 381.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, on the 11 January, Athanaric, king of the Gothic Thervingi arrived in Constantinople; he died and was buried in Constantinople on 25 January.[8] 8 May 381, Theodosius issued an edict against Manichaeism.[8] In mid-May, Theodosius convened the First Council of Constantinople, the second ecumenical council after Constantine's First Council of Nicaea in 325; the Constantinopolitan council ended on 9 July.[8] According to Zosimus, Theodosius won a victory over the Carpi and the Scirii in summer 381.[8] On 21 December, Theodosius decreed the prohibition of sacrifices with the intent of divining the future.[8] 21 February 382, the body of Theodosius's father in law Valentinian the Great was finally laid to rest in the Church of the Holy Apostles.[8] Another Council of Constantinople was held in summer 382.[8] to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, a treaty of foedus was reached with the Goths, and they were settled between the Danube and the Balkan Mountains.[8] settlement of the Gothic Wars[edit] Goths and their allies (Vandals, Taifals, Bastarnae and the native Carpians) entrenched in the provinces of Dacia and eastern Pannonia Inferior consumed Theodosius's attention. Gothic crisis was so dire that his co-Emperor Gratian relinquished control of the Illyrian provinces and retired to Trier in Gaul to let Theodosius operate without hindrance. major weakness in the Roman position after the defeat at Adrianople was the recruiting of barbarians to fight against other barbarians. In order to reconstruct the Roman Army of the East, Theodosius needed to find able bodied soldiers and so he turned to the most capable men readily at hand: the barbarians recently settled in the Empire. This caused many difficulties in the battle against barbarians since the newly recruited fighters had little or no loyalty to Theodosius. It did not help that Theodosius himself was dangerously ill during many months after his elevation, being confined to his bed in Thessalonica during much of 379.[22] suppressed the incursions into dioceses of Illyria (Pannonia and Dalmatia) by Alathaeus and Saphrax in 380.[23] He succeeded in convincing both to agree to a treaty and be settled in Pannonia.[24] was able finally to enter Constantinople in November 380, after two seasons in the field, having ultimately prevailed by offering highly favorable terms to the Gothic chiefs.[23] His task was rendered much easier when Athanaric, an aged and cautious leader, accepted Theodosius's invitation to a conference in the capital, Constantinople, and the splendor of the imperial city reportedly awed him and his fellow-chiefs into accepting Theodosius' offers.[25] himself died soon after, but his followers were impressed by the honorable funeral arranged for him by Theodosius, and agreed to defending the border of the empire.[25] The final treaties with the remaining Gothic forces, signed 3 October 382, permitted large contingents of barbarians, primarily Thervingian Goths, to settle in Thrace south of the Danube frontier.[26] The Goths now settled within the Empire would largely fight for the Romans as a national contingent, as opposed to being fully integrated into the Roman forces.[26] provinces along the Ister (Danube), showing the Roman dioceses of Thrace, Dacia, Pannonia and Italia Annonaria on the empire's northern frontier civil war: 383-“384[edit] of Theodosius, showing both he and his co-augustus Valentinian II (r. 375-“392) enthroned on the reverse, each crowned by Victory and together holding an orb victoria augg ("the Victory of the Augusti") to the Chronicon Paschale, Theodosius celebrated his quinquennalia on 19 January 383 at Constantinople; on this occasion he raised his eldest son Arcadius to co-augustus.[8] Early 383 saw the acclamation of Magnus Maximus as augustus in Britain and the appointment of Themistius as praefectus urbi in Constantinople.[8] On 25 July, Theodosius issued a new edict against gatherings of Christians deemed heretics.[8] unable to do much about Maximus due to his still inadequate military capability, opened negotiations with the Persian emperor Shapur III (r. 383-“388) of the Sasanian Empire.[27] In an attempt to curb Maximus's ambitions, Theodosius appointed Flavius Neoterius as praetorian prefect of Italy.[28] in 383, Gratian's wife Constantia died.[21] Gratian remarried, wedding Laeta, whose father was a consularis of Roman Syria.[29] On the 25 August 383, according to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Gratian was killed at Lugdunum (Lyon) by Andragathius, the magister equitum of the rebel augustus during the rebellion of Magnus Maximus .[21] Constantia's body arrived in Constantinople on 12 September that year and was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles on 1 December.[21] Gratian was deified as Latin: Divus Gratianus, lit. 'the Divine Gratian'.[21] 21 January 384 all those deemed heretics were expelled from Constantinople.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Theodosius received in Constantinople an embassy from the Sasanian Empire in 384.[8] In summer 384, Theodosius met his co-augustus Valentinian II in northern Italy.[30][8] Theodosius brokered a peace agreement between Valentinian and Magnus Maximus which endured for several years.[31] of Theodosius, found in 1847 in Almendralejo, Spain reign: 384-“387[edit] second son Honorius was born on 9 December 384 and titled nobilissimus puer (or nobilissimus iuvenis).[8] The death of Aelia Flaccilla, Theodosius's first wife and the mother of Arcadius, Honorius, and Pulcheria, occurred by 386.[8] She died at Scotumis in Thrace and was buried at Constantinople, her funeral oration delivered by Gregory of Nyssa.[8][32] A statue of her was dedicated in the Byzantine Senate.[32] In 384 or 385, Theodosius's niece Serena was married to the magister militum, Stilicho.[8] On 25 May 385, Theodosius repeated the ban on sacrifices that were done in order to predict the future.[8] the beginning of 386, Theodosius's daughter Pulcheria also died.[8] That summer more Goths were defeated, and many were settled in Phrygia.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, a Roman triumph over the Gothic Greuthungi was then celebrated at Constantinople.[8] The same year, work began on the great triumphal column in the Forum of Theodosius in Constantinople, the Column of Theodosius.[8] On 19 January 387, according to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Arcadius celebrated his quinquennalia in Constantinople.[8] By the end of the month, there was an uprising or riot in Antioch (Antakya).[8] With a peace agreement with Persia in the Roman-“Persian Wars came a division of Armenia.[8] civil war: 387-“388[edit] peace with Magnus Maximus was broken in 387, and Valentinian escaped the west with Justina, reaching Thessalonica (Thessaloniki) in summer or autumn 387 and appealing to Theodosius for aid; Valentinian II's sister Galla was then married to the eastern augustus at Thessalonica in late autumn.[30][8] Theodosius may still have been in Thessalonica when he celebrated his decennalia on 19 January 388.[8] Theodosius was consul for the second time in 388.[8] Galla and Theodosius's first child, a son named Gratian, was born in 388 or 389.[8] 10 March 388, Christians deemed heretics were forbidden from residing in cities.[8] On 14 March, Theodosius banned the intermarriage of Jews and Christians.[8] In summer 388, Theodosius recovered Italy from Magnus Maximus for Valentinian, and in June, the meeting of Christians deemed heretics was banned by Valentinian.[30][8] armies of Theodosius and Maximus fought at the Battle of Poetovio in 388, which saw Maximus defeated. On 28 August 388 Maximus was executed.[33] Now the de facto ruler of the Western empire as well, Theodosius celebrated his victory in Rome on June 13, 389 and stayed in Milan until 391, installing his own loyalists in senior positions including the new magister militum of the West, the Frankish general Arbogast.[33] July, Magnus Maximus was defeated by Theodosius at the Battle of Save; on 28 August, Magnus Maximus was executed by Theodosius.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Arbogast killed Flavius Victor (r. 384-“388), Magnus Maximus's young son and co-augustus, in Gaul in August/September that year. Damnatio memoriae was pronounced against them, and inscriptions naming them were erased.[8] affairs: 388-“391[edit] Ambrose barring Theodosius from Milan Cathedral, Anthony van Dyck, c. 1620 came into conflict with Ambrose, bishop of Mediolanum (Milan), in October 388 over the persecution of Jews at Callincium-on-the-Euphrates (Raqqa).[8] As mentioned in the Panegyrici Latini and in a panegyric of Claudian's on the sixth consulship of Honorius, Theodosius then received another embassy from the Persians in 389.[8] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Theodosius staged an adventus on entering Rome on 13 June 389.[8] On 17 June, he issued a decree against Manichaeism.[8] Theodosiushad left Valentinian under the protection of the magister militum Arbogast, who then defeated the Franks in 389.[31][30] 390 the population of Thessalonica rioted in complaint against the presence of the local Gothic garrison. The garrison commander was killed in the violence, so Theodosius ordered the Goths to kill all the spectators in the circus as retaliation, an event known as the Massacre of Thessalonica; Theodoret, a contemporary witness to these events, reports: the anger of the Emperor rose to the highest pitch, and he gratified his vindictive desire for vengeance by unsheathing the sword most unjustly and tyrannically against all, slaying the innocent and guilty alike. It is said seven thousand perished without any forms of law, and without even having judicial sentence passed upon them; but that, like ears of wheat in the time of harvest, they were alike cut down.[34] was excommunicated by the bishop of Milan, Ambrose, for the massacre.[35] Ambrose told Theodosius to imitate David in his repentance as he had imitated him in guilt; Ambrose readmitted the emperor to the Eucharist only after several months of penance.[citation needed] spring 390, possibly in April, the Massacre of Thessalonica was perpetrated by Theodosius's army, leading to a confrontation with Ambrose.[8] Ambrose demanded that the emperor do penance for the massacre.[8] According to the 5th-century church historian Theodoret, on 25 December 390 (Christmas), Ambrose received Theodosius back into the Christian Church in his bishopric of Mediolanum.[8] According to the Chronicon Paschale, on 18 February 391, the head of John the Baptist was translated to Constantinople.[8] On the 24 February, attendance at pagan sacrifices and temples was forbidden by law.[8] In early summer 391, an uprising in Alexandria was suppressed, and the Serapeum of Alexandria was destroyed.[8] On 16 June, pagan worship was prohibited by law.[8] In 391, a delegation from the Roman Senate was snubbed in Gaul because of the reappearance of the Altar of Victory in the Curia Julia.[30] to Zosimus, Theodosius then campaigned against marauding barbarian bandits in Macedonia in autumn 391.[8] Eventually, he came to Constantinople, where according to Socrates Scholasticus's Historia Ecclesiastica he held an adventus, entering the city on 10 November 391.[8] of Eugenius (r. 392-“394), showing both he and Theodosius enthroned on the reverse, each crowned by Victory and together holding an orb. Marked: victoria augg ("the Victory of the Augusti") of the Theodosian emperors from the Hoxne Hoard: portraits of Theodosius I (top), Arcadius (left), and Honorius (right) civil war: 392-“394[edit] 15 May 392, Valentinian II died at Vienna in Gaul (Vienne), either by suicide or as part of a plot by the magister militum Arbogast.[30] Valentinian had quarrelled publicly with Arbogast, and was found hanged in his room.[36] Arbogast announced that this had been a suicide.[36] He was deified with the consecratio: Divae Memoriae Valentinianus, lit. 'the Divine Memory of Valentinian'.[30] was then sole adult emperor, reigning with his son Arcadius. Arbogast was unable to assume the role of emperor because of his non-Roman background.[36] Instead, on 22 August at the behest of Arbogast, a magister scrinii and vir clarissimus, Eugenius, was acclaimed augustus at Lugdunum.[8] Eugenius made some limited concessions to the Roman religion; like Maximus he sought Theodosius's recognition in vain.[36] On 8 November 392, all cult worship of the gods was forbidden by Theodosius.[8] to Polemius Silvius, Theodosius raised his second son Honorius to augustus on 23 January 393.[8] He cited Eugenius's illegitimacy.[36] 393 was the year of Theodosius's third consulship.[8] On 29 September 393, Theodosius issued a decree for the protection of Jews.[8] According to Zosimus, at the end of April 394, Theodosius's wife Galla died.[8] On 1 August, a colossal statue of Theodosius was dedicated in Constantinople's Forum of Theodosius, an event recorded in the Chronicon Paschale.[8] the last years of Theodosius's reign, one of the emerging leaders of the Goths, named Alaric, participated in Theodosius's campaign against Eugenius in 394, only to resume his rebellious behavior against Theodosius's son and eastern successor, Arcadius, shortly after Theodosius' death. had gathered a large army, including the Goths whom he had settled in the eastern empire as foederati, as well as Caucasian and Saracen auxiliaries, and marched against Eugenius.[37] According to Socrates Scholasticus, Theodosius defeated Eugenius at the Battle of the Frigidus (the Vipava) on 6 September 394.[8] battle began on 5 September 394, with Theodosius' full frontal assault on Eugenius's forces.[citation needed] Theodosius was repulsed on the first day, and Eugenius thought the battle to be all but over.[citation needed] In Theodosius's camp, the loss of the day decreased morale.[citation needed] It is said[by whom?] that Theodosius was visited by two "heavenly riders all in white" who gave him courage.[citation needed] The next day, the battle began again and Theodosius's forces were aided by a natural phenomenon known as the Bora, which produces cyclonic winds.[38] The Bora blew directly against the forces of Eugenius and disrupted the line.[citation needed] Eugenius's camp was stormed; Eugenius was captured and soon after executed.[38] On 8 September, Arbogast killed himself.[8] to Socrates, on 1 January 395, Honorius arrived in Mediolanum and a victory celebration was held there.[8] suffered from a disease involving severe edema, in Milan.[39] According to the Consularia Constantinopolitana, Theodosius died in Mediolanum on 17 January 395.[8] His funeral was held there on 25 February.[8] Ambrose delivered a panegyric titled De obitu Theodosii in the presence Stilicho and Honorius in which Ambrose praised the suppression of paganism by Theodosius.[39] body transferred to Constantinople, where according to the Chronicon Paschale he was buried on 8 November 395 in the Church of the Holy Apostles.[8] He was deified as: Divus Theodosius, lit. 'the Divine Theodosius'.[8] He was interred in a porphyry sarcophagus that was described in the 10th century by Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus in his work De Ceremoniis.[40] offers a laurel wreath to the victor, on the marble base of the Obelisk of Thutmosis III at the Hippodrome of Constantinople. patronage[edit] section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (January 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) oversaw the removal in 390 of an Egyptian obelisk from Alexandria to Constantinople.[41] It is now known as the obelisk of Theodosius and still stands in the Hippodrome of Constantinople,[41] the long Roman circus that was the centre of Constantinople's public life and scene of political turmoil. Re-erecting the monolith was a challenge for the technology that had been honed in the construction of siege engines. The obelisk, still recognizably a solar symbol, had been moved from Karnak to Alexandria with what is now the Lateran obelisk by Constantius II. Lateran obelisk was shipped to Rome soon afterwards, but the other one then spent a generation lying at the docks due to the difficulty involved in attempting to ship it to Constantinople. Eventually, the obelisk was cracked in transit. The white marble base is entirely covered with bas-reliefs documenting the imperial household and the engineering feat of removing it to Constantinople. Theodosius and the imperial family are separated from the nobles among the spectators in the imperial box, with a cover over them as a mark of their status. The naturalism of traditional Roman art in such scenes gave way in these reliefs to conceptual art: the idea of order, decorum and respective ranking, expressed in serried ranks of faces. This is seen as evidence of formal themes beginning to oust the transitory details of mundane life, celebrated in Roman portraiture. Forum Tauri in Constantinople was renamed and redecorated as the Forum of Theodosius, including a column and a triumphal arch in his honour.[42] of Nazianzus takes his leave of the emperor Theodosius in a miniature from the Paris Gregory, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript of the Homilies of Gregory policy[edit] 325, Constantine I convened the Council of Nicaea, which affirmed the doctrine that Jesus, the Son, was equal to God the Father and "of one substance" with the Father (homoousios in Greek). The Council condemned the teachings of Arius, who believed Jesus to be inferior to the Father. the council's ruling, controversy continued for decades, with several christological alternatives to the Nicene Creed being brought forth. Theologians attempted to bypass the Christological debate by saying that Jesus was merely like (homoios in Greek) God the father, without speaking of substance (ousia). These non-Nicenes were frequently labelled as Arians (i.e., followers of Arius) by their opponents, though not all would necessarily have identified themselves as such.[43] Emperor Valens had favored the group who used the homoios formula; this theology was prominent in much of the East and had under Constantius II gained a foothold in the West, being ratified by the Council of Ariminum, though it was later abjured by a majority of the western bishops (after Constantius II's death in 361). The death of Valens damaged the standing of the Homoian faction, especially since his successor Theodosius steadfastly held to the Nicene Creed which was the interpretation that predominated in the West and was held by the important Alexandrian church. of orthodoxy[edit] Barocci, Saint Ambrose forces Emperor Theodosius I to make penance for the Thessaloniki massacre (1603), left-side nave, Saint Ambrose Altar, Milan Cathedral. 27 February 380, together with Gratian and Valentinian II, Theodosius issued the decree "Cunctos populos", the so-called Edict of Thessalonica, recorded in the Codex Theodosianus xvi.1.2. This declared the Nicene Trinitarian Christianity to be the only legitimate imperial religion and the only one entitled to call itself Catholic; non-Christian religions or those who did not support the Trinity, he described as "foolish madmen".[44] He also ended official state support for the traditional polytheist religions and customs.[45] 26 November 380, two days after he had arrived in Constantinople, Theodosius expelled the Homoian bishop, Demophilus of Constantinople, and appointed Meletius patriarch of Antioch, and Gregory of Nazianzus, one of the Cappadocian Fathers from Cappadocia (today in Turkey), patriarch of Constantinople. Theodosius had just been baptized, by bishop Ascholius of Thessalonica, during a severe illness.[citation needed] May 381, Theodosius summoned a new ecumenical council at Constantinople to repair the schism between East and West on the basis of Nicene orthodoxy.[46] The council went on to define orthodoxy, including the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, as equal to the Father and 'proceeding' from Him, whereas the Son was 'begotten' of Him.[47] The council also "condemned the Apollonarian and Macedonian heresies, clarified jurisdictions of the bishops according to the civil boundaries of dioceses and ruled that Constantinople was second in precedence to Rome."[47] of pagan religion[edit] article: Persecution of pagans under Theodosius I persecution of pagans under Theodosius I began in 381, after the first couple of years of his reign in the Eastern Roman Empire. In the 380s, Theodosius I reiterated Constantine's ban on some practices of Roman religion, prohibited haruspicy on pain of death, decreed magistrates who did not enforce laws against polytheism were subject to criminal prosecution, broke up some pagan associations and tolerated attacks on Roman temples. 391 and 392 Theodosius promulgated three laws restricting pagan religious practices. The first, issued in June 391 and addressed to the urban prefect of Rome, banned ritual sacrifice and access to temples, with heavy fines for infractors. A similar measure was addressed to Alexandria in June 392. These two laws were apparently aimed at public officials specifically and not binding on the population at large.[48] The third and more extreme law, issued in November 392, prohibited pagan worship in every form, including animal sacrifice and offerings of incense and wine, again threatening offenders with confiscation of property.[49] This measure was addressed specifically to the praetorian prefect of the East, the staunchly Christian Rufinus, and there is seemingly no evidence of its application in the West, where Theodosius himself appointed several pagans to high office to mollify them.[50] He turned pagan holidays into workdays, closed temples, confiscated Temple endowments and disbanded the Vestal Virgins.[51] The practices of taking auspices and witchcraft were punished. Theodosius refused to restore the Altar of Victory in the Senate House, as asked by non-Christian senators.[52]:115 392 until his death in 395, while non-Christians continued to request toleration,[53][54] he ordered, authorized, or at least failed to punish, the closure or destruction of many temples, holy sites, images and objects of piety throughout the empire.[55][56][57][58][59] 393 he issued a comprehensive law that prohibited any public non-Christian religious customs,[60] and was particularly oppressive to Manicheans.[61] He is likely to have discontinued the ancient Olympic Games, whose last record of celebration was in 393, though archeological evidence indicates that some games were still held after this date.[62] AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430) ; NINIAN OF GALLOWAY, BISHOP, MISSIONARY TO SCOTLAND (16 SEP 430) ; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; Martyr Anthusa at Rome, Commemorated on December 8; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Martyr Bathusius in the Crimea, Commemorated on March 26 ; Venerable John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 27; St Theotimus the Bishop of Lesser Scythia, Commemorated on April 20; St Donatus the Bishop of Euroea in Epirus, Commemorated on April 30; St Monica, Commemorated on May 4 ; Venerable Arsenius the Great, Commemorated on May 8; Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Second Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on May 22; St Augustine the Bishop of Hippo, Commemorated on June 15 ; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Rome, 379-395, Emperor, Theodosius I, Moved to Viminacium, Moecia Prima, Illuricum, on R R Militarica
Roman Emperor, 379-395, Theodosius I, Moved from Rome to Illuricum ; about 373, Theodosius was made dux of the province of Moesia Prima.[17] In 374, the Quadi and their allies the Sarmatians overran the province of Valeria in the praetorian prefecture of Illyricum.[18] Theodosius drove the Sarmatians out of the Roman territory and then defeated the Quadi.[19][20] He is reported to have defended his province with marked ability and success.[19] the Elder fell from power in 375, and Theodosius the dux of Moesia Prima retired to his estates in the Iberian Peninsula, where he married Aelia Flaccilla in 376.[8] Their first child, Arcadius, was born around 377.[8] Pulcheria, their daughter, was born in 377 or 378.[8] Theodosius had returned to the Danube frontier by 378, when he was appointed magister equitum.[8] AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430) ; NINIAN OF GALLOWAY, BISHOP, MISSIONARY TO SCOTLAND (16 SEP 430) ; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan, Commemorated on December 7; Martyr Anthusa at Rome, Commemorated on December 8; St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; Venerable John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt, Commemorated on March 27; St Theotimus the Bishop of Lesser Scythia, Commemorated on April 20; St Donatus the Bishop of Euroea in Epirus, Commemorated on April 30; St Monica, Commemorated on May 4 ; Venerable Arsenius the Great, Commemorated on May 8; Commemoration of the Holy Fathers of the Second Ecumenical Council, Commemorated on May 22; St Augustine the Bishop of Hippo, Commemorated on June 15 ;

Rome, 380-435, Saint John Cassian the Roman
Rome, 380-435, Saint John Cassian the Roman; Venerable John Cassian the Roman, Commemorated on February 28; St. Germanus of Dacia Pontica (Dobrogea), Commemorated on February 29;

Rome, 395-423, Emperor, Honorius in the West, Rome sacked, his general Stilicho preserved stability until executed
Roman Emperor, 395-423, Honorius ; Flavius Honorius (9 September 384 -“ 15 August 423) was Roman emperor from 393 to 423. He was the younger son of emperor Theodosius I and his first wife Aelia Flaccilla, and brother of Arcadius, who ruled the eastern half of the empire from 395, when their father died, until his death in 408. In 410, during Honorius's reign over the western Roman Empire, Rome was sacked for the first time in almost 800 years.[2] Even by the standards of the rapidly declining Western Empire, Honorius's reign was precarious and chaotic. His reign was supported by his principal general, Stilicho, who was successively Honorius's guardian (during his childhood) and his father-in-law (after the emperor became an adult). Stilicho's generalship helped preserve some level of stability, but with his execution in 408, the western Roman Empire moved closer to collapse. St Germanus the Bishop of Auxerre, Commemorated on July 31; NINIAN OF GALLOWAY, BISHOP, MISSIONARY TO SCOTLAND (16 SEP 430) ; AMBROSE OF MILAN, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (7 DEC 397); St Honoratus the Archbishop of Arles and Founder of Lerins Monastery, Commemorated on January 16 ; St Patrick the Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on April 7; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on May 14; Blessed Child Musa of Rome, Commemorated on May 16 ; St Augustine the Bishop of Hippo, Commemorated on June 15 ;

Rome, 395-410, Roman Visgoth, Alaric the Visgoth, Sack of Rome in 410
Roman Visgoth, 395-410, Alaric the Visgoth, Sack of Rome in 410; AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND THEOLOGIAN (28 AUGUST 430);

Rome, 400, 5th - 8th Century, Folder, Fall of Rome, Gothic Empire, Primacy of Roman Pope

Rome, 400-499, 5th Century Folder, Fall of Rome, Ostrogoth Kingdom, Defeat by Byzantines 552

Rome, 401-417, Archbishop, Innocent I, energetic, gifted, defended Chrysostom
Roman Archbishop, 401-417, Innocent ; Innocent I was the bishop of Rome from 401 to his death on 12 March 417. He may have been the son of his predecessor, Anastasius I. the beginning of his papacy, he was seen as the general arbitrator of ecclesiastical disputes in both the East and the West. He confirmed the prerogatives of the Archbishop of Thessalonica, and issued a decretal on disciplinary matters referred to him by the Bishop of Rouen. defended the exiled John Chrysostom and consulted with the bishops of Africa concerning the Pelagian controversy, confirming the decisions of the African synods. Catholic priest-scholar Johann Peter Kirsch, 1500 years later, described Innocent as a very energetic and highly gifted individual "...who fulfilled admirably the duties of his office".[2] Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17 ; St. Germanus of Dacia Pontica (Dobrogea), Commemorated on February 29; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17;

Rome, 418-422, Pope, Boniface I, praise from Augustine of Hippo
Roman Pope, 418-422, Pope Boniface I; Boniface I was the bishop of Rome from 28 December 418 to his death on 4 September 422. His election was disputed by the supporters of Eulalius until the dispute was settled by Emperor Honorius. was active in maintaining church discipline, and he restored certain privileges to the metropolitical sees of Narbonne and Vienne, exempting them from any subjection to the primacy of Arles. was a contemporary of Augustine of Hippo, who dedicated to him some of his works. St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8;

Rome, 422-432, Roman Pope, Celestine I, condemned Nestorius, Pelagians, and Novatians
Roman Pope, 422-432, Celestine I ; Celestine I (Latin: Caelestinus I) was the bishop of Rome from 10 September 422 to his death on 1 August 432. Celestine's tenure was largely spent combatting various ideologies deemed heretical. He supported the mission of the Gallic bishops that sent Germanus of Auxerre in 429, to Britain to address Pelagianism, and later commissioned Palladius as bishop to the Scots of Ireland and northern Britain. In 430, he held a synod in Rome which condemned the apparent views of Nestorius. 1 Early life and family 2 Pontificate 3 Death and legacy 4 See also 5 References 6 External links life and family[edit] I was a Roman from the region of Campania.[2] Nothing is known of his early history except that his father's name was Priscus. to John Gilmary Shea, Celestine was a relative of the emperor Valentinian.[1] is said to have lived for a time at Milan with St. Ambrose. The first known record of him is in a document of Pope Innocent I from the year 416, where he is spoken of as "Celestine the Deacon".[3] to the Liber Pontificalis, the start of his papacy was 3 November.[2] However, Tillemont places the date at 10 September.[4] portions of the liturgy are attributed to Celestine I, but without any certainty on the subject. 430, he held a synod in Rome, at which the teachings of Nestorius were condemned. The following year, he sent delegates to the First Council of Ephesus, which addressed the same issue.[1] Four letters written by him on that occasion, all dated 15 March 431, together with a few others, to the African bishops, to those of Illyria, of Thessalonica, and of Narbonne, are extant in re-translations from the Greek; the Latin originals having been lost. actively condemned the Pelagians and was zealous for Roman orthodoxy. To this end he was involved in the initiative of the Gallic bishops to send Germanus of Auxerre and Lupus of Troyes travelling to Britain in 429 to confront bishops reportedly holding Pelagian views. sent Palladius to Ireland to serve as a bishop in 431. Bishop Patrick continued this missionary work. Celestine strongly opposed the Novatians in Rome; as Socrates Scholasticus writes, "this Celestinus took away the churches from the Novatians at Rome also, and obliged Rusticula their bishop to hold his meetings secretly in private houses."[5] The Novationists refused absolution to the lapsi, but Celestine argued that reconciliation should never be refused to any dying sinner who sincerely asked it.[1] He was zealous in refusing to tolerate the smallest innovation on the constitutions of his predecessors. As St. Vincent of Lerins reported in 434: Pope Celestine also expresses himself in like manner and to the same effect. For in the Epistle which he wrote to the priests of Gaul, charging them with connivance with error, in that by their silence they failed in their duty to the ancient faith, and allowed profane novelties to spring up, he says: "We are deservedly to blame if we encourage error by silence. Therefore rebuke these people. Restrain their liberty of preaching."[6] a letter to certain bishops of Gaul, dated 428, Celestine rebukes the adoption of special clerical garb by the clergy. He wrote: "We [the bishops and clergy] should be distinguished from the common people [plebe] by our learning, not by our clothes; by our conduct, not by our dress; by cleanness of mind, not by the care we spend upon our person" [3] and legacy[edit] died on 26 July 432. He was buried in the cemetery of St. Priscilla in the Via Salaria, but his body, subsequently moved, now lies in the Basilica di Santa Prassede. In art, Saint Celestine is portrayed as a pope with a dove, dragon, and flame, and is recognized by Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, and Catholic Churches as a saint. LEO THE GREAT, BISHOP OF ROME, DOCTOR (10 NOV 461); St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8 ; St Cyril the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on June 9;

Rome, 423-455, Emperor, Valentinian III, weak, Primacy of the Roman Pope
Roman Emperor, 423-455, Valentinian III; St Germanus the Bishop of Auxerre, Commemorated on July 31; Translation of the relics of the Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen from Jerusalem to Constantinople, Commemorated on August 2; LEO THE GREAT, BISHOP OF ROME, DOCTOR (10 NOV 461); Virginmartyr Appolinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5; St Elian, Missionary to Cornwall, England, Commemorated on January 13; St Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23; St Patrick the Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland, Commemorated on March 17; St Celestine the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 8 ; Venerable Serapion of Egypt, Commemorated on May 14; Blessed Child Musa of Rome, Commemorated on May 16 ;

Rome, 423-455, Emperess, Honoraria, V III's sister, promiscuous, gave love to Attila, so he proclaimed western empire rule
Rome, 423-455, Emperess, Honoraria; Grata Honoria, commonly referred to during her lifetime as Honoria,[1] was the older sister of the Western Roman Emperor Valentinian III. She is famous for her plea of love and help to Attila the Hun, which led to his proclamation of his claim to rule the Western Roman Empire. Coins attest that she was granted the title of Augusta not long after the accession of her brother in 426.[2] Roman Emperor, 423-455, Valentinian III; St. Epiphanius the Bishop of Cyprus, Commemorated on May 12;

Rome, 432-440, Pope Sixtus III, Holy Pope Sixtus
Pope, 432-440, Pope Sixtus III; LEO THE GREAT, BISHOP OF ROME, DOCTOR (10 NOV 461); Saint Leo the Great, Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 18;

Rome, 440-461, Roman Pope, Pope Leo I, LEO THE GREAT, met Attila the Hun in 452, Tone of Leo, 451 Council Document
Roman Pope, 440-461, Pope Leo I; I (c. 400 – 10 November 461), also known as Leo the Great, was Bishop of Rome from 29 September 440 until his death. Pope Benedict XVI said that Leo's papacy "was undoubtedly one of the most important in the Church's history."[1] was a Roman aristocrat, and was the first pope to have been called "the Great". He is perhaps best known for having met Attila the Hun in 452 and allegedly persuaded him to turn back from his invasion of Italy. He is also a Doctor of the Church, most remembered theologically for issuing the Tome of Leo, a document which was a major foundation to the debates of the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon. The Council of Chalcedon, the fourth ecumenical council, dealt primarily with Christology, and elucidated the orthodox definition of Christ's being as the hypostatic union of two natures, divine and human, united in one person, "with neither confusion nor division". It was followed by a major schism associated with Monophysitism, Miaphysitism and Dyophysitism.[2] LEO THE GREAT, BISHOP OF ROME, DOCTOR (10 NOV 461); St Leo the Great the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 18;

Rome, 455, Sack of Rome by Vandals, Genseric
North Africa, 455, Vandal Sack of Rome; St. Paulinus the Merciful the Bishop of Nola, Commemorated on January 23;

Rome, 455-455, Emperor, Petronius Maximus, killed V III, forced marriages, cancelled Genseric's marriage, who sacked Rome
Roman Emperor, 455-455, Petronius Maximus; Maximus (c. 397 - 31 May 455) was Roman emperor of the West for two and a half months in 455. A wealthy senator and a prominent aristocrat, he was instrumental in the murders of the Western Roman magister militum, Aëtius, and the Western Roman emperor, Valentinian III. secured the throne the day after Valentinian's death by ensuring the backing of the senate and by bribing the palace officials. He strengthened his position by forcing Valentinian's widow to marry him and forcing Valentinian's daughter to marry his son. He cancelled the betrothal of his new wife's daughter to the son of the Vandal king Genseric. This infuriated both his stepdaughter and Genseric, who sent a fleet to Rome. Maximus failed to obtain troops from the Visigoths and he fled as the Vandals arrived, became detached from his retinue and bodyguard in the confusion, and was killed. The Vandals thoroughly sacked Rome. LEO THE GREAT, BISHOP OF ROME, DOCTOR (10 NOV 461); Virginmartyr Appolinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5;

Rome, 455-456, Emperor, Avitus, opposed Italy alone, added Gallic senators, Theodoric's friend, deposed by r generals
Roman Emperor, 455-456, Avitus; Avitus[i] (c. 390 - 457) was Roman emperor of the West from July 455 to October 456. He was a senator of Gallic extraction and a high-ranking officer both in the civil and military administration, as well as Bishop of Piacenza. opposed the reduction of the Western Roman Empire to Italy alone, both politically and from an administrative point of view. this reason, as Emperor he introduced several Gallic senators in the Imperial administration; this policy, however, was opposed by the Senatorial aristocracy and by the people of Rome, who had suffered from the sack of the city by the Vandals in 455. had a good relationship with the Visigoths, in particular with their king Theodoric II, who was a friend of his and who acclaimed Avitus Emperor. possibility of a strong and useful alliance between the Visigoths and Romans faded, however, when Theodoric invaded Hispania at Avitus' behest, which rendered him unable to help Avitus against the rebel Roman generals who deposed him. LEO THE GREAT, BISHOP OF ROME, DOCTOR (10 NOV 461); Virginmartyr Appolinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5;

Rome, 457-461, Emperor, Majorian, deposed A, fought Visigoths, reformer killed by aristocrats' general
Roman Emperor, 457-461, Majorian; (c. 420 - 7 August 461) was the western Roman emperor from 457 to 461. prominent general of the Roman army, Majorian deposed Emperor Avitus in 457 and succeeded him. Majorian was the last emperor to make a concerted effort to restore the Western Roman Empire with its own forces. Possessing little more than Italy, Dalmatia, and some territory in northern Gaul, Majorian campaigned rigorously for three years against the Empire's enemies. His successors until the fall of the Empire, in 476/480, were actually instruments of their barbarian generals, or emperors chosen and controlled by the Eastern Roman court. defeating a Vandal attack on Italy, Majorian launched a campaign against the Visigothic Kingdom in southern Gaul. Defeating king Theodoric II at the Battle of Arelate, Majorian forced the Goths to abandon their possessions in Septimania and Hispania and return to federate status immediately. Majorian then attacked the Burgundian Kingdom, defeating them at the Siege of Lugdunum, expelling them from the Rhone valley and reducing them to federate status. 460, Majorian left Gaul to consolidate his hold on Hispania. His generals launched a campaign against the Suebic Kingdom in northwest Hispania, defeating them at the battles of Lucus Augusti and Scallabis and reducing them to federate status as well. His fleet for his planned campaign to recover Africa from the Vandals was destroyed due to treachery. sought to reform the imperial administration in order to make it more efficient and just. The powerful general Ricimer deposed and killed Majorian, who had become unpopular with the senatorial aristocracy because of his reforms. historian Edward Gibbon, Majorian "presents the welcome discovery of a great and heroic character, such as sometimes arise, in a degenerate age, to vindicate the honour of the human species".[1] LEO THE GREAT, BISHOP OF ROME, DOCTOR (10 NOV 461); Virginmartyr Appolinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5;

Rome, 461-465, Emperor, Libius Severus, christian but figurhead to general Ricimer
Roman Emperor, 461-465, Libius Severus; Severus (died 465), sometimes enumerated as Severus III,[3][4][5][6][7] was Roman emperor of the West from 461 to his death in 465. Roman senator from Lucania[8] Severus was one of the last Western emperors, emptied of any effective power (the real power was in the hands of the magister militum Ricimer), and unable to solve the many problems affecting the empire; the sources describe him as a pious Christian.[9] LEO THE GREAT, BISHOP OF ROME, DOCTOR (10 NOV 461); Virginmartyr Appolinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5;

Rome, 465-472, Emperor, Anthemius, last capable western emperor, killed by general Ricimer
Roman Emperor, 465-472, Anthemius ; Anthemius (/ænˈθɛmiəs/; c. 420 – 11 July 472) was western Roman emperor from 467 to 472. the last capable Western Roman Emperor, Anthemius attempted to solve the two primary military challenges facing the remains of the Western Roman Empire: the resurgent Visigoths, under Euric, whose domain straddled the Pyrenees; and the unvanquished Vandals, under Geiseric, in undisputed control of North Africa. Anthemius was killed by Ricimer, his own general of Gothic descent, who contested power with him. Virginmartyr Appolinaria of Egypt, Commemorated on January 5;

Rome, 472-472, Emperor, Olybrius, not recognized by Leo I, puppet raised by Ricimer
Roman Emperor, 472-472, Olybrius ; Olybrius[1] (died 22 October or 2 November 472) was Roman emperor from July 472 until his death later that same year; rule as augustus in the western Roman Empire was not recognised as legitimate by the ruling augustus in the eastern Roman Empire, Leo I (r. 457–474). He was in reality a puppet ruler raised to power by Ricimer, the magister militum of Germanic descent, and was mainly interested in religion, while the actual power was held by Ricimer and his nephew Gundobad.

Rome, 473-474, Emperor, Glycerius, commander of palace guard, not recognized by Leo I in the east, forced to abdicate
Roman Emperor, 473-474, Glycerius ; (fl. 470s) was Roman emperor of the West from 473 to 474. He served as comes domesticorum (commander of the palace guard) during the reign of Olybrius, until Olybrius died in November 472. a four-month interregnum, Glycerius was proclaimed Western Emperor in March 473 by the magister militum (master of soldiers) and power behind the throne Gundobad. Very few of the events of his reign are known other than that during his reign an attempted invasion of Italy by the Visigoths was repelled, diverting them to Gaul. Glycerius also prevented an invasion by the Ostrogoths through gifts. was not recognized by the Eastern Roman emperor Leo I, who instead nominated Julius Nepos as Emperor and sent him with an army to invade the Western Empire. Glycerius was without allies, because Gundobad had left to rule the Burgundians, and therefore was forced to abdicate on 24 June 474. He was appointed Bishop of Salona, which position he held until his death. He died some time after 474, possibly 480. He may have had a role in the assassination of Julius Nepos in 480.

Rome, 474-475, Emperor, Julius Nepos, Ruling from Italy, supported by Zeno in the East
Roman Emperor, 474-475, Julius Nepos, Ruling from Italy; Julius Nepos (c. AD 430 â€“ 480) was de jure and de facto Roman emperor of the West from 474 to 475 and then only de jure until his death in 480. Born to a distinguished family, he succeeded his uncle, Marcellinus, as military governor of the province of Dalmatia in 468. With support of the Eastern Empire, Nepos overthrew his predecessor Glycerius without a fight and proclaimed himself western emperor in June 474. Orestes, the Magister Militum, turned his forces on Nepos in August 475, forcing him to flee by ship to Dalmatia.[1] Orestes crowned his son Romulus as Emperor in Nepos's absence, but neither the Eastern Emperor Zeno nor many Western provinces recognized Romulus, regarding him as a usurper.[2][3] Nepos never relinquished his imperial title and sought a compromise with the barbarian king Odoacer who deposed Romulus. Odoacer ambiguously recognized his claim but refused him any role in government outside of Dalmatia.[4] Nepos was assassinated in 480 while plotting his own restoration, and Zeno formally abolished the Western division of the Empire.

Rome, 474-475, 476-491, Emperor in the East, Zeno, allied with Goth Theodoric and Nepos in the West
Rome, 474-475, 476-491, Emperor in the East, Zeno; Zeno (c. 425-“ 9 April 491) was Eastern Roman emperor from 474 to 475 and again from 476 to 491. Domestic revolts and religious dissension plagued his reign, which nevertheless succeeded to some extent in foreign issues. His reign saw the end of the Western Roman Empire following the deposition of Romulus Augustus and the death of Julius Nepos, but he contributed much to stabilising the Eastern Empire. In ecclesiastical history, Zeno is associated with the Henotikon or "instrument of union", promulgated by him and signed by all the Eastern bishops, with the design of solving the monophysite controversy. 1 Biography 1.1 Rise to power 1.1.1 Early life 1.1.2 Son-in-law of Leo I 1.2 Reign 1.2.1 First reign and Basiliscus' revolt (475-“476) 1.2.2 End of the Western Empire 1.2.3 Revolt of Marcian (479) 1.2.4 Revolt of Illus (484-“488) 1.2.5 Affairs with the Goths (474-“487) 1.2.6 Promulgation of the Henotikon (482) 1.2.7 Suppressing the Samaritan revolt (484) 1.3 Death and succession 2 In popular culture 3 See also 4 Notes 5 Bibliography 5.1 Primary sources 5.2 Secondary sources 6 External links Biography[edit] Rise to power[edit] Early life[edit] detail of the Missorium of Aspar, depicting the powerful magister militum Aspar and his elder son Ardabur (434 circa). Zeno caused Ardabur's fall, producing treacherous letters that linked him to the Sassanid King; Ardabur later bribed some of Zeno's soldiers into trying to kill him. original name was Tarasis, and more accurately Tarasikodissa in his native Isaurian language (Latin: Trascalissaeus).[2] Tarasis was born in Isauria, at Rusumblada, later renamed Zenopolis in Zeno's honour.[3] His father was called Kodisa (as attested by his patronymic "Tarasicodissa"), his mother Lallis, his brother Longinus. Tarasis had a wife, Arcadia, whose name indicates a relationship with the Constantinopolitan aristocracy, and whose statue was erected near the Baths of Arcadius, along the steps that led to Topoi.[4] Near Eastern and other Christian traditions maintain that Zeno had two daughters, Hilaria and Theopiste, who followed a religious life,[5] but historical sources attest the existence of only one son by Arcadia, called Zenon.[6] According to ancient sources, Zeno's prestigious career”he had fought against Attila in 447 to defend Constantinople and been consul the following year ”was the reason why another Isaurian officer, Tarasis, chose the Greek name Zeno when he married into the Imperial family, thus being known as Zeno when he rose to the throne.[7] Some modern historians suggest that the Isaurian general Zeno was the father of the emperor,[8] but there is no consensus about this, and other sources suggest that Tarasis was a member of Zeno's entourage. Isaurians were a people who lived inland from the Mediterranean coast of Anatolia, in the core of the Taurus Mountains (generally what is now the Konya/Bozkir area of Turkey). Like most borderland tribes, they were looked upon as barbarians by the Romans even though they had been Roman subjects for more than five centuries. However, being Orthodox Christians rather than Arians, as the Goths and other Germanic tribes were, they were not formally barred from the throne.[3] to some scholars, in the mid-460s, the Eastern Roman Emperor, Leo I, wanted to balance the weight of the Germanic component of the army, whose leader was the Alan magister militum Aspar. He thought that Tarasis and his Isaurians could be that counterweight, and called him, with many Isaurians, to Constantinople. This interpretation, however, has been contested.[9] By the mid-460s, Arcadia and Zeno had been living at Constantinople for some time,[4] where Lallis and Longinus also lived, the latter married to a Valeria, possibly a woman of aristocrat rank.[9] to ancient sources, the earliest reference to Tarasis dates back to 464, when he put his hands on some letters written by Aspar's son, Ardabur, which proved that the son of the magister militum had incited the Sassanid King to invade Roman territory, promising to support the invasion. Through these letters, which Tarasis gave to Leo, the Emperor could dismiss Ardabur, who at the time was magister militum per Orientem and patricius, thus reducing Aspar's influence and ambition. As reward for his loyalty, which Leo praised to Daniel the Stylite,[10] Tarasis was appointed comes domesticorum, an office of great influence and prestige.[4] This appointment could mean that Tarasis had been a protector domesticus, either at Leo's court in Constantinople, or attached at Ardabur's staff in Antioch.[9] 465, Leo and Aspar quarrelled about the appointment of consuls for the following year; it was on this occasion that Tarasis' position was strengthened, as he became friend and ally of the Emperor.[11] of Leo I[edit] of Ariadne, elder daughter of Emperor Leo I and wife of Zeno. make himself more acceptable to the Roman hierarchy and the population of Constantinople, Tarasis adopted the Greek name of Zeno and used it for the rest of his life. In mid-late 466, Zeno married Ariadne, elder daughter of Leo I and Verina; there is no reference to him divorcing Arcadia who evidently died prior to this. The next year their son was born, and Zeno became father of the heir apparent to the throne, as the only son of Leo I had died in his infancy; to stress his claim to the throne, the boy was called Leo.[12] Zeno, however, was not present at the birth of his son, as in 467, he participated in a military campaign against the Goths.[9][13] I, father-in-law of Zeno, Eastern Roman Emperor from 457 to 474. as a member of the protectores domestici, did not take part in the disastrous expedition against the Vandals, led in 468 by Leo's brother-in-law Basiliscus. The following year, during which he held the honour of the consulate, he was appointed magister militum per Thracias and led an expedition in Thrace. The sources do not clearly state what enemy he fought there, and historians had proposed either Goths or Huns, or the rebels of Anagastes. Either way, before leaving, Leo and Zeno asked for Daniel the Stylite's opinion about the campaign, and Daniel answered that Zeno would be the target of a conspiracy but would escape unharmed. Indeed, Leo sent some of his personal soldiers with Zeno to protect him, but they were bribed by Aspar to capture him instead. Zeno was informed of their intention and fled to Serdica, and, because of this episode, Leo grew even more suspicious of Aspar.[14] the attack, Zeno did not return to Constantinople, where Aspar and Ardabur were, still with considerable power. Instead, he moved to the "Long Wall" (the Long Wall of the Thracian Chersonese or, less probably, the Anastasian Wall), then to Pylai and from there to Chalcedon. While waiting here for an opportunity to return to the capital, he was appointed magister militum per Orientem. He took the monk Peter the Fuller with him and left for Antioch, his office's see, passing through Isauria, where he put down the rebellion of Indacus. Zeno stayed at Antioch for two years.[15] living in Antioch with his family, Zeno sympathised with the Monophysite views of Peter the Fuller, and supported him against his opponent, the Chalcedonian bishop Martyrius. Zeno allowed the arrival in Antioch of monks from nearby monasteries who increased the number of Peter's followers, and did not effectively repress their violence. Martyrius went to Constantinople to ask Leo for help, but, on returning to Antioch, he was informed that Peter had been elected bishop, and resigned (470). Leo reacted by ordering Peter into exile and addressing to Zeno a law that forbade the monks from leaving their monasteries or fomenting rebellion (1 June 471).[16] In 470/471, Zeno had also to deal with an invasion of Tzanni, who attacked Roman Armenia.[17] Zeno far from Constantinople, Aspar had increased his influence by having his son Patricius appointed Caesar and married to Leo I's younger daughter, Leontia (470). Sources are contradictory on the causes, but clearly state that in 471, Leo I had Aspar and Ardabur treacherously killed. This certainly occurred with Zeno's and Basiliscus' approval, as, on the eve of the murders, the two generals had moved closer to Constantinople (Zeno was at Chalcedon). Thereafter, Zeno returned to Constantinople and was appointed magister militum praesentalis.[18] reign and Basiliscus' revolt (475-“476)[edit] of Leo II, minted in the name of "Leo and Zeno perpetual Augusti"; it belongs to the period when both Zeno and his son were joint emperors, between 9 February and 17 November 474. 25 October 473, Leo I appointed as Caesar his grandson Leo II, the son of Zeno and Ariadne. On 18 January 474, Leo I died; if Leo II had not already been proclaimed co-emperor by his grandfather, he would have become Augustus on that occasion. Since Leo II was seven years old (too young to rule himself) Ariadne and her mother Verina prevailed upon him to crown Zeno, his father, as co-emperor, which he did on 9 February 474. When Leo II became ill and died, Zeno became sole emperor. Zeno had to settle matters with the Vandal King, Genseric, who was conducting raids against the Empire's coastal cities, threatening key commercial sea routes. Zeno sent Genseric a high-ranking officer as ambassador, Severus, who succeeded in stipulating an "eternal" peace between the Vandals and the Empire, which allowed the Romans to pay ransoms for the prisoners in Vandal hands and which ended the Vandal persecution of Orthodox Christians in their territory.[19] this success, Zeno continued to be unpopular with the people and Senate because of his barbarian origins; his right to the throne was limited to his marriage with Ariadne and his relationship to Verina, the dowager Empress. Therefore, he chose to draw support from the Isaurian component of the army, in particular, the Isaurian generals Illus and Trocundes, both brothers. However, Verina decided to overthrow her son-in-law Zeno and replace him with her lover, the ex-magister officiorum Patricius, with the help of her brother Basiliscus. The conspirators fomented riots in the capital against the Isaurian emperor; Basiliscus succeeded also in convincing Illus, Trocundes and the Ostrogothic general Theodoric Strabo to join the plot.[19] of Basiliscus, who revolted against Zeno in January 475 and held power until Zeno's return in August 476. Basiliscus was Verina's brother; he took power after having Zeno flee from Constantinople, but alienated the people of Constantinople and was captured and put to death by Zeno. January 475, Zeno was forced to flee Constantinople to Isauria with his wife and mother,[20] some Isaurian fellows and the Imperial treasure. Illus and Trocundes were sent to chase him, and Zeno was compelled to shut himself up in a fortress, where Illus besieged him, capturing also Zeno's brother, Longinus and keeping him as an hostage.[19] the conspirators quickly fell in conflict with each other. Basiliscus took the throne for himself, putting to death Verina's lover and candidate, Patricius. He also allowed the mob to kill all of the Isaurians left in Constantinople, an episode that damaged relations with the Isaurian generals Illus and Trocundes. Basiliscus appointed his nephew Armatus magister militum, thus alienating Theodoric Strabo. Since Zeno had left no money, Basiliscus was forced to levy heavy taxes. Finally, he alienated the Church by supporting the Monophysites. The people of Constantinople also put the blame on him for a great fire that burned several parts of the city. With the secret support of the Senate, and bribes paid by Zeno, Illus agreed to switch sides and united his army with Zeno's, marching on Constantinople. Basiliscus tried to recover popular support and sent another army against Zeno, under his nephew Armatus' command. Zeno succeeded in bribing Armatus too, promising to confirm his rank of magister militum praesentalis for life and promoting his son (also called Basiliscus) to the rank of Caesar; Armatus' army failed to intercept Zeno's troops during their march on Constantinople.[19] August 476, Zeno besieged Constantinople. The Senate opened the gates of the city to the Isaurian, allowing the deposed emperor to resume the throne. Basiliscus fled with his family to the baptistery of Hagia Sophia.[21][22] Betrayed by the Patriarch Acacius, he surrendered himself and his family after extracting a solemn promise from Zeno not to shed their blood. Basiliscus and his family were sent to a fortress in Cappadocia, where Zeno had them enclosed in a dry cistern, to die from exposure.[21][23][24] his restoration, Zeno fulfilled his promises, letting Armatus keep his title of magister militum praesentalis (possibly even raising him to the rank of patricius) and appointing his son Basiliscus Caesar in Nicaea.[25] 477, however, Zeno changed his mind, probably at Illus' instigation, as the latter stood to gain from the fall of Armatus, and ordered Armatus' death. Zeno confiscated all of Armatus' properties, deposed his son Basiliscus, and had him ordained as a priest.[26][27][28] of the Western Empire[edit] solidus was minted by Odoacer in the name of Zeno. Odoacer ruled Italy under the formal patronage of the Eastern Emperor. western emperor Olybrius died in the autumn of 472. Gundobad, the western magister militum then proclaimed Glycerius, the comes domesticorum (commander of the Imperial guard) as western emperor in Ravenna. Leo I refused to endorse Glycerius and elevated his nephew Julius Nepos to co-emperor for the west in 473. Expecting resistance, Nepos was forced by bad winter weather to delay his voyage until the next year; it was therefore left to Zeno, as Leo's successor, to support Julius Nepos' installation in Ravenna. Nepos arrived in Italy, quickly deposed Glycerius who offered no resistance, and was proclaimed emperor by the Roman Senate in June 474. Julius was on good terms with Zeno, and he even minted coins in the names of Zeno, Leo II and himself.[29] and the Mediterranean Basin at the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 August 475, during Basiliscus' reign, while Zeno was in Isauria blocked by Illus' army, Orestes, the western magister militum, revolted, forcing Nepos to flee Italy for Dalmatia; Orestes proclaimed his own son Romulus Augustus emperor, but was unable to gain the allegiance of the remnants of the Western Empire outside of Italy.[29] One year later, while Zeno was entering Constantinople to end Basiliscus' brief usurpation, Romulus and Orestes were overthrown by the Chieftain Odoacer. With the support of Odoacer, the Roman Senate sent an envoy to present the imperial insignia to the restored Zeno. They asked Zeno to dissolve the separation of the empire and rule as sole Emperor; also, to appoint Odoacer both patricius and official imperial governor of Italy. At the same time, Zeno received another embassy, sent by Julius Nepos, who asked Zeno to give him the money and the army he needed to resume his control of Italy. Zeno answered that the Roman Senate should welcome back Julius Nepos, their rightful emperor, and that Odoacer should properly receive the patriciate from Nepos, although he allowed that he would also grant it.[30] Odoacer was officially recognised and left in possession of Italy, while Nepos kept his title and the other fragments of the empire's western holdings, but no army. in deference to Zeno, Odoacer recognised Nepos' de jure reign in Italy until his death, ruling and even minting coins in his name, but he never allowed his return. After Nepos' assassination in 480, Odoacer invaded Dalmatia to pursue and punish the assassins (and also to take Dalmatia for himself). Zeno legitimised Odoacer's authority in Dalmatia; Odoacer recognised Zeno as sole emperor of the again unitary Empire, but increasingly started using the title of king for himself.[31] of Marcian (479)[edit] was the son of the Western Roman Emperor Anthemius (467-“472) and a grandson of Emperor Marcian (450-“457). He had married Ariadne's sister Leontia, and was therefore Zeno's brother-in-law; he was twice consul, in 467 and 472. 479 Marcian tried to overthrow Zeno and claim the throne for himself. With the help of his brothers Procopius Anthemius and Romulus, he gathered in Constantinople troops composed of both citizens and foreigners in the house of a Caesarius, south of the Forum of Theodosius, and from there they marched at the same time on the imperial palace and on the house of Illus, who was a supporter of Zeno. The emperor almost fell into the hands of the rebels, who, during the day, overwhelmed the imperial troops, who were also attacked by citizens from the roofs of their houses. During the night, however, Illus moved an Isaurian unit, quartered in nearby Chalcedonia, into Constantinople and also corrupted Marcian's soldiers, who allowed Zeno to flee. The following morning, Marcian, understanding that his situation was desperate and that reinforcements from Theodoric Strabo would not arrive in time, took refuge in the church of the Holy Apostles, but was arrested with his brothers.[32] sent Marcian and his brothers to Caesarea in Cappadocia. They tried to flee, but Marcian was captured and obliged to become a monk in Tarsus (Cilicia),[33] or imprisoned in Isauria, in the fortress of Papurius. He tried to escape a second time, and this time he succeeded, but, after gathering new troops and attacking Ancyra, he was defeated and captured by Trocundus, Illus' brother.[32] of Illus (484-“488)[edit] section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) commanding position and popular favour of Illus rendered him an object of suspicion, and Zeno in various ways sought to rid himself of him. Also Verina, the dowager Empress, plotted against his life. Verina's attempt was unsuccessful, and Zeno, equally jealous of her and of Illus, banished her at the suggestion of the latter, confining her in the fort of Papurius. There is some doubt as to the timing of these events. Candidus of Isauria places the banishment of Verina before the revolt of Marcian, and Theodore Lector assigns as the cause of it her share in the revolt of Basiliscus. It is not unlikely, indeed, that this turbulent woman was twice banished, once before Marcian's revolt, for her connection with Basiliscus, and again after Marcian's revolt, for her plot against Illus. her prison she managed to persuade her daughter Ariadne, the wife of Zeno, to attempt to obtain her release, first from Zeno, and then from Illus, to whom the Emperor referred her. Illus refused her request. Ariadne, like her mother, attempted to assassinate Illus. Jordanes ascribes her hatred to another cause: he says that Illus had infused jealous suspicions into Zeno's mind which had led Zeno to attempt to end her life, and that her knowledge of these things stimulated her to revenge. The assassin whom she employed only wounded Illus; the assassin was taken prisoner and Zeno, who appears to have been privy to the affair, was unable to prevent his execution. with his friend Pamprepius, Leontius and his brother Trocundus,“ now retired from court. They first went to Nicaea and then, on pretence of change of air and of procuring a cure for his wound, into the East where he was made magister militum. Having traversed Asia Minor, they raised the standard of revolt in 484, when Illus declared Leontius Emperor. Zeno sent an army to fight them, but Illus won, obtained possession of Papurius, released Verina, and induced her to crown Leontius at Tarsus. 485 Zeno sent against the rebels a fresh army, said to consist of Macedonians and Scythians (Tillemont conjectures, not unreasonably, that these were Ostrogoths) under John the Hunchback, or, more probably, John the Scythian, and Theoderic the Amal, who was at this time consul. John defeated the rebels near Seleucia and drove them into the fort of Papurius where he blockaded them. After a few months Trocundus died; the fort was taken only after four years of siege, by the treachery of Trocundus's brother-in-law, who had been sent for the purpose from Constantinople by Zeno. Illus and Leontius were beheaded (488) and their heads sent to the Emperor.[34] with the Goths (474-“487)[edit] weight with the name of Theoderic the Great, King of the Ostrogoths and ruler of Italy. Theoderic served under Zeno, fighting against his opponent Theodoric Strabo (476-481), and then was the leader of the army that besieged the fort of Papurius and captured and killed Illus' brother, Trocundus (484). aggressions of the two Ostrogothic leaders, Theoderic the Amal (Theoderic the Great), the son of Theodemir and leader of the Moesian Ostrogoths, and Theodoric Strabo, the leader of the Thracian Ostrogoths, had been a constant source of danger since 472. Although Zeno at times contrived to play them off against each other, they in turn were able to profit by his dynastic rivalries. It was only by offering them pay and high command that he kept them from attacking Constantinople itself. the death of Leo II, Theodoric Strabo rebelled against Zeno. His support was instrumental in overthrowing Zeno and raising Basiliscus to the Byzantine throne (475), but Theodoric and Basiliscus had a falling-out, so when Zeno returned to Constantinople in 476 and defeated Basiliscus, Strabo was reported to have not defended the city.[35][36] 476/477, Zeno allied himself with Strabo's rival, Theoderic the Amal, and ordered him to attack Strabo. The leader of the Thracian Goths sent an embassy to the Emperor, offering peace and blaming the Moesian Theodoric. Zeno understood that this offering was hiding further conspiracies, and convinced the Senate and army to declare Strabo a public enemy.[28] plan was to have the two Theoderics attack each other. He sent the Amal against Strabo, who supported the revolt of Marcian, with the promise of a huge Roman force as reinforcement (478). When Theoderic the Amal arrived through the mountains at Mount Soundis, he did not find the Roman reinforcement army he expected, but instead Theodoric Strabo's army, in a strongly fortified camp. The two Theoderics agreed to put forward a joint request to the Emperor, in order to extend to the south the settlement territory of the Ostrogoths in Moesia.[37] tried to divide the two Theoderics by bribing the Amal, but he refused the bribe. The Imperial army obtained some initial successes, but Zeno did not press his advantage, and allowed the Amal to move westward in Thrace, plundering territories as he went. With the Amal far away, Strabo accepted an agreement with Zeno: Strabo was to be given back his wealth, money to pay 13,000 soldiers, the command of two palatinae units, and the title once more of magister militum.[37] However, the army of Theodoric Strabo, 30,000-men strong was still a menace for Zeno, who convinced the Bulgars to attack the Thracian Goths in their own base. Strabo defeated the Bulgars in 480/481, and moved towards Constantinople, but he had to deal with problems with his own men, so he could not capitalise upon his victory and was forced to return to Greece. On his way back, he died in an accident.[37] Theodoric Strabo died in 481, the future Theoderic the Great became king of the entire Ostrogoth nation and continued to be a source of trouble in the Balkan peninsula. Zeno allied to Theoderic, whom he appointed magister militum praesentalis and even consul for the year 484, the first time a barbarian who was not a citizen of the Empire reached such a high distinction. Zeno had Theoderic fight against Illus and the usurper Leontius, besieging them at Papurius in 484-“488. However, in 486 Theoderic revolted again and attacked Constantinople, severing the city's water supply. Zeno bought a peace and agreed with Theoderic that the Ostrogoths should have gone to invade Italy to fight Odoacer, who had allegedly supported Leontius, and to establish his new kingdom there (487). This all but eliminated the Germanic presence in the east.[38] of the Henotikon (482)[edit] religious matters, Zeno is famous for his Henotikon, or "Act of Union", issued in 482 to mediate between Chalcedonian and Miaphysite views about the nature of Christ. The Chalcedonians recognised two natures (physis) in Christ, the Miaphysites only one; the Council of Chalcedon (451) had issued the Chalcedonian Creed and condemned the Miaphysite position, but the Miaphysites were still strong, especially in the Eastern provinces of the Empire, and the Patriarch of Alexandria, Peter Mongus, was a Miaphysite. Supporting the Miaphysites was one of the mistakes made by Basiliscus, as the people of Constantinople were Chalcedonian, but Zeno needed the support of the Miaphysite provinces: ”Egypt, Syria, Palestine and Asia Minor; also, the Patriarch of Constantinople, Acacius, was interested in reducing the distance between the two positions. in 482 Zeno issued the Henotikon, a document he had developed with the support of Acacius and addressed to the factions in Egypt. The edict affirmed the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed (i.e., the Creed of Nicaea completed at Constantinople) as affording a common, final and united symbol or expression of faith. All other symbola or mathemata were excluded; Eutyches and Nestorius were unmistakably condemned in an anathema, while the twelve chapters of Cyril of Alexandria were accepted. The teaching of Chalcedon was not so much repudiated as passed over in silence; Jesus Christ was described as the "only-begotten Son of God [...] one and not two" and there was no explicit reference to the two natures.[39] bishop of Rome, Pope Felix III, refused to accept the document and excommunicated Acacius (484), thus beginning the Acacian schism, which lasted until 519.[40] 488 the patriarch of Antioch, Peter the Fuller, came to Constantinople to have his right to the Church of Cyprus confirmed. Zeno called the bishop of Cyprus, Anthemius, to answer the accusations. The bishop claimed that before his departure, he had had a vision of St. Barnabas, in which the position of the tomb of the apostle had been revealed to him. In the tomb, Anthemius had found the relics of the apostle and a copy of the Gospel of Matthew written in Hebrew by Barnabas himself. Zeno received the relics and the manuscript, and in exchange he proclaimed the autonomy of the Church of Cyprus.[41] 489 Zeno closed the Persian school of Edessa, Mesopotamia, by request of bishop Cyrus II of Edessa, because it promoted Nestorian teachings, and built a church in its place. The school relocated to its original home of Nisibis, becoming again the School of Nisibis, and leading to a wave of Nestorian immigration into Persia.[42] the Samaritan revolt (484)[edit] Gerizim, where Samaritan sources have Zeno buried. to Samaritan sources, Zeno (whom the sources call "Zait the King of Edom") persecuted the Samaritans. The Emperor went to Sichem (Neapolis), gathered the elders and asked them to convert; when they refused, Zeno had many Samaritans killed, and converted the synagogue to a church. Zeno then took for himself Mount Gerizim, where the Samaritans worshipped God, and built several edifices, among which a tomb for his recently deceased son, on which he put a cross, so that the Samaritans, worshipping God, would prostrate in front of the tomb. According to these same sources, Zeno was buried on Mount Gerizim. in 484, the Samaritans revolted. The rebels attacked Sichem, burnt five churches built on Samaritan holy places and cut off the fingers of bishop Terebinthus, who was officiating the ceremony of Whitsun. They elected Justa (or Justasa/Justasus) as their king and moved to Caesarea, where a significant Samaritan community lived. Here several Christians were killed and the church of St. Sebastian was destroyed. Justa celebrated the victory with games in the circus. According to John Malalas, the dux Palestinae Asclepiades, whose troops were reinforced by the Caesarea-based Arcadiani of Rheges, defeated Justa, killed him and sent his head to Zeno.[43] According to Procopius of Caesarea, Terebinthus went to Zeno to ask for revenge; the Emperor personally went to Samaria to quell the rebellion.[44] historians believe that the order of the facts preserved by Samaritan sources should be inverted, as the persecution of Zeno was a consequence of the rebellion rather than its cause, and should have happened after 484, around 489. Zeno rebuilt the church of St. Procopius in Neapolis (Sichem) and the Samaritans were banned from Mount Gerizim, on whose top a signalling tower was built to alert in case of civil unrest.[45] and succession[edit] Zeno died on 9 April 491,[46] of dysentery[47] or of epilepsy,[48] after ruling for 17 years and 2 months. No sons were to succeed him: Leo had died in 474, Zenon, the first son, in his youth, while living at court.[6] Ariadne then chose a favoured member of the Imperial court, Anastasius, to succeed Zeno, whose brother Longinus revolted, starting the Isaurian War. to a popular legend recorded by two 11th century and 12th century writers, Zeno was buried alive after becoming insensible due to drinking or an illness.[49] For three days cries of "have pity on me!" could be heard from within his verd antique sarcophagus, but because of the hatred of his wife and subjects, Ariadne refused to open the tomb.[50] This tale is not likely, as earlier and contemporary sources do not mention it, even though they too were hostile to his memory.[50] Rome, 474, Emperor, Leo II, infant son of Zeno; Rome, 451-474, Emperor in the East, Leo I the Thracian; Rome, 450-457, Emperor in the East, Marcian;

Rome, 475-480, Emperor, Julius Nepos, Ruling from Dalmatia, supported by Zeno in the East
Roman Emperor, 475-480, Julius Nepos, Ruling from Dalmatia ; Julius Nepos (c. AD 430 â€“ 480) was de jure and de facto Roman emperor of the West from 474 to 475 and then only de jure until his death in 480. Born to a distinguished family, he succeeded his uncle, Marcellinus, as military governor of the province of Dalmatia in 468. With support of the Eastern Empire, Nepos overthrew his predecessor Glycerius without a fight and proclaimed himself western emperor in June 474. Orestes, the Magister Militum, turned his forces on Nepos in August 475, forcing him to flee by ship to Dalmatia.[1] Orestes crowned his son Romulus as Emperor in Nepos's absence, but neither the Eastern Emperor Zeno nor many Western provinces recognized Romulus, regarding him as a usurper.[2][3] Nepos never relinquished his imperial title and sought a compromise with the barbarian king Odoacer who deposed Romulus. Odoacer ambiguously recognized his claim but refused him any role in government outside of Dalmatia.[4] Nepos was assassinated in 480 while plotting his own restoration, and Zeno formally abolished the Western division of the Empire.

Rome, 475-526, Gothic king, Theodoric the G, lived in Constantinople, allied with Zeno and Nepos
Rome, Gothic king, 475-526, Theodoric the Great ; ----------------------------------------- Theodoric the Great (454 -“ 30 August 526), also spelled Theoderic or called Theodoric the Amal, was king of the Ostrogoths (471-“526), and ruler of the independent Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy between 493-“526,[3] regent of the Visigoths (511-“526), and a patrician of the East Roman Empire. As ruler of the combined Gothic realms, Theodoric controlled an empire stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Adriatic Sea. As a young child of an Ostrogothic nobleman, Theodoric was taken as a hostage in Constantinople, where he spent his formative years and received an east Roman education. Theodoric returned to Pannonia around 470, and throughout the 470s he campaigned against the Sarmatians and competed for influence among the Goths of the Roman Balkans. The emperor Zeno made him a commander of the Eastern Roman forces in 483, and in 484 he was named consul. Nevertheless, Theodoric remained in constant hostilities with the emperor and frequently raided East Roman lands. At the behest of Zeno, Theodoric attacked Odoacer in 489, emerging victorious in 493. As the new ruler of Italy, he upheld a Roman legal administration and scholarly culture and promoted a major building program across Italy.[4] In 505 he expanded into the Balkans, and by 511 he had brought the Visigothic Kingdom under his direct control and established hegemony over the Burgundian and Vandal kingdoms. Theodoric died in 526 and was buried in a grand mausoleum in Ravenna. BENEDICT. FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); St Eutychius of Nursia, Commemorated on August 23; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14 ; Womanmartyr Thomais of Alexandria, Commemorated on April 13; St Agapitus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 17; Blessed Child Musa of Rome, Commemorated on May 16 ; St Severus the Presbyter of Interocrea in Italy, Commemorated on June 27;

Rome, 476, Fall of the Western Roman Empire, to Theodoric allied with Zeno in the East
Fall of the Western Roman Empire, 476; Rome, Gothic king, 475-526, Theodoric the Great ; St Eutychius of Nursia, Commemorated on August 23;

Rome, 500-599, 6th Century Folder, after Byzantine victory, Lombard Kingdom

Rome, 501-547, Roman Saint, Benedict of Nursia, his Rule, founder of western monasticism, windmills and waterwheels
Roman Saint, 500-547, Benedict of Nursia; of Nursia (c. 2 March 480 - c. 21 March 547 AD) is a Christian saint venerated in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the Anglican Communion and Old Catholic Churches.[3] He is a patron saint of Europe.[4] founded twelve communities for monks at Subiaco, Lazio, Italy (about 65 kilometres (40 mi) to the east of Rome), before moving to Monte Cassino in the mountains of southern Italy. The Order of Saint Benedict is of later origin and, moreover, not an "order" as commonly understood but merely a confederation of autonomous congregations.[5] main achievement, his "Rule of Saint Benedict", contains a set of rules for his monks to follow. Heavily influenced by the writings of John Cassian, it shows strong affinity with the Rule of the Master, but it also has a unique spirit of balance, moderation and reasonableness, which persuaded most Christian religious communities founded throughout the Middle Ages to adopt it. As a result, his Rule became one of the most influential religious rules in Western Christendom. For this reason, Giuseppe Carletti regarded Benedict as the founder of Western Christian monasticism.[6] BENEDICT. FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14;

Rome, 527-565, Emperor, Justinian 1, the Great, Restore of E, over Vandals&OGoths,Persia
Rome, Byzantine Emperor, 553-568, Justinian I; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12;

Rome, 526-534, Goth King, Athalaric, regency by his m, heavy drinker
Rome, Goth King, 526-534, Athalaric ; Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14 ;

Rome, 534-536, Goth King, Theodahad, imprisoned the regent Amalafrida, B intervened
Rome, Goth King, 534-536, Theodahad; Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14 ;

Rome, 535-536, Pope Agapetus I, deposed Byzantine Patriarch Anthimus, consecrated Menas and Jewish child oven story
Rome, 535-536, Pope Agapetus I; St Menas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 25; Menas, Patriarch of Constantinople (536-552), was at first a presbyter at Constantinople and supervisor there of the Home of Saint Sampson the Hospitable for the poor and needy during the reign of Saint Justinian I (527-565). After the removal of the heretic Anthimus (535-536), the holy presbyter Menas was raised to the patriarchal throne of Constantinople as one worthy to be bishop, because of his profound virtue and firm confession of Orthodoxy. Agapitus, the Bishop of Rome (535-536), participated in the consecration of Saint Menas. He had come to Constantinople in order to depose the heretic Anthimus. During the patriarchate of Saint Menas a miracle occurred at Constantinople, which was known to the whole city. certain Jewish child went with other children to church and he partook of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. At home, he told his father about this. In a terrible rage, he seized the child and threw him into a red-hot oven (the father was a glass-blower). He said nothing to his wife. For three days, the mother tearfully searched for her son, calling loudly for him. On the third day, he emerged from the red-hot oven. When she pulled the child out, she found that he was unharmed. boy said that a most radiant Lady had come to him, cooling the fire and bringing him water and food. This incident became known to Saint Menas and the emperor Justinian I. The boy and his mother received Baptism, but the father of the child was obdurate and did not wish to repent, in spite of the great miracle that he had seen. Then the emperor ordered that the father be tried as a child-killer, and sentenced him to death. holy Patriarch Menas ruled the Church of Constantinople for sixteen years. During his patriarchate at Constantinople, the famous church of Hagia Sophia, the Wisdom of God, was consecrated. The saint died peacefully in the year 552. St. Agapitus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 17 ;

Rome, 536-540, Goth King, Vitiges, married queen Amalaswintha's daughter Matasuntha, K Theodahad
Rome, Goth King, 536-540, Vitiges; Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14 ;

Rome, 537-555, Pope Vigilius, first Pope of the Byzantine Papacy
Rome, 537-555, Pope Vigilius; St Gregory the Bishop of Agrigentum, Commemorated on November 23;

Rome, 540-541, Goth King, Ildibad, lost teritories to B E & Justinian I, after wife taken to C, end of Ostrogoths
Rome, Goth King, 540-541, Ildibad; (sometimes rendered Hildebad or Heldebadus) (died 541) was a king of the Ostrogoths in Italy in 540–541. was a nephew of Theudis, an Ostrogoth king of the Visigoths in Spain. This relationship led Peter Heather to suggest that both belonged to a powerful, non-royal clan.[1] In the 540, the Ostrogothic king Witiges was taken prisoner by Belisarius in Ravenna. Ildibad's children were also taken prisoner.[2] Ildibad was one of the Goths north of the Po river who still refused to surrender to Roman authority. Following Witiges' capture, however, Ildibad had attempted to negotiate terms of surrender with Belisarius, perhaps because of the fate of his children.[2] Witiges's capture, the leading candidate for the Ostrogothic throne became Uraias, who was Witiges' nephew, a skilled military commander and in charge of Ticinum (Pavia). Uraias, however, declined because his family lacked "royal fortune", and instead suggested Ildibad, who was at that time in charge of Verona.[2] These were the only cities still held by the Ostrogoths at this time.[3] After being elected king in 540, Ildibad moved his capital to Pavia. Ildibad again attempted to negotiate a surrender, but after Belisarius sailed to Constantinople along with Witiges and Ildibad's family, the war resumed.[2] The Gothic territory at this time consisted only of a narrow strip of land between Pavia and Verona, while the army consisted of barely 1,000 men, although this number was growing.[2] lack of coordination among the remaining Byzantine commanders enabled Ildibad to extend his authority throughout Liguria and Venetia.[3] In 541 AD he was engaged outside the heavily defended city of Treviso by its military commander Vitalius and a sizable body of Herules.[2] The battle was a decisive victory for the Goths, with Vitalius barely escaping while the Heruli leader was killed.[3] His nephew Totila then became military commander of Treviso.[2] Ildibad was subsequently able to extend his authority across the entire Po Valley. The victory gave him increased support among the Goths, while the ruinous Roman taxation of the provinces and lack of coordination among generals enabled him to acquire many Roman deserters.[2] 541, Ildibad had Uraias murdered.[3] According to Procopius, Uraias's murder had been instigated by Ildibad's wife, who felt insulted by the lavish lifestyle of Uraias' wife.[3] Herwig Wolfram suggests that this is an invention by Procopius to "personalize" the causes of political events, and that the real reason for Uraias' murder was that the Witiges clan had allied with non-Gothic barbarians, including the Rugii and probably Gepids, to conspire against Ildibad's rule.[2] In any case, in May 541, Ildibad was murdered at a royal banquet by his Gepid bodyguard Velas whose Gothic lover was married off to someone else by Ildibad while Velas was away.[4][3] The lack of a suitable Gothic successor enabled the Rugians to make their chief Eraric king of the Goths.[2] Eraric, however, betrayed the Goths and secretly offered to surrender the Gothic kingdom to the Byzantines in return for money.[3] As a result, the Goths at Pavia offered Ildibad's nephew Totila the throne.[2] Totila was at that point himself negotiating with the imperial commander at Ravenna, and demanded the killing of Eraric if he was to accept the throne.[2] After Eraric was killed in October 541, Totila became king of the Ostrogoths, a title he held for more than ten years.[2] Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14 ;

Rome, 541-541, Goth King, Eraric, made peace with Justinian
Rome, Goth King, 541-541, Eraric; Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14 ;

Rome, 541-552, Goth King, Totila the Goth, recovered then lost again in, Battle of Taginae, 552
Rome, Goth King, 541-552, Totila the Goth, Battle of Taginae, 552 ; Battle of Taginae, 552 ; Ostrogoths; BENEDICT, FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); St Eutychius of Nursia, Commemorated on August 23; St Menas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on August 25; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14 ;

Rome, 552, Battle of Taginae, Byzantines over Ostrogoths in Italy
Rome, 552, Battle of Taginae, Byzantines over Ostrogoths in Italy; Ostrogoths; BENEDICT, FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); Totila the Goth; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12;

Rome, 552-553, Goth King, Teia, killed senators, fell during battle at Vesuvius, Ostrogothic k ended
Rome, Goth King, 552-553, Teia; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12;

Rome, 555-561, Pope Pelagius I, Emperor' candidate, opposed then adopted Justinian's position
Rome, 555-561, Pope Pelagius I; St Gregory the Bishop of Agrigentum, Commemorated on November 23;

Rome, 561-574, Pope John III, Lombard invasion of Italy
Rome, 561-574, Pope John III; St Gregory the Bishop of Agrigentum, Commemorated on November 23;

Rome, 568-571, Byzantine Emperor, Justin II, Justinian's nephew
Rome, Byzantine Emperor, 568-571, Justin II; II or Justin the Younger (c. 520 -“ 5 October 578) was Eastern Roman Emperor from 565 to 574. He was the nephew of Justinian I and the husband of Sophia, the niece of the Empress Theodora, and was therefore a member of the Justinian Dynasty. His reign was marked by war with the Sassanid Empire, and the loss of the greater part of Italy. He presented the Cross of Justin II to Saint Peter's, Rome. GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12;

Rome, 568-572, Lombard King, Alboin
Rome, Lombard King, 568-572, Alboin; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12;

Rome, 572-574, Lombard King, Cleph
Rome, Lombard King, 572-574, Cleph; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12;

Rome, 574-584, Rule of the Lombard Dukes, Lombard Interregnum
Rome, Rule of the Dukes, 574-584, Lombard Dukes, Lombard Interregnum; 440 Martyrs slain by the Lombards in Sicily, Commemorated on March 2 ; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12;

Rome, 584-590, Lombard King, Authari
Rome, Lombard King, 584-590, Authari; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12;

Rome, 590-604, Pope, Gregory I, Gregory Dialogus, the Great, monolingual during his time
Roman Pope, 590-604, Gregory I, Gregory Dialogus, Byzantine Saint; Byzantine Saint, 560-604, Gregory Dialogus, Pope of Rome; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 13; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP AND MISSIONARY (26 MAY 605);

Rome, 590-604, Gregory the Great declared oecumenical (exclusive) popes the Antichrist
Roman Pope, 590-604, Gregory I, Gregory Dialogus, Byzantine Saint; Byzantine Saint, 560-604, Gregory Dialogus, Pope of Rome; St Eulogius the Archbishop of Alexandria, Commemorated on February 13; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP AND MISSIONARY (26 MAY 605);

Rome, 595-606, Patriarch, Cyriacus II of Constantinople, used term oecumenical bishop, meaning universal or exclusive
Constantinople Patriarch, 595-606, Cyriacus II of Constantinople; (? – 29 October 606) was the thirtieth Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (595–606). He was previously presbyter and steward, oikonomos, of the great church at Constantinople (Chronicon Paschale, p. 378). Gregory the Great received the legates bearing the synodal letters which announced his consecration, partly from a desire not to disturb the peace of the church, and partly from the personal respect which he entertained for Cyriac; but in his reply he warned him against the sin of causing divisions in the church, clearly alluding to the use of the term oecumenical bishop, which Gregory interpreted as meaning "universal" or even "exclusive" bishop (Gregory, Ep. lib. vii. 4, Patrologia Latina lxxvii. 853). The personal feelings of Gregory towards Cyriac appear most friendly. did not attend to Gregory's entreaties that he abstain from using the title, for Gregory wrote afterwards both to him and to the emperor Maurice, declaring that he could not allow his legates to remain in communion with Cyriac as long as he retained it. In the latter of these letters he compares the assumption of the title to the sin of Antichrist, since both exhibit a spirit of lawless pride. "Quisquis se universalem sacerdotem vocat, vel vocari desiderat, in elatione sua Antichristum praecurrit" (whosoever calls himself universal priest, or desires to be called so, is the forerunner of the Antichrist) (Gregory Ep. 28, 30). In a letter to Anastasius I of Antioch, who had written to him to remonstrate against disturbing the peace of the church, Gregory defends his conduct on the ground of the injury which Cyriac had done to all other patriarchs by the assumption of the title, and reminds Anastasius that not only heretics but heresiarchs had before this been patriarchs of Constantinople. He also deprecates the use of the term on more general grounds (Ep. 24). In spite of all this Cyriacus was firm in his retention of the title, and appears to have summoned, or to have meditated summoning, a council to authorize its use. For in 599 Gregory wrote to Eusebius of Thessalonica and some other bishops, stating that he had heard they were about to be summoned to a council at Constantinople, and most urgently entreating them to yield neither to force nor to persuasion, but to be steadfast in their refusal to recognize the offensive title (ib. lib. ix. 68 in Patr. Lat.). appears to have shared in that unpopularity of the emperor Maurice which caused his deposition and death (Theophanes Chronicle, A.M. 6094; Niceph. Callis. H. E. xviii. 40; Theophylact. Hist. viii. 9). still, however, had influence enough to exact from Phocas at his coronation a confession of the orthodox faith and a pledge not to disturb the church (Theophanes Chronicle, A.M. 6094). also nobly resisted the attempt of Phocas to drag the empress Constantina and her daughters from their sanctuary in a church of Constantinople (ibid., A.M. 6098). some resentment at this opposition to his will may have induced Phocas to accede more readily to the claims of Pope Boniface III that Rome should be considered to be the head of all the church, in exclusion of the claims of Constantinople to the oecumenical bishopric (Vita Bonifacii III, in Labbe, Acta Concil. t. v. 1615). died in 606, and was interred in the church of the Holy Apostles (Chronicon Paschale, p. 381). He appears to have been a man of remarkable piety and earnestness, able to win the esteem of all parties. He built a church dedicated to the theotokos in a street of Constantinople called Diaconissa (Theophanes Chronicle, A.M. 6090; Niceph. Callis. H. E. xviii. 42). St Thomas the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on March 21; St Pausicacus the Bishop of Synnada, Commemorated on May 13 ;

Rome, 590-616, Lombard King, Agilulf, Baptised Arian for his wife, then Catholic
Rome, Lombard King, 590-616, Agilulf; GREGORY THE GREAT, BISHOP AND DOCTOR (12 MAR 604) ; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12;

Rome, 596, Gregorian Mission to Kent, England
England, 601, Gregorian mission ; England, 600-644, Paulinus of York; England, 600-671, James the Deacon; St James the Deacon, Commemorated on October 18; BERTHA and ETHELBERT, QUEEN & KING OF KENT, 616, Commemorated May 27 ;

Rome, 599, Miraculous Transfer Bartholomew's Relics Trebizond, Armenia, Black Sea to Lipari Island, Sicily
Lipari, Italy ; Return of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from Anastasiopolis to Lipari, Commemorated August 25 : By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon. ; Apostle Bartholomew of the Twelve, Commemorated on June 11;

Rome, 600-699, 7th Century Folder, Lombard Kingdom, all Italy from Lombardy near Milan

Rome, 616-626, Lombard King, Adaloald
Rome, Lombard King, 616-626, Adaloald; St Zosimus the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on March 30;

Rome, 626-636, Lombard King, Arioald
Rome, Lombard King, 626-636, Arioald; St Zosimus the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on March 30;

Rome, 636-652, Lombard King, Rothari
Rome, Lombard King, 636-652, Rothari; St Zosimus the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on March 30; St Martin the Confessor the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 14;

Rome, 641-649, Roman Pope, Theodore, Syrian, from Jerusalem, struggle against Monotheism, planned Lateran Council
Roman Pope, 641-649, Theodore ; Theodore I (Latin: Theodorus I; died 14 May 649) was the bishop of Rome from 24 November 642 to his death. His pontificate was dominated by the struggle with Monothelitism. 1 Early career 2 Pontificate 3 Notes 4 References 5 External links career[edit] to the Liber Pontificalis, Theodore was a Greek man from Jerusalem whose father, Theodore, had been a bishop in the city.[2] He was among the many Syrian clergy who fled to Rome following the Muslim conquest of the Levant.[3] He was made a cardinal deacon possibly around 640 and a full cardinal by Pope John IV. I's election was supported by the exarch of Ravenna, who governed Italy in the name of the emperor in Constantinople. He was installed on 24 November 642, succeeding John IV. [4] The main focus of his pontificate was the continued struggle against the heretical Monothelites. He refused to recognize Paul II as the patriarch of Constantinople because Paul's predecessor, Pyrrhus I, had not been correctly replaced. He pressed Emperor Constans II to withdraw the Ecthesis of Heraclius. While his efforts made little impression on Constantinople, it increased the opposition to the teaching in the West; Pyrrhus even briefly recanted Monothelitism in 645, but was excommunicated in 648. Paul was excommunicated in 649. In response, Paul destroyed the Roman altar in the palace of Placidia and exiled or imprisoned the papal apocrisiarius. He also sought to end the issue with the emperor by promulgating the Type of Constans, ordering that the Ecthesis be taken down and seeking to end discussion on the doctrine.[5] planned the Lateran Council of 649 to condemn the Ecthesis, but died before he could convene it. His successor, Martin I, did so instead. Theodore was buried in St. Peter's Basilica. [5] His feast day in the Orthodox Church is on 18 May.[6] Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; St Zosimus the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on March 30 ;

Rome, 649-655, Roman Pope, Pope Martin I
Roman Pope, 649-655, Pope Martin I; St Martin the Confessor the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on April 14;

Rome, 649, Lateran Council of 649, condemned Emperor's Monotheism, in Eastern Tradition
Rome, 649, Lateran Council of 649 ; Lateran Council of 649 was a synod held in the Basilica of St. John Lateran to condemn Monothelitism, a Christology espoused by many Eastern Christians. The Council did not achieve ecumenical status in either East or West, but represented the first attempt of a pope to convene an ecumenical council independent of the Roman emperor. to Andrew Ekonomou, the irony of the council was that the denunciation of the theology of Constantinople came from the "collaboration of a Greco-Palestinian pope and a Constantinopolitan monk employing a style of theological discourse whose tradition was purely Eastern."[1] Although Pope Martin I and Maximus the Confessor were abducted by Constans II and tried in Constantinople for their role in the council (Martin I being replaced as pope before dying in exile), their position was ultimately endorsed by the Third Council of Constantinople in 680. Translation of the relics of St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated on August 13; St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated January 21 ;

Rome, 652-653, Lombard King, Rodoald
Rome, Lombard King, 652-653, Rodoald; St Zosimus the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on March 30;

Rome, 653-661, Lombard King, Aripert I
Rome, Lombard King, 653-661, Aripert I; St Zosimus the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on March 30;

Rome, 661-688, Lombard King, Perctarit
Rome, Lombard King, 661-688, Perctarit; St Zosimus the Bishop of Syracuse, Commemorated on March 30;

Rome, 678-681, Pope, Agathon, Pope Agatho, heard Wilfrid of York, 6th Ecumenical Council, Monothelitism, two wills
Pope, 678-681, Agathon, Pope Agatho; Agatho (died January 681) served as the bishop of Rome from 27 June 678 until his death.[2] heard the appeal of Wilfrid of York, who had been displaced from his See by the division of the Archdiocese ordered by Theodore of Canterbury. Agatho's tenure, the Sixth Ecumenical Council was convened which dealt with the monothelitism controversy. He is venerated as a saint by both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. St Agathon the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on February 20 ;

Rome, 700-799, 8th Century Folder, Lombards till 774, then Franks and HRE

Rome, 708-716, Pope Gregory II
Pope, 708-716, Pope Gregory II; Translation of the Image ""Â of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople, the Third "œFeast of the Savior in August"Â, Commemorated on August 16;

Pope731-741, Pope Gregory III, Iconoclasm, Lombards
Pope731-741, Pope Gregory III; Gregory III (Latin: Gregorius III; died 28 November 741) was the bishop of Rome from 11 February 731 to his death. pontificate, like that of his predecessor, was disturbed by Byzantine iconoclasm and the advance of the Lombards, in which he invoked the intervention of Charles Martel, although ultimately in vain. He was the last pope to seek the consent of the Byzantine exarch of Ravenna for his election.

Rome, 774, Siege of Pavia (773–74), Frankish Invasion, Ended Lombard Kingdom
Rome, 774, Siege of Pavia (773–74); Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4;

Rome, 774, Lombards flee to Ligura, to eventually form Republic of Genoa, 774-1797
Lombards flee to Ligura, to eventually form Republic of Genoa; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4;

Rome, 795-816, Roman Pope, Leo III, Crowned Charlemagne HRE Emperor, but could not help the Iconodules
Roman Pope, 795-816, Leo III ; Leo III (Latin: Leo; fl. 12 June 816) was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 26 December 795 to his death. by Charlemagne from the supporters of his predecessor, Adrian I, Leo subsequently strengthened Charlemagne's position by crowning him emperor. The coronation was not approved in Constantinople, although the Byzantines, occupied with their own defenses, were in no position to offer much opposition. Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4 ; Gregory and Joseph fearlessly defended the veneration of holy icons. They preached in the city squares and visited in the homes of the Orthodox, encouraging them against the heretics. The Church of Constantinople was in a most grievous position. Not only the emperor, but also the patriarch were iconoclast heretics. that time the Roman bishops were in communion with the Eastern Church, and Pope Leo III, who was not under the dominion of the Byzantine Emperor, was able to render great help to the Orthodox. The Orthodox monks chose Saint Joseph as a steadfast and eloquent messenger to the Pope. Saint Gregory blessed him to journey to Rome and to report on the plight of the Church of Constantinople, the atrocities of the iconoclasts, and the dangers threatening Orthodoxy. HE DID NOT MAKE IT TO ROME the journey, Saint Joseph was captured by Arab brigands who had been bribed by the iconoclasts. They took him to the island of Crete, where they handed him over to the iconoclasts, who locked him up in prison. enduring all the deprivations, he encouraged the other prisoners. By his prayers, a certain Orthodox bishop who had begun to waver was strengthened in spirit and courageously accepted martyrdom. Joseph spent six years in prison. On the night of the Nativity of Christ in 820 he was granted a vision of Saint Nicholas of Myra, who told him about the death of the iconoclast Leo the Armenian, and the end of the persecution. Nicholas gave him a paper scroll and said, “Take this scroll and eat it.â€ On the scroll was written: “Hasten, O Gracious One, and come to our aid if possible and as You will, for You are the Merciful One.â€ The monk read the scroll, ate it and said, “How sweet are Thine oracles to my throatâ€ (Ps 118/119:103). Saint Nicholas bade him to sing these words. this the fetters fell off the saint, the doors of the prison opened, and he emerged from it. He was transported through the air and set down on a large road near Constantinople, leading into the city. he reached Constantinople, Saint Joseph found that Saint Gregory the Dekapolite was no longer among the living, leaving behind his disciple John (April 18), who soon died. Saint Joseph built a church dedicated to Saint Nicholas and transferred the relics of Saints Gregory and John there. A monastery was founded near the church. Joseph received a portion of the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew from a certain virtuous man. He built a church in memory of the holy apostle. He loved and honored Saint Bartholomew, and he was distressed that there was no Canon glorifying the holy Apostle. He desired to adorn the Feast of Saint Bartholomew with hymns, but he did not dare to compose them himself. forty days Saint Joseph prayed with tears, preparing for the Feast of the holy apostle. On the eve of the Feast the Apostle Bartholomew appeared to him in the altar. He pressed the holy Gospel to Joseph’s bosom, and blessed him to write church hymns with the words: “May the right hand of the Almighty God bless you, may your tongue pour forth waters of heavenly wisdom, may your heart be a temple of the Holy Spirit, and may your hymnody delight the entire world.â€ this miraculous appearance, Saint Joseph composed a Canon to the Apostle Bartholomew, and from that time he began to compose hymns and Canons in honor of the Mother of God, of the saints, and in honor of Saint Nicholas, who liberated him from prison. the revival of the iconoclast heresy under the emperor Theophilus (829-842), Saint Joseph suffered a second time from the heretics. He was exiled to Cherson [Chersonessus] for eleven years. The Orthodox veneration of holy icons was restored under the holy empress Theodora (February 11) in 842, and Saint Joseph was made keeper of sacred vessels at Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. Because of his bold denunciation of the brother of the empress, Bardas, for unlawful cohabitation, the saint was again sent into exile and returned only after Bardas died in 867.

Rome, 800, 9th Century on, Folder, Holy Roman Empire, Kingdom and Republic

Rome, 800-814, Charlemagne, a Frank, Holy Roman Emperor
Roman Emperor, 800-814, Charlemagne, a Frank, Holy Roman Emperor; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; St Methodius, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Moravia, Enlightener of the Slavs, Commemorated on April 6;

Rome, 814-840, HRE Emperor, Louis the Pious, Aquitaine, v over muslim Barcelona, sons civil war
Belgium, Holy Roman Emperor, 814-840, Louis the Pious; St Theophanes the Confessor and Hymnographer, Bishop of Nicea, Commemorated on October 11 ; ANSKAR, BISHOP AND MISSIONARY TO DENMARK AND SWEDEN (3 FEB 865); Icon of the Mother of God ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂœIveronÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚ÂÂÂÂ, Commemorated on February 12; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; St Methodius, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Moravia, Enlightener of the Slavs, Commemorated on April 6;

Rome, 844-875, Louis II of Italy, Holy Roman Emperor
Roman Emperor, 844-875, Louis II of Italy, Holy Roman Emperor ; Venerable Lazarus the Iconographer, of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 17; Venerable Joseph the Hymnographer, Commemorated on April 4; St Methodius, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Moravia, Enlightener of the Slavs, Commemorated on April 6; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Methodius, Commemorated on May 11; St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2;

Rome, 855-858, Pope, Benedict III, elected, schism, imprisoned by emperor, restored
Roman Pope. 855-858, Pope Benedict III; Venerable Lazarus the Iconographer, of Constantinople, Commemorated on November 17 ;

Rome, 858-867, Roman Pope, Pope Nicholas I
Roman Pope. 858-867, Pope Nicholas I; St Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6;

Rome, 867-872, Pope, Adrian II, received Cyril and Methodius with great honor
Pope, 867-872, Adrian II ; holy brothers were then summoned to Rome at the invitation of the Roman Pope. Pope Adrian received them with great honor, since they brought with them the relics of the Hieromartyr Clement. Sickly by nature and in poor health, Saint Cyril soon fell ill from his many labors, and after taking the schema, he died in the year 869 at the age of forty-two. Before his death, he expressed his wish for his brother to continue the Christian enlightenment of the Slavs. Saint Cyril was buried in the Roman church of Saint Clement, whose own relics also rest there, brought to Italy from Cherson by the Enlighteners of the Slavs. Adrian II (792 – 14 December 872) was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 867 to his death. He continued the policy of his predecessor, Nicholas I. Despite seeking good relations with Louis II of Italy, he was placed under surveillance, and his wife and daughters were killed by Louis' supporters. 1 Family 2 Pontificate 3 See also 4 References 5 Further reading 6 External links was a member of a noble Roman family. In his youth, he married a woman named Stephania and had a daughter with her.[2] Adrian was selected to become pope on 14 December 867. He was already at an advanced age, and objected to assuming the papacy.[3] His wife and daughter moved with him to the Lateran Palace.[4] II maintained, but with less energy, the policies of his predecessor, Nicholas I. King Lothair II of Lotharingia, who died in 869, left Adrian to mediate between the Frankish kings with a view to secure the imperial inheritance to Lothair's brother Louis II of Italy.[5] Adrian sought to maintain good relations with Louis, since the latter's campaigns in southern Italy had the potential to free the papacy from the threat posed by the Muslims.[6] Photius I of Constantinople, shortly after the council in which he had pronounced sentence of deposition against Pope Nicholas I, was driven from the patriarchate by a new Byzantine emperor, Basil the Macedonian, who favoured Photius' rival, Ignatius. The Fourth Council of Constantinople was convoked to decide this matter. At this council Adrian was represented by legates who presided at the condemnation of Photius as a heretic, but did not succeed in coming to an understanding with Ignatius on the subject of jurisdiction over the Bulgarian Church.[5] Nicholas I, Adrian was forced to submit in temporal affairs to the interference of Emperor Louis II, who placed him under the surveillance of Bishop Arsenius of Orte, his confidential adviser, and Arsenius' nephew Anastasius the Librarian.[5] In 868, Adrian's wife and daughter were carried off and murdered by Arsenius' son Eleutherius, who had forcibly married the daughter.[7] died on 14 December 872, after exactly five years of pontificate.[5] CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869); St Boris (in Holy Baptism Michael), Equal of the Apostles, Prince and Baptizer of Bulgaria, Commemorated on May 2;

Rome, 872-882, Pope, John VIII, resisted Muslims in S. Italy, supported Methodius for Slavs, assinated
Rome, 872-882, Pope, John VIII; John VIII (Latin: Ioannes VIII; died 16 December 882) was the bishop of Rome and ruler of the Papal States from 14 December 872 to his death. He is often considered one of the ablest popes of the 9th century.[1] devoted much of his papacy attempting to halt and reverse the Muslim gains in southern Italy and their march northwards. When his efforts to obtain assistance from either the Franks or the Byzantines failed, John strengthened the defenses of Rome. He supported Methodius of Thessalonica in his mission to the Slavs, defended him against the Carolingian rulers and Bavarian clergy, and authorized the translation of the Bible into Slavonic. John also extended diplomatic recognition to the Duchy of Croatia and resolved the Photian schism. John's pontificate ended with his assassination, and the papacy became significantly weaker in the aftermath. 1 Slavonic liturgy 2 Saracen incursions 3 Constantinople problems 4 Death 5 See also 6 References 7 Bibliography 8 Further reading 9 External links liturgy[edit] VIII's letter to Svatopluk I of Moravia Adrian II consecrated Methodius of Thessalonica as archbishop and supported his mission to the Slavs. Unbeknownst to Rome, Methodius was imprisoned in 870 by the Carolingian King Louis the German and Bavarian bishops, who objected to his use of the Slavonic language in the liturgy and his encroachment on their jurisdiction in Moravia.[2] Adrian II died in 872, and John VIII, a Roman native,[3] was selected to succeed him. When Bishop Anno of Freising visited Rome, John inquired about the whereabouts of the missing Methodius, but Anno lied to him. In the summer of 873, John finally learned the truth. Furious, he forbade the celebration of mass in Bavaria until Methodius was released.[4] After his release, Methodius came to Rome and convinced John to allow him to translate the Bible to Slavonic as well as to perform liturgy in Slavonic. John wrote: "He who made three main languages - Hebrew, Greek, and Roman - also made all other languages to sing his praise and glory."[5] incursions[edit] a young man, John witnessed the Arab raid against Rome. Their expansion into Italy was severely affecting the economy of the Papal States.[3] After the raids against Campania and the Sabine Hills, Pope John asked for military aid from Emperor Charles the Bald and later Count Boso of Provence.[6] His efforts failed and he was forced to pay tribute to the Emirate of Sicily.[7] The threatening Muslim military presence (which he believed was God's punishment against "bad Christians"),[8] coupled with alliances they formed with the local Christians, prompted John to promote "a new and uncompromisingly hostile view of the Saracens." This included a ban on forming alliances with the Muslims. However, his efforts proved unsuccessful,[9] partly because Christian leaders viewed his calls for unity as an excuse to assert papal authority in southern Italy.[8] 876 bull of John VIII 876, John VIII traveled throughout Campania in an effort to form an alliance among the cities of Salerno, Capua, Naples, Gaeta and Amalfi against Muslim raids. By 877, all five cities sent delegates to Traietto to formalize an alliance.[10] Pope John VIII urged Charles to come to his defence in Italy. Charles again crossed the Alps, but this expedition was received with little enthusiasm by the nobles, and even by his regent in Lombardy, Boso, and they refused to join his army. At the same time Carloman of Bavaria, son of Louis the German, entered northern Italy. Charles, ill and in great distress, started on his way back to Gaul, but died while crossing the pass of Mont Cenis on 6 October 877.[11] relatively little support from outside sources, John fell back on what resources he could command. He reinforced the walls previously restored by Pope Leo IV. As the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls was located outside the Aurelian Walls, and had been damaged in a Saracen raid, the pope fortified the basilica, the monastery, and the nearby dwellings of the peasants. He also founded a papal fleet.[5] problems[edit] 879, John recognised the reinstatement of Photios I as the legitimate patriarch of Constantinople. Photius had been condemned in 869 by Adrian II. This was undertaken mainly to appease the Byzantines, since in them he saw the only hope of removing the Arabs from Italy.[12] Some time afterward, John VIII re-confirmed the excommunication of Photius, which eventually enabled Emperor Leo VI to move against Photius.[13] was anxious that the Duchy of Croatia would follow in the steps of Bulgaria, which had recently accepted the spiritual authority of Constantinople rather than that of Rome. After the overthrow of the pro-Byzantine Zdeslav in 879, John thanked the new duke, Branimir, for returning Croatia to papal jurisdiction. In return, John recognized Croatian independence from the Carolingians.[14] VIII was assassinated in 882 by his own clerics; he was first poisoned, and then clubbed to death.[5] The motives may have been his exhaustion of the papal treasury, his lack of support among the Carolingians, his gestures towards the Byzantines, and his failure to stop the Saracen raids.[15] Without the protection of powerful magnates or the Carolingian emperor, the papacy after John VIII's reign became increasingly subject to the machinations and greedy ambition of the rival clans of the local nobility.[5] St. Photius the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on February 6; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869);

Rome, 896-897, Pope Steven VI, Cadaver Synod, which led to his downfall and death, prohibited Slavonic in c
Rome, 896-897, Pope Steven VI; St Clement the Bishop of Ochrid and Enlightener of the Bulgarians, Commemorated on November 25; Equal of the Apostles Clement of Ochrid, Bishop of Greater Macedonia, and his companions, Commemorated on July 27; Clement, Bishop of Ochrid, Equal of the Apostles, Nahum, Savva, Gorazd and Angelar were Slavs, disciples of Saints Cyril and Methodius (May 11). first they lived as ascetics in Moravia, where Saint Gorazd succeded Saint Methodius as bishop. He was fluent in Slavonic, Greek and Latin. Saints Clement, Nahum, Angelar and Savva were priests. Enlighteners of the Slavs were opposed by German missionaries, who had the support of the Pope and the patronage of the Moravian prince Svyatopolk. The struggle centered around the questions of the need for divine services in Slavonic, the Filioque and Saturday fasting. Pope Stephen VI prohibited the use of Slavonic in church. proponents of the three-tongued heresy (who wanted to use only Hebrew, Greek, or Latin for Church purposes), after setting aside the ancestral language of the Slavic peoples, brought the disciples of Saint Methodius to trial, including Saint Clement. They subjected them to fierce torture: dragging them through thorns, and holding them in prison for a long time, just as they had done with their spiritual Father, Saint Methodius. 886, some of the prisoners were sold to slave-traders, and ended up in the Venice marketplace. The ambassador of the Byzantine Emperor Basil the Macedonian went to Venice, ransomed the saints and brought them to Constantinople. The older confessors were banished. It is not known where Saint Gorazd went, nor where Saint Savva found shelter. Nahum and Angelar went to Bulgaria. 907 Moravia collapsed under the onslaught of the Magyars, and Moravian refugees escaped along those same paths followed earlier by the saints they had exiled. Bulgarians received the Slavonic confessors with respect and requested them to conduct divine services in the Slavonic language. The Bulgarian prince Boris sought out such people as the disciples of Saint Methodius, who labored for the enlightenment of his nation. The saints immediately began to study Slavonic books collected by the Bulgarian nobles. Angelar soon died, and Saint Clement received the appointment to teach at Kutmichivitsa, a region in southwest Macedonia. In the Eastern Church a worthy man was chosen to be a teacher, someone known for his devout life, and possessed with a gift of words. Saint Clement was a teacher while he was still in Moravia. In Bulgaria, Saint Clement worked as an instructor until 893. He organized a school at the princely court, which attained high esteem during the reign of Simeon. In southwest Macedonia he created separate schools for adults and for children. Clement instructed the children in reading and in writing. The total number of his students was enormous. Those chosen and accepted for the clergy amounted to 3500 men. In the year 893, Saint Clement became Bishop of Dremvitsa, or Velitsa, and Saint Nahum took his place. Clement was the first Bulgarian hierarch to serve, preach and write in the Slavonic language. To this end he systematically prepared clergy from among the Slavic people. The holy bishop labored for the glory of God into his old age. When his strength failed, and he was unable to fulfill his responsibilities in the cathedral, he asked Tsar Simeon to let him retire. Tsar urged the saint not to forsake the cathedral, and Saint Clement agreed to continue his episcopal service. After this he went to Ochrid, to a monastery he founded. There the saint continued with his translation activities and translated important parts of the Pentecostarion. the saint became seriously ill and departed to the Lord in the year 916. The saint’s body was placed in a coffin he made with his own hands, and was buried in Ochrid’s Saint Panteleimon monastery. Clement is considered the first Slavonic author. He not only continued the translation work begun by Saints Cyril and Methodius, but also left behind works of his own composition, the first samples of Slavonic spiritual literature. of the lessons and sermons of Saint Clement were brought to Russia, where they were read and lovingly copied by pious Russian Christians. relics of Saints Gorazd and Angelar rest near Berat in Albania, and Saint Nahum’s relics are in the monastery bearing his name, near Lake Ochrid. Saint Clement is also commemorated on November 25.

Rome, 901-915, Holy Roman Emperor, Louis the Blind
Roman Emperor, 901-915, Louis the Blind, Holy Roman Emperor; EARLY ABBOTS of CLUNY, 30 April 909 ;

Rome, 1032-1048, Holy Roman Pope, Benedict IX, Sold the Papacy early, then reconsidered
Rome, 1048-1049, Holy Roman Pope, Damasus II; St. Procopius, Commemorated on September 16 ;

Rome, 1048-1049, Holy Roman Pope, Damasus II
Rome, 1048-1049, Holy Roman Pope, Damasus II; St. Procopius, Commemorated on September 16 ;

Rome, 1049-1055, Holy Roman Pope, Leo IX
Rome, 1049-1055, Holy Roman Pope, Leo IX; St. Procopius, Commemorated on September 16 ;

Rome, 1055-1057, Holy Roman Pope, Victor II
Rome, 1055-1057, Holy Roman Pope, Victor II;

Rome, 1057-1059, Holy Roman Pope, Stephen IX

Rome, 1059-1061, Holy Roman Pope, Nicholas II
Rome, 1059-1061, Holy Roman Pope, Nicholas II;

Rome, 1061-1073, Holy Roman Pope, Alexander II, cardinals only selected him,
Rome, 1061-1073, Holy Roman Pope, Alexander II; Alexander II (1010/1015 - 21 April 1073), born Anselm of Baggio,[1] was the head of the Roman Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1061 to his death in 1073. in Milan, Anselm was deeply involved in the Pataria reform movement. Elected according to the terms of his predecessor's bull, In nomine Domini, Anselm's was the first election by the cardinals without the participation of the people and minor clergy of Rome. life and work[edit] was born in the parish of Cesano Boscone in the town of Corsico some 7km (5mi) from Milan of a noble family. The family took its name from Baggio. a suburb of Milan, where the family held the office of "captain".[2] According to the Liber pontificalis,[3] his father's name was Anselmus or Ardericus. sources do not provide any information where Anselm might have obtained his education.[4] It was traditionally believed that Anselm de Baggio studied under Lanfranc at Bec Abbey. However, modern historiography rejects the assertion.[5] He became a member of the clergy of the cathedral of Milan,[6] and was ordained a priest by Archbishop Wido (Guido) of Milan.[7] was one of the founders of the Pataria,[8] a movement in the Archdiocese of Milan, aimed at reforming the clergy and ecclesiastic government in the province, and supportive of Papal sanctions against simony and clerical marriage.[9] They contested the ancient rights of the cathedral clergy of Milan and supported the Gregorian reforms. Anselm was one of four "upright and honest" priests suggested to succeed Ariberto da Intimiano as prince bishop of Milan.[dubious – discuss] When the Emperor Henry III chose instead the more worldly Guido da Velate, protests followed. In order to silence a vocal critic, Bishop Guido sent Anselm to the Imperial Court.[10] emperor instead, in 1056 or 1057, named Anselm bishop of Lucca.[11] The earliest testimony of his activity as bishop is on 23 March 1057.[12] On 20 August 1057, he was with the imperial court at Trebur, and on 27 December at Pöhlde.[13] As bishop, he was an energetic associate of Hildebrand of Sovana in endeavouring to suppress simony and enforce clerical celibacy.[14] So bad was the state of things at Milan, that benefices were openly bought and sold, and the clergy publicly married the women with whom they lived. With the increased prestige of his office, he reappeared twice in Milan as legate of the Holy See, in 1057 in the company of Hildebrand, and in 1059 with Peter Damian.[9] Anselm attended the Roman council of Pope Nicholas II in the first half of April 1059, and another synod of uncertain date.[15] He was in Rome again in April 1060, for a synod in the Lateran palace, when he subscribed two papal bulls dated 14 April 1060.[16] as pope[edit] Nicholas II died on 27 July 1061. The cardinals met, and sent a representative, the former monk of Cluny, Cardinal Stephen, to seek permission of the imperial court to conduct an election. After a five-day wait during which he was not received in audience, the Cardinal returned to Italy, without having received the congé d'élire.[17] The cardinal bishops then proceeded to an election, having forced their way into the city of Rome with the aid of Prince Richard I of Capua and his Norman troops. On 1 October 1061, they chose Bishop Anselmo de Baggio of Lucca, one of the leaders of the reform party, who took the name Pope Alexander II.[9] previous papal elections, the assent of the Holy Roman Emperor to the election was not sought,[disputed – discuss][18] and cardinal bishops were the sole electors of the pope for the first time in the history of the Catholic Church; in accordance with Nicholas II's bull, In Nomine Domini.[19] The bull effectively removed the control held by the Roman metropolitan church over the election of the pontiff, unilaterally abrogating the rights of the emperor, the nobles of Rome, the clergy, and the people of Rome. new Pope Alexander II was crowned at nightfall on October 1, 1061 in the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli, because opposition to the election on the part of the Romans and German sympathizers made a coronation in St. Peter's Basilica impossible.[18] The German court nominated another candidate, Cadalus, bishop of Parma, who was proclaimed Pope at a council held at Basel under the name of Honorius II. He marched to Rome and for a long time threatened his rival's position. length, due to a coup-d-état in the German court which replaced the Empress Agnes with Archbishop Hatto (Atto) of Cologne, Honorius was forsaken by the German court and deposed by a council held at Mantua on 31 May and 1 June 1064.;[14][20] Alexander II's position continued to be challenged by Honorius until the latter's death in 1072. The next sixty years exhibited one schism after another.[21] Normans of south Italy[edit] early as 1063, the Normans. taking advantage of the schism, successfully expanded their empire by attacking and seizing the city of Gaeta, an important port leading into the southern part of the Roman campagna. In 1066, Richard of Capua, who had helped Alexander enter Rome and secure a coronation in October 1061, suddenly changed sides. With the Germans abandoning Cadalo and embracing Alexander, the Normans were no longer the mainstay and support of the papacy, and were faced with a competitor which had designs on the same territories ans the Normans. The barons of the Roman campagna, too, saw an advantage to be gained (or at least revenge to be extracted) by joining the Normans against Alexander and the reform party of Hildebrand, which had robbed them of their rights in papal elections and the civil government of the Church. Moving north, Prince Richard seized Ceprano, devastated Lazio, and encamped outside Rome, from which he demanded the title of Patricius.[22] the meantime, the frantic Cardinal Hildebrand repeatedly called upon Marquis Godfrey of Tuscany, who was with King Henry in Germany, to come to the aid of Rome.[23] In spring 1067, he collected an army, lifed the siege of Rome, and caused Prince Richard to withdraw to Capua. Richard left his son Jordanus in charge of the army in the plain below Aquino, to bar the way of the forces of Godfrey. But it was shortage of supplies, sickness, and bribery on the part of the Normans, that brought Godfrey to negotiate with Jordanus, and finally to return north. A new treaty between the papacy and the Normans was negotiated, and, at the synod held at Melfi by Pope Alexander on 1 August 1067, Prince Richard returned to his allegiance and was confirmed as Duke of Apulia and Calabria.[24] the second half of April 1063, Pope Alexander held a synod at the Lateran Basilica in Rome, attended by more than a hundred bishops. During the synod, he excommunicated Honorius II (Bishop Cadalo). The pope and bishops also decreed: that no mercy was to be shown to simoniacs by preserving their dignity; that those who had been ordained by simoniacs were to be retained in their orders; in the case of a knowing consecration of a simoniac, both simoniac and consecrator were to be deprived of their offices; that a priest who has a wife or mistress should not say Mass; that no cleric should receive a church from a layman whether gratis or for pay; that no priest should hold two churches; that no one should be made a monk on the understanding that he would become abbot; and that a layman who becomes a cleric should change his costume.[25] a letter of 15 May 1063, Pope Alexander ordered the archbishops of Reims, Sens, Tours, Bourges, and Bordeaux to obey his legate Cardinal Peter Damiani, Bishop of Ostia, "who is our own eye and the immoveable foundation of the apostolic see."[26] He also forbade Gervase, Archbishop of Reims, from consecrating Jocelyn as bishop of Soissons, on the grounds that he was a simoniac.[27] 6 May 1065, Pope Alexander held a council in Rome, attended by at least eight cardinals and forty-three bishops. It is known that the privileges of the monastery of Saint Denis in Paris were confirmed, and it was granted the privilege of being exempt from the jurisdiction of the bishop of Paris.[28] In 1067, he made a tour of the southern cities of the Papal States and of the Kingdom of Naples, holding a synod in Melfi in October and then later in the year at Siponto.[29] In this council held at Siponto, Pope Alexander deposed Bishop Lando of Nucerino, Landolf of Tortiboli, and Benedict of Biccari, all on accusations of simony.[30] an attempt to curtail simony (the buying and selling of sacred things), Alexander II sent out many legates and archbishops across Europe to enforce reform among local synods. Any clergy suspected of simony were then investigated. Any clergy who was invested in his office by a lay person were required to undergo a new investiture by a papal legate. A well-known victim of these campaigns included the bishop of Constance, who was removed from office for simony.[31] 30 March 1068, Alexander held a synod in Rome, in which he absolved the bishop of Tortosa of a charge of homicide, but deposed the bishop of Florence on the grounds of simony; a charge of simony was laid against the bishop of Chiusi, who begged for absolution. The pope also ordered that churches not be held by lay persons, and that ecclesiastical goods not be transmitted from parents to children as though they were subject to the laws of inheritance.[32] 1071, the future Emperor Henry IV, though only 21 (and still only German King and Roman Patrician), was vigorously at work recovering the powers, privileges and properties which had been allowed to slip away from imperial control during his regencies. crushed a riot in Saxony in 1069, and overcame the rebellion of the Saxon aristocrat Otto of Nordheim in 1071. But in 1071, the reforming activities of Pope Alexander's resulted in an open rupture with the King. Archbishop Guido of Milan recently died so Henry IV appointed Godfrey (Goffredo) de Castiglione as successor to Guido. Alexander II declared this investiture void, and appointed a Milanese priest named Attone (Atto), who had already been elected archbishop on 6 January 1072, in an electoral meeting sanctioned by Pope Alexander.[33] February 1072, he held a synod in Rome, in which he anathematized Goffredo, and confirmed Atto as archbishop. He wrote a letter to Henry IV, informing him of the papal actions.[34] Henry IV sent five men to Rome to discuss the issue, but Alexander rejected and subsequently excommunicated them. This led to increased pressure between Henry IV and the popes.[31] 1 October 1071, Pope Alexander consecrated the high altar of the new basilica dedicated to Saint Benedict at the monastery of Montecassino. He was assisted by Cardinal Hildebrand and other cardinals, by ten archbishops, and forty-four bishops, as well as abbots, clergy, nobles, and people.[35] He had already, perhaps at the beginning of his reign, granted Abbot Desiderius personally the lordship over Terracina.[36] Alexander also reformed the administration of the church of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome and of the Lateran Basilica, by replacing the monks of the Order of Montecassino with Canons Regular of the Congregation of S. Frediano of Lucca.[37] liturgical matters, Alexander II ended the practice of singing or reciting the "Alleluia" during the Latin Church's observance of Lent.[38] This reform was permanent.[39] on Jews[edit] 1065, Pope Alexander II wrote to Béranger, Viscount of Narbonne, and to Guifred, bishop of the city, praising them for having prevented the massacre of the Jews in their district, and reminding them that God does not approve of the shedding of innocent blood. On 11 June in that same year, he wrote a letter, admonishing Landulf VI of Benevento "that the conversion of Jews is not to be obtained by force."[40] was warm in his praise, however, for Spanish bishops, who protected the Jews against those who came to Spain crusading against the Moors.[41] against the Moors[edit] in the same year, Alexander called for the Crusade of Barbastro against the Moors in Spain.[42][43] Alexander II issued orders to the Bishops of Narbonne, instructing crusaders en route "that you protect the Jews who live among you, so that they may not be killed by those who are setting out for Spain against the Saracens ... for the situation of the Jews is greatly different from that of the Saracens. One may justly fight against those [the Saracens] who persecute Christians and drive them from their towns and their own homes."[44] and William the Conqueror[edit] Bayeux Tapestry: William the Conqueror holds a papal gonfalon with a golden cross, a gift from Pope Alexander II. 1066, Pope Alexander received an embassy from William, Duke of Normandy, after his successful invasion of Brittany. The embassy had been sent to obtain his blessing for William's prospective invasion of Anglo-Saxon England. Alexander gave it, along with a papal ring, the Standard of St. George,[45] and an edict to the autonomous Old English clergy guiding them to submit to the new regime. These favors were instrumental in the submission of the English church following the Battle of Hastings. Count Eustace carried his papal insignia, a gonfanon with three tails charged with a cross, which William of Poitiers says was given to William I to signify the pope's blessing of his invasion to secure a submission to Rome.[46] successes in England brought the native English church into much greater control from Rome. William even agreed to Alexander's request to restore the payment of the Peter's Pence, which had lapsed in the time of Edward the Confessor. At the same time, William requested that the pope send him legates, to carry out a ceremonial crowning of the king. Alexander therefore sent Bishop Ermenfried of Sion (Sitten in Switzerland) and two "clerici cardinales" to England, who, at Eastertide 1070, presided at the coronation at Winchester.[47] archbishop of Canterbury, Stigand, however, even though he made his peace with William, was a problem for Pope Alexander. Stigand had helped to drive the legitimate archbishop, Robert of Jumièges, from his see, and usurped the archbishopric for himself; he even dared to wear Archbishop Robert's pallium.[48] additionally, he continued to hold the diocese of Winchester, of which he was the legitimate incumbent, along with the archbishopric of Canterbury.[49] Five successive popes, Leo, Victor, Stephanus, Nicholas, and Alexander himself, had sent legates to England, who excommunicated Stigand. Stigand was therefore not able to crown William king, as was the right of the archbishop of Canterbury.[50] Nonetheless, Stigand and William remained on good terms, until, during a visit of William to the continent in 1067, the Normans in England behaved with particular brutality. Stigand switched sides, and with Edgar the Atheling fled to safety in the camp of refuge in Ely. They were besieged by the Conqueror, and Stigand was captured.[51] Pope Alexander's legates, as instructed, demanded the deposition of Stigand, and at a general council held at Winchester after King William's cooronation, the deposition was duly voted.[52] William determined that he would not have his brother, Bishop Odo of Bayeux, as his new archbishop, nor would he promote his chaplain and chancellor, Herfast. He assembled a council of bishops, abbots and other notables, in order to discuss a suitable candidate for the vacant archbishopric. After this consultation, William offered the archbishopric to Lanfranc, the Abbot of the royal monastery of St. Stephen at Caen, to whom he had once offered the archbishopric of Rouen, which Lanfranc had refused. When Lanfranc also refused the see of Canterbury, the determined king sent his queen, Matilda, and his son Robert (a former pupil of Lanfranc), accompanied by a contingent of Norman nobles, to persuade him, to no avail. Abbot Herluin of Bec was called upon to exert his influence, again without result. William then ordered the papal legates to go to Normandy, convene a council of bishops, abbots, and nobles, to prevail upon Lanfranc to accept the king's offer. Reluctantly, Lanfranc crossed to England, where he engaged in intense talks with William, who only persuaded him by invoking the recommendation which had been expressed by Pipe Alexander.[53] Lanfranc was finally elected by a council on 15 August 1070, the Feast of the Assumption, and consecrated on 29 August, the Feast of St. John the Baptist.[54] Lanfranc wrote to Pope Alexander and to the Archdeacon Hildebrand that they defend him against the pretensions of the archbishop of York, and that they send him the pallium as his symbol of primacy, Hildebrand wrote a letter in reply, claiming that it was not the custom to send the pallium, but that the recipient come to Rome to have it bestowed; and besides, he and the pope wanted to confer personally with Lanfranc about pressing matters. In 1071, therefore, Lanfranc and Archbishop Thomas of York travelled to Rome to receive their pallia.[55] Pope Alexander wrote to Archbishop Lanfranc, ordering him to see to the state of the monastery of Winchester, and expressing annoyance that he had not yet procured the release of the bishop (Stigand), perhaps out of negligence, perhaps out of disobedience, perhaps fearing punishment by King William.[56] 1068, German King Henry IV attempted to divorce Bertha of Savoy. The Papal legate Peter Damian hinted that any further attempt at a divorce would lead the Pope to refuse to perform his coronation. Henry obeyed, and his wife, who had retired to Lorsch Abbey returned to Court.[9] 1072 Alexander commanded[citation needed] the reluctant Canon of the cathedral of Kraków, Stanislaus of Szczepanów, who had been elected unanimously by the cathedral chapter, to accept appointment as the ninth Bishop of Kraków in succession to Bishop Lampert.[57] Stanislaus became one of the earliest native Polish bishops. This turned out to be a significant decision for the Polish Church. Once appointed, Stanislaus was a highly assertive bishop who got into conflict with Polish king Bolesław II the Bold, pro suis actibus sceleratis ('because of his wicked deeds'). Bolesław and his nobles assassinated Bishop Stanislaus in the church of St. Michael in Rupella on 11 April 1179, and cut up his corpse into seventy-two pieces. Poland was laid under the interdict for four years, and the see of Kraków remained vacant. In 1088, the body of Bishop Stanislaus was transferred to his cathedral in Kraków, and eventually he was venerated as a saint.[58] series of disputes broke out between the bishop Gerhard (Iaromirus, Jaromi) of Prague and the bishop John (Brewnow) of Olmouc in Bohemia. Duke Wratislaus of Bohemia drew this to the attention of Pope Alexander II when he happened to be at the papal court in 1073. Alexander sent nuntii to Prague to sort the matter out, but they were captured, mutilated, and then murdered. Socked at the enormity of the offense, Pope Alexander sent Cardinal Rudolph to Prague. When Gerhard refused to cooperate with the cardinal, he was deposed and Prague was laid under the interdict; when the situation quieted down, he restored the bishop and lifted the interdict, but ordered both bishops to present themselves before the papal court. When they appeared, Pope Alexander confirmed the deposition of the bishop of Prague, though he restored him once again at the pleading of Countess Mathilda of Tuscany.[59] Alexander II died at the Lateran Palace on 21 April 1073, and was buried in the Lateran Basilica.[60]

Rome, 1073-1085, Holy Roman Pope, Gregory VII, reformer, investiture c with Henry IV
Roman Pope, 1073-1085, Gregory VII; St Yaropolk the Prince of Vladimir-Volhynia, Commemorated on October 10;

Rome, 1084-1105, Henry IV, HRE Emperor, German, controversial, appointed commoners, walk to C, Inv c
Roman Emperor, 1084-1105, Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor; IV (German: Heinrich IV; 11 November 1050 - 7 August 1106) was Holy Roman Emperor from 1084 to 1105, King of Germany from 1054 to 1105, King of Italy and Burgundy from 1056 to 1105, and Duke of Bavaria from 1052 to 1054. was the son of Henry III, Holy Roman Emperor—the second monarch of the Salian dynasty—and Agnes of Poitou. his father's death on 5 October 1056, Henry was placed under his mother's guardianship. She made grants to German aristocrats to secure their support. Unlike her late husband, she could not control the election of the popes, thus the idea of the "liberty of the Church" strengthened during her rule. Taking advantage of her weakness, Archbishop Anno II of Cologne kidnapped Henry in April 1062. He administered Germany until Henry came of age in 1065. endeavoured to recover the royal estates that had been lost during his minority. He employed low-ranking officials to carry out his new policies, causing discontent in Saxony and Thuringia. Henry crushed a riot in Saxony in 1069 and overcame the rebellion of the Saxon aristocrat Otto of Nordheim in 1071. appointment of commoners to high office offended German aristocrats, and many of them withdrew from Henry's court. insisted on his royal prerogative to appoint bishops and abbots, although the reformist clerics condemned this practice as simony (a forbidden sale of church offices). Pope Alexander II blamed Henry's advisors for his acts and excommunicated them in early 1073. Henry's conflicts with the Holy See and the German dukes weakened his position and the Saxons rose up in open rebellion in the summer of 1074. Taking advantage of a quarrel between the Saxon aristocrats and peasantry, he forced the rebels into submission in October 1075. adopted an active policy in Italy, alarming Pope Alexander II's successor, Gregory VII, who threatened him with excommunication for simony. Henry persuaded most of the German bishops to declare the Pope's election invalid on 24 January 1076. In response, the Pope excommunicated Henry and released his subjects from their allegiance. German aristocrats who were hostile to Henry called for the Pope to hold an assembly in Germany to hear Henry's case. prevent the Pope from sitting in judgement on him, Henry went to Italy as far as Canossa to meet with the Pope. His penitential "Walk to Canossa" was a success and Gregory VII had no choice but to absolve him in January 1077. Henry's German opponents ignored his absolution and elected an antiking, Rudolf of Rheinfelden, on 14 March 1077. Pope was initially neutral in the two kings' conflict, enabling Henry to consolidate his position. Henry continued to appoint high-ranking clerics, for which the Pope again excommunicated him on 7 March 1080. Most German and northern Italian bishops remained loyal to Henry and they elected the antipope Clement III. Rudolf of Rheinfelden was killed in battle and his successor, Hermann of Salm, could only exert royal authority in Saxony. From 1081, Henry launched a series of military campaigns to Italy, and Clement III crowned him emperor in Rome on 1 April 1084. of Salm died and Henry pacified Saxony with the local aristocrats' assistance in 1088. launched an invasion against the pope's principal Italian ally, Matilda of Tuscany, in 1089. She convinced Henry's elder son, Conrad II, to take up arms against his father in 1093. Her alliance with Welf I, Duke of Bavaria, prevented Henry's return to Germany until 1096 when he was reconciled with Welf. After Clement III's death, Henry did not support new antipopes, but did not make peace with Pope Paschal II. proclaimed the first Reichsfriede (imperial peace) which covered the whole territory of Germany in 1103. younger son, Henry V, forced him to abdicate on 31 December 1105. He tried to regain his throne with the assistance of Lotharingian aristocrats, but became ill and died without receiving absolution from his excommunication. preeminent role in the Investiture Controversy, his "Walk to Canossa" and his conflicts with his sons and wife established his controversial reputation, with some regarding him as the stereotype of a tyrant, and others describing him as an exemplary monarch who protected the poor. Venerable Anthony the Roman and Abbot of Novgorod, Commemorated on August 3; BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT, THEOLOGIAN, AND POET (20 AUGUST 1153); St Yaropolk the Prince of Vladimir-Volhynia, Commemorated on October 10; Martyr Nicholas Dvali in Jerusalem, Commemorated on February 12;

Rome, 1088-1099, Pope Urban II
Rome, 1088-1099, Pope Urban II; Translation of the relics of St Nicholas the Wonderworker from Myra to Bari, Commemorated on May ;

First Crusade, 1096
First Crusade, 1096 ; GEORGE, SOLDIER and MARTYR, 23 APRIL 303, Commemorated April 23;

Rome, 1130-1143, Pope Innocent II, election controversy, he was north of alps, Second Latern council
Rome, 1130-1143, Pope Innocent II; Innocent II (Latin: Innocentius II; died 23 September 1143), born Gregorio Papareschi, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 14 February 1130 to his death in 1143. election as pope was controversial and the first eight years of his reign were marked by a struggle for recognition against the supporters of Anacletus II. He reached an understanding with King Lothair III of Germany who supported him against Anacletus and whom he crowned as Holy Roman emperor. Innocent went on to preside over the Second Lateran council. Rome, 1130-1138, Antipope Anacletus II; BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT, THEOLOGIAN, AND POET (20 AUGUST 1153);

Rome, 1130-1138, Antipope Anacletus II, roman, south of alps, cardinal court packing
Rome, 1130-1138, Antipope Anacletus II; II (died January 25, 1138), born Pietro Pierleoni, was an antipope who ruled in opposition to Pope Innocent II from 1130 until his death in 1138. the death of Pope Honorius II, the college of cardinals was divided over his successor. Unusually, the election was entrusted to eight cardinals, who elected Papareschi (Innocent II). A larger body of cardinals then elected Pierleoni, which led to a major schism in the Roman Catholic Church. Anacletus had the support of most Romans, including the Frangipani family, and Innocent was forced to flee to France. North of the Alps, Innocent gained the crucial support of Bernard of Clairvaux, Peter the Venerable, and the Emperor Lothar III, leaving Anacletus with few patrons. Anacletus, with little remaining support, lived for several years and died with the crisis unresolved. In 1139 the second Lateran Council ended the schism, although opinion remained divided.[1] Rome, 1130-1143, Pope Innocent II; BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT, THEOLOGIAN, AND POET (20 AUGUST 1153);

Roman Emperor, 1137-1190, Frederick 1, Rome
Roman Emperor, 1137-1190, Frederick 1, Rome;

Rome, 1145-1153, Pope Eugene III, Papal States ruler, checked out Hildegard, first Cistercian, Second Crusade to Edessa
Rome, 1145-1153, Pope Eugene III ; Eugene III (c. 1080 - 8 July 1153), born Bernardo Pignatelli,[2] or possibly Paganelli, called Bernardo da Pisa, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 15 February 1145 to his death in 1153. was the first Cistercian to become pope. response to the fall of Edessa to the Muslims in 1144, Eugene proclaimed the Second Crusade. The crusade failed to recapture Edessa, which was the first of many failures by the Christians in the crusades to recapture lands won in the First Crusade. was beatified in 1872 by Pope Pius IX. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT, THEOLOGIAN, AND POET (20 AUGUST 1153); HILDEGARD OF BINGEN, VISIONARY (17 SEP 1179);

Rome, 1195-1242, Northern Crusades, ordered by Pope, Battle of the Ice, Pskov Lake
Russia, Novgorod, 1195-1242, Northern Crusades, ordered by Pope Celestine III; Rome, 1191-1198, Pope, Celestine III; Novgorod, 1242, Great Battle of the Ice of Pskov Lake, defeat of Teutonic Knights; Repose of St Alexander Nevsky, Commemorated on November 23;

Rome, 1214-1253, Holy Roman Saint, Clare of Assisi
Belgium, 1214-1253, Holy Roman Saint, Clare of Assisi; DOMINIC, PREACHER, FRIAR, MISSIONARY (8 AUGUST 1221); CLARE OF ASSISI, NUN (11 AUGUST 1253); FRANCIS OF ASSISI, FRIAR (4 OCT 1226);

Rome, 1243-1254, Pope Innocent IV, conflicts w Fred II, burning Talmuds, then not, Lyon
Rome, 1243-1254, Pope Innocent IV ; ROBERT GROSSETESTE, BISHOP OF LINCOLN (9 OCT 1253) Commemorated November 17;

Rome, 1245-1274, Holy Roman Saint, Thomas Aquias
Belgium, 1245-1274, Holy Roman Saint, Thomas Aquias; LOUIS IX, KING OF FRANCE (25 AUGUST 1270); THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST, FRIAR, AND THEOLOGIAN (28 JAN 1274);

Rome, 1250-1273, Holy Roman Interregnum, No Emperor, several weak kings, anti kings, Avignon Papacy
Belgium, 1250-1273, Holy Roman Interregnum, No Emperor; There were many imperial interregna in the history of the Holy Roman Empire, when there was no emperor. Interregna in which there was no emperor-elect (king of the Romans) were rarer. Among the longest periods without an emperor were between 924 and 962 (38 years), between 1245 and 1312 (67 years), and between 1378 and 1433 (55 years). The crisis of government of the Holy Roman Empire and the German kingdom thus lasted throughout the late medieval period, and ended only with the rise of the House of Habsburg on the eve of the German Reformation and the Renaissance. The term Great Interregnum is occasionally used for the period between 1250 (death of Frederick II) and 1273 (accession of Rudolf I). Great Interregnum[edit] Or three leopards sable.svg Staufen party Arms of the Holy Roman Emperor (Hohenstaufen).svg Frederick II (1245-“50) Arms of the Holy Roman Emperor (Hohenstaufen).svg Conrad IV (1245-“54) Royal Coat of Arms of the Crown of Castile (1284-1390).svg Alfonso X of Castile (1257-“75) Arms of Rudolph I of Germany.svg Rudolf of Habsburg (1273-“75) Coat of arms of the House of Welf-Brunswick (Braunschweig).svg Welf party Thuringia armor.svg Henry of Thuringia (1246-“47) Wapen graafschap Holland.svg William II of Holland (1247-“56) Richard of Cornwall Arms.svg Richard of Cornwall (1257-“72) Blason Bo Bohame.svg Ottokar II of Bohemia Result: compromise Unanimous election of Rudolf in 1273 Alfonso X of Castile renounced claim in 1275 After the deposition of Frederick II by Pope Innocent IV in 1245, Henry Raspe, Landgrave of Thuringia was set up as anti-king to Frederick's son Conrad IV (d. 1254). Henry was killed in 1247 and succeeded as anti-king by William of Holland (died 1256). After 1257, the crown was contested between Richard of Cornwall, who was supported by the Guelph party, and Alfonso X of Castile, who was recognized by the Hohenstaufen party but never set foot on German soil. After Richard's death in 1273, Rudolf I of Germany, a minor pro-Staufen count, was elected. He was the first of the Habsburgs to hold a royal title, but he was never crowned emperor. After Rudolf's death in 1291, Adolf and Albert were two further weak kings who were never crowned emperor. Albert was assassinated in 1308. Almost immediately, King Philip IV of France began aggressively seeking support for his brother, Charles of Valois, to be elected the next King of the Romans.[1] Philip thought he had the backing of the French Pope Clement V (established at Avignon in 1309), and that his prospects of bringing the empire into the orbit of the French royal house were good. He lavishly spread French money in the hope of bribing the German electors.[2] Although Charles of Valois had the backing of Henry, Archbishop of Cologne, a French supporter, many were not keen to see an expansion of French power, least of all Clement V.[2][3] The principal rival to Charles appeared to be Rudolf, the Count Palatine. Instead, Henry VII, of the House of Luxembourg, was elected with six votes at Frankfurt on 27 November 1308.[2] Given his background, although he was a vassal of king Philip,[2] Henry was bound by few national ties, an aspect of his suitability as a compromise candidate among the electors,[4] the great territorial magnates who had lived without a crowned emperor for decades, and who were unhappy with both Charles and Rudolf. Henry of Cologne's brother, Baldwin, Archbishop of Trier, won over a number of the electors, including Henry, in exchange for some substantial concessions.[2] Henry VII was crowned king at Aachen on 6 January 1309, and emperor by Pope Clement V on 29 June 1312 in Rome, ending the interregnum. LOUIS IX, KING OF FRANCE (25 AUGUST 1270); 26 Martyrs of the Zographou Monastery on Mt. Athos at the hands of the Crusaders, Commemorated on October 10; THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST, FRIAR, AND THEOLOGIAN (28 JAN 1274); Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1254-1261, Pope Alexander IV, a count of Sergni, Cardinal Dean, efforts to reunite Church
Rome, 1254-1261, Pope Alexander IV ; Alexander IV (1199 or c. 1185 – 25 May 1261) was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 12 December 1254 to his death in 1261. 1 Early career 2 Pontificate 3 See also 4 References 5 Bibliography 6 See also career[edit] was born as Rinaldo di Jenne in Jenne[1] (now in the Province of Rome), he was, on his mother's side, a member of the family de' Conti di Segni, the counts of Segni, like Pope Innocent III and Pope Gregory IX. uncle Gregory IX made him cardinal deacon and Protector of the Order of Franciscans in 1227, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church from 1227 until 1231 and Bishop of Ostia in 1231 (or 1232). became Dean of the College of Cardinals in 1244 (or 1240). On the death of Pope Innocent IV in 1254 he was elected pope at Naples on 12 December 1254. pontificate was signaled by efforts to reunite the Eastern Orthodox churches with the Catholic Church, by the establishment of the Inquisition in France, by favours shown to the mendicant orders, and by an attempt to organize a crusade against the Tatars after the second raid against Poland in 1259. 26 September 1255, Alexander IV canonized Saint Clare of Assisi (Santa Chiara in Italian), founder of the religious order for women called the Poor Clares.[2] On 29 October 1255, in the papal bull Benigna Operatio, Alexander declared "his own knowledge" of the stigmata attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi.[3][4] 1256, Alexander IV condemned theories of Joachim of Fiore,[5] a millenarian prophet who had died in 1202 and whose ideas were taken up by the Fraticelli strand of the Franciscan Order. On the basis on his interpretation of the Book of Revelation, Joachim had postulated that 1260 would see the beginning of a Third Age, an age governed by the Holy Spirit, in which the hierarchy of the Church would become unnecessary - an idea which was obviously unwelcome to the Pope. In the event, 1260 - still in Alexander IV 's lifetime - came and went with no such Third Age materializing, but Joachim's ideas would in later centuries be taken up by the Cult of the Holy Spirit which had a major impact in Portugal and its colonies. pontiff also, on 27 September 1258, declared in the bull Quod super nonnullis that "divination or sorcery" was not to be investigated by Inquisitors of the Church, who were tasked with investigating heresy. Crimes involving magic should be left to local authorities unless they had "knowledge of manifest heresy to be involved", wherein "manifest heresy" included "praying at the altars of idols, to offer sacrifices, to consult demons, [or] to elicit responses from them". At this period in Church history, the use of magic was not seen as inherently heretical, but rather rooted in superstition or erroneous beliefs. [6][7][8] 14 May 1254,[9] shortly before his death, Innocent IV had granted Sicily, a papal fiefdom, to Edmund, second son of King Henry III of England. Alexander confirmed the grant on 9 April 1255,[10] in return for 2000 ounces of gold per annum, the service of 300 knights for three months when required, and 135,541 marks to reimburse the pope for the money he had expended attempting to oust Manfred from Sicily.[11] Henry's unsuccessful attempts to persuade his subjects to pay the taxes required to meet Alexander's demands were one of the factors in the conflict between the king and parliament which culminated in the Second Barons' War.[12] On 12 April 1261, shortly before his death, Alexander issued a papal bull for King Henry that absolved him and the magnates of his realm from the oaths taken in the Provisions of Oxford, which was instrumental in the War.[13] IV succeeded Innocent IV as guardian of Conradin, the last of the Hohenstaufens, promising him protection; but in less than three weeks he conspired against him and bitterly opposed Conradin's uncle Manfred.[14] Alexander IV threatened excommunication and interdict against the party of Manfred without effect. Nor could he enlist the kings of England and Norway in a crusade against the Hohenstaufens. Rome itself became too Ghibelline for the Pope, who withdrew to Viterbo, where he died in 1261. He was buried in Viterbo Cathedral, but his tomb was destroyed during sixteenth-century renovations. Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1261-1265, Pope Urban IV, not a Cardinal,Tennhauser Legend, tried to restore Latin Empire
Rome, 1261-1265, Pope Urban IV; Urban IV (Latin: Urbanus IV; c. 1195 – 2 October 1264), born Jacques Pantaléon,[1] was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 29 August 1261 to his death. was not a cardinal; only a few popes since his time have not been cardinals, including Gregory X, Urban V and Urban VI. Contents 1 Early career 2 Pontificate 3 Legend of Tannhäuser 4 See also 5 Notes 6 References 7 External links Early career[edit] Pantaléon was the son of a cobbler of Troyes, France.[1] He studied theology and common law in Paris and was appointed a canon of Laon and later Archdeacon of Liège. At the First Council of Lyon (1245) he attracted the attention of Pope Innocent IV, who sent him on two missions in Germany.[1] One of the missions was to negotiate the Treaty of Christburg between the pagan Prussians and the Teutonic Knights. He became Bishop of Verdun in 1253. In 1255, Pope Alexander IV made him Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.[1] Pantaléon had returned from Jerusalem, which was in dire straits,[1] and was at Viterbo seeking help for the oppressed Christians in the East when Alexander IV died. After a three-month vacancy, Pantaléon was chosen by the eight cardinals of the Sacred College to succeed him in a papal election that concluded on 29 August 1261. He chose the regnal name of Urban IV. Pontificate[edit] fortnight before Urban's election, the Latin Empire of Constantinople, founded during the ill-fated Fourth Crusade against the Byzantines, fell to the Byzantines led by Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. IV endeavoured without success to stir up a crusade to restore the Latin Empire.[citation needed] initiated construction of the Basilica of St. Urbain, Troyes, in 1262.[2] festival of Corpus Christi ("the Body of Christ") was instituted by Urban on 11 August, 1264, with the publication of the papal bull Transiturus.[3][4] asked Thomas Aquinas, the Dominican theologian, to write the texts for the Mass and Office of the feast.[5] This included such famous hymns as the Pange lingua, Tantum ergo, and Panis angelicus. became involved in the affairs of Denmark. Jakob Erlandsen, Archbishop of Lund, wanted to make the Danish Church independent of the Royal power – which put him in direct confrontation with the Dowager Queen Margaret Sambiria, acting as regent for her son, King Eric V of Denmark. Queen imprisoned the Archbishop, who responded by issuing an interdict. Both sides tried to get the Pope's support. The Pope agreed to several items that the Queen wanted – especially, he issued a dispensation to alter the terms of the Danish succession that would permit women to inherit the Danish throne. the main issues remained unsolved by Urban's death, with the case continuing at the papal court in Rome and the exiled Archbishop Erlandsen coming to Italy to pursue it in person. fact, the convoluted affairs of distant Denmark were of only a minor concern to the Pope. It was Italy which commanded Urban's near full attention: the long confrontation with the late Hohenstaufen German Emperor Frederick II had not been pressed during the mild pontificate of Alexander IV, during which it devolved into inter-urban struggles between nominally pro-Imperial Ghibellines and even more nominally pro-papal Guelf factions. Frederick II's heir Manfred was immersed in these struggles. military captain was the condottiere Azzo d'Este, nominally at the head of a loose league of cities that included Mantua and Ferrara. Any Hohenstaufen in Sicily was bound to have claims over the cities of Lombardy, and as a check to Manfred, Urban introduced Charles of Anjou into the equation to place the crown of the Kingdom of Sicily in the hands of a monarch amenable to papal control. Charles was Count of Provence by right of his wife, maintaining a rich base for projecting what would be an expensive Italian war. two years, Urban negotiated with Manfred regarding whether Manfred would aid the Latins in regaining Constantinople in return for papal confirmation of the Hohenstaufen rights in the realm. Meanwhile, the papal pact solidified with Charles a promise of papal ships and men, produced by a crusading tithe, and Charles's promise not to lay claims on Imperial lands in northern Italy, nor in the Papal States. Charles promised to restore the annual census or feudal tribute due the Pope as overlord, some 10,000 ounces of gold being agreed upon, while the Pope would work to block Conradin from election as King of the Germans. the arrival in Italy of his candidate Charles, Urban IV died at Perugia on 2 October 1264. His successor was Pope Clement IV, who immediately took up the papal side of the arrangement. is a story that the pope's death was related to Great Comet of 1264 which he fell sick at sometime near the arrival of the comet and then he died when the comet disappeared. of Tannhäuser[edit] a prominent German Minnesanger and poet, was a contemporary of Urban—the pope died in 1264, and the Minnesanger died shortly after 1265. Two centuries later, the pope became a major character in a legend which grew up about the Minnesanger, which is first attested in 1430 and propagated in ballads from 1450.[6] legendary account makes Tannhäuser a knight and poet who found the Venusberg, the subterranean home of Venus, and spent a year there worshipping the goddess. After leaving the Venusberg, Tannhauser is filled with remorse and travels to Rome to ask Pope Urban IV if it is possible to be absolved of his sins. Urban replies that forgiveness is as impossible as it would be for his papal staff to send forth green leaves. Three days after Tannhauser's departure Urban's staff begins to grow new leaves; messengers are sent to retrieve the knight, but he has already returned to Venusberg, never to be seen again; while the Pope, for refusing a penitent, is damned eternally.[7] There is, however, no historical evidence for the events in the legend. Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1265-1271, Pope Clement IV, patron of Thoman Aquinas and Roger Bacon(Optics and scientific method)
Rome, 1265-1271, Pope Clement IV; Clement IV (c. 23 November 1190 - 29 November 1268), also known as Guy the Fat, was bishop of Le Puy (1257–1260), archbishop of Narbonne (1259–1261), cardinal of Sabina (1261–1265), and bishop of Rome from 5 February 1265 until his death. election as pope occurred at a conclave held at Perugia that lasted four months while cardinals argued over whether to call in Charles I of Anjou, the youngest brother of Louis IX of France, to carry on the papal war against the Hohenstaufens. Clement was a patron of Thomas Aquinas and of Roger Bacon, encouraging Bacon in the writing of his Opus Majus, which included important treatises on optics and the scientific method. Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1271-1276, Pope Gregory X, a Franciscan, long 3 yr election, new conclave regs, for cardinals, against Italians
Rome, 1271-1276, Pope Gregory X; Gregory X (c. 1210 - 10 January 1276), born Teobaldo Visconti, was Bishop of Rome and hence head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 1 September 1271 to his death and was a member of the Secular Franciscan Order. He was elected at the conclusion of a papal election that ran from 1268 to 1271, the longest papal election in the history of the Catholic Church. convened the Second Council of Lyon and also made new regulations in regards to the papal conclave. Gregory was beatified by Pope Clement XI in 1713 after the confirmation of his cultus. to Gregory's regulations on the conduct of the conclave, though briefly annulled by Adrian V and John XXI, they remained in force until the 20th century. 1798 Pope Pius VI, in consideration of the occupation of Rome by the French, dispensed the Cardinals from many of the conclave regulations, including those of Gregory X,[1] while in 1878 Pope Pius IX, fearing that the Italians might invade the Vatican on his death and try to prevent or dominate a conclave, gave Cardinals great latitude in the regulating of the next conclave.[2] A radical revision was undertaken by Paul VI. Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1276-1276, Pope Innocent V, preacher, UofParis chair, cardinal, brief tenure, facilitated Genoa Sicily peace
Rome, 1276-1276, Pope Innocent V; Innocent V (c. 1225 - 22 June 1276), born Pierre de Tarentaise, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 21 January to 22 June 1276. member of the Order of Preachers, he acquired a reputation as an effective preacher. held one of the two "Dominican Chairs" at the university of Paris, and was instrumental in helping with drawing up the "program of studies" for the Order. 1269, Peter of Tarentaise was Provincial of the French Province of Dominicans. He was a close collaborator of Pope Gregory X, who named him Bishop of Ostia and raised him to cardinal in 1273. the death of Gregory in 1276, Peter was elected pope, taking the name Innocent V. He died about five months later, but during his brief tenure facilitated a peace between Genoa and King Charles I of Sicily. Peter of Tarentaise was beatified in 1898 by Pope Leo XIII. Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1276-1276, Pope Adrian V, one month tenure, envoy to England for baron king disputes, died naturally
Rome, 1276-1276, Pope Adrian V; Adrian V (c. 1210/1220 - 18 August 1276), born Ottobuono de' Fieschi, was the head of the Catholic Church from 11 July 1276 to his death on 18 August 1276. was an envoy of Pope Clement IV sent to England in May 1265 who successfully completed his task of resolving disputes between King Henry III of England and his barons. Pope Adrian V was assigned the papal sit following the death of his uncle, Pope Innocent V, but died of natural illness before being ordained to the priesthood. the Divine Comedy, Dante meets Adrian V in the fifth terrace of Purgatorio where Adrian V cleanses for the vice of avarice. Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1276-1277, Pope John XXI, Portuguese pope, physician, short tenure
Rome, 1276-1277, Pope John XXI; John XXI (c. 1215 - 20 May 1277), born Peter Juliani, was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 8 September 1276 to his death. from Damasus I (from Roman Lusitania), he has been the only Portuguese pope.[1] He is sometimes identified with the logician and herbalist Peter of Spain, which would make him the only pope to have been a physician.[1] Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1277-1281, Pope Nicholas III, roman nobleman, cardinal, Franciscan protector
Rome, 1277-1281, Pope Nicholas III; Nicholas III (c. 1225 - 22 August 1280), born Giovanni Gaetano Orsini,[1] was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 25 November 1277 to his death. was a Roman nobleman who had served under eight popes, been made Cardinal-Deacon of St. Nicola in Carcere Tulliano by Pope Innocent IV (1243–54), protector of the Franciscans by Pope Alexander IV (1254–61), inquisitor-general by Pope Urban IV (1261–64), and succeeded Pope John XXI (1276–77) after a six-month vacancy in the Holy See resolved in the papal election of 1277,[2] largely through family influence. Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1281-1285, Pope Martin IV, last french pope in Rome, stalemate, mob stole 2 cardinals, then Martin elected
Rome, 1281-1285, Pope Martin IV ; Martin IV (c. 1210/1220 - 6 March 1285), born Simon de Brion, was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 22 February 1281[1] to his death. was the last French pope to have held court in Rome; all subsequent French popes held court in Avignon (the Avignon Papacy). 1 Early life 2 Cardinal Simon de Brion 3 Three Conclaves of 1276 4 Election of Nicholas III 5 Conclave of 1280–1281 6 Pope Martin IV 7 Death 8 See also 9 Notes 10 Bibliography life[edit] de Brion, son of Jean, sieur de Brion, was born at the château of Meinpincien,[2] Île-de-France, France, in the decade following 1210. had a brother named Gilo, who was a knight in diocese of Sens.[3] The seigneurial family of Brion, who took their name from Brion near Joigny, flourished in the Brie français.[4] spent time at the University of Paris,[5] and is said to have then studied law at Padua and Bologna. -------------------------Through papal favour he received a canonry at Saint-Quentin in 1238 and spent the period 1248-1259 as a canon of the cathedral chapter in Rouen, finally as archdeacon.[6] At the same time he was appointed treasurer of the church of St. Martin in Tours by King Louis IX of France,[7] an office he held until he was elected pope in 1281. 1255–1259, King Louis IX founded the French royal convent at Longchamps for the Poor Clares (Minoresses); the King's sister Isabelle was the patroness (though she never entered the cloister herself),[8] and Simon de Brion was the Guardian.[9] In 1259, he was appointed to the council of the king, who made him keeper of the great seal, chancellor of France, one of the great officers in the household of the king. He became Chancellor of Louis IX of France (1260–1261).[10] Simon de Brion[edit] 17 December 1261,[11] the new French Pope, Urban IV (Jacques Pantaléon), made Chancellor de Brion cardinal-priest, with the titulus of the church of St. Cecilia. would have entailed Simon de Brion's residence in Rome, but the affairs of Pope Urban required that he send a representative of the highest level to France to deal personally with King Louis IX and his brother Charles of Anjou and Provence. previous experience at the French Court made him the perfect choice as Legate. Simon therefore returned to France as Papal Legate for Urban IV and also for his successor Pope Clement IV in 1264–1268.[12] 1264, on the eve of S. Bartholomew, he held a general synod at Paris.[13] He was appointed again, by Pope Gregory X on 1 August 1274, and he served continuously in France until 1279. first task was to raise support and money for a Crusade against Manfred, the Hohenstaufen candidate for the Imperial Crown.[14] immediately became deeply involved in the negotiations for papal support for the assumption of the crown of Sicily by Charles of Anjou. As Legate he presided over several synods on reform, and on the raising of funds for Pope Gregory's crusade. The most important of these was held at Bourges on 13 September 1276.[15] Signatures on papal bulls indicate that Cardinal Simon was back in Viterbo by 11 January 1268. In a letter of 14 or 15 January 1268,[16] Pope Clement IV wrote to Cardinal Simon de Brion that he had heard that the Cardinal had fallen from his horse and in the accident had injured his leg. also wrote that Conradin and Ludwig Duke of Bavaria were at Verona, and were pressing for Pavia. A general war was likely. Cardinal Simon's injury must not have been severe, since, on 3 April 1268, the Pope wrote to him with the request (not an order) that he undertake a legation to Germany (Teutonia), if he wished and if it were possible. The Pope needed a prudent and faithful man, who had clean hands and eyes wide open, who could stay centered on the business and let himself stray neither right nor left, who could preserve the Empire, keep the Apostolic See free from scandal, and the neighboring kingdoms free from danger. In vetting names, Simon seemed the most suitable.[17] Clement IV (Guy Foulques) fell ill on the Feast of S. Cecilia (22 November), and died at Viterbo on 29 November 1268. He had governed the Church for three years, nine months, and twenty-four days. The See of Peter was vacant for two years and nine months. Cardinal Simon de Brion came from France to attend the Conclave, which took place in the Episcopal Palace, next to the Cathedral of S. Lorenzo in Viterbo.[18] He was the senior cardinal-priest. Around Pentecost of 1270 (1 June), Cardinal Simon and Cardinal Riccardo Annibaldi of S. Angelo had to leave the Conclave and retire to their residences for the sake of their health. On 22 August 1270, he was one of the signatories to the letter of protest sent by the Cardinals to Raynerius Gatti, Captain of the City of Viterbo, to cease and desist from their harassment of the Cardinals and their suites.[19] He was one of the cardinals who signed the electoral compact on September, 1270, to leave the election of a new pope to a committee of six, promising to accept the committee's decision.[20] He was not, however, one of the six cardinals elected to the Compromise Committee that selected Archdeacon Teobaldo Visconti as pope on 1 September 1270. newly elected pope was not present in Viterbo, but was serving on Crusade with King Edward I of England. He arrived in Italy on 1 January 1271, and travelled to Viterbo, where he arrived early in February. He accepted the election, and chose to be called Gregory X. He and the Curia travelled to Rome, arriving on 13 March. On 19 March he was ordained a priest, and on 27 March he was consecrated bishop, and then crowned by Cardinal Giovanni Gaetano Orsini. Conclaves of 1276[edit] Simon de Brion's appointment as Legate in France, made by Pope Gregory on 1 August 1274[21] continued throughout 1276. He was unable to be present for the Conclave of 1 January 1276,[22] which elected Peter of Tarantaise as Pope Innocent V. Nor was he present for the Conclave of 2–11 July,[23] which elected Ottobono Fieschi as Pope Adrian V. Nor was he present at the September Conclave, which, on 8 September, elected Peter Julian as Pope John XXI.[24] In each case the election was completed before he could have been notified, and before he could have travelled from France to central Italy. This was one of the defects of Gregory X's regulations on the holding of a Conclave. of Nicholas III[edit] John XXI was in contact with Cardinal Simon. He had written to him on 3 March 1277, ordering him to speak with the king of France about matters connected with Alfonso of Castile.[25] But the Pope died rather suddenly, after a reign of only eight months. He was still living in the Episcopal Palace in Viterbo, where Adrian V (Fieschi) had died and where he had been elected. The palace was still under construction, when suddenly the roof of one of the chambers collapsed. The Pope was in the room at the time, and he was severely injured. He died three (or six) days later, on 20 May 1277. Cardinal Simon de Brion was still in France when the Conclave began, but he was unable to predict that the Conclave would last until 25 November, and therefore he was not present. were only seven cardinals in Viterbo, since neither Innocent V, nor Adrian V, nor John XXI had named any new cardinals.[26] They argued on and on, trying to choose a pope.[27] There were three cardinals who favored the Angevin Charles I and his designs. There were three who opposed him. Cardinal Bertrand de Saint Martin, Bishop of Sabina, the only surviving Cardinal Bishop, held a middle course, or perhaps one should say he saw too clearly to be willing to commit to either party.[28] Finally, they chose Cardinal Giovanni Gaetani (Orsini), a native Roman, the Deacon of S. Nicola in Carcere and senior Deacon, and Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica. Nicholas III immediately set out for Rome, where he was ordained a priest on 18 December 1277, and consecrated Bishop of Rome on 19 December. He was crowned on the Feast of S. Stephen, 26 December 1277 at the Vatican Basilica. person, at least, was deeply unhappy about the outcome of this Conclave, King Charles I of Sicily.[29] The new Orsini pope was an enemy of the Angevins, and Charles knew he would have nothing but trouble from Nicholas III. week after the election of Nicholas III, the new pope wrote to Simon, who was still Legate in France, urging him to effect a reconciliation between the King of France, Philip III, and the King of Leon and Castile, Alfonso the Wise.[30] the King of Aragon, Peter III (who was married to Constance of Sicily) was involved in the struggle over Sicily with Charles I, this peace initiative threatened King Charles directly. 22 April 1279, Pope Nicholas wrote to Cardinal Simon about King Philip. The Pope had issued a prohibition on tournaments, and King Philip and his barons were flagrantly violating the prohibition. Cardinal Simon was ordered to excommunicate the King of France.[31] ensure that his victory against the Angevins would stand, Nicholas III decided to go forward with a much needed addition to the Sacred College of Cardinals. At his first opportunity, on 12 March 1278, he created ten cardinals. Five cardinal bishops were named: Latino Frangipani Malabranca, OP, of Rome (Nicholas III's nephew by his sister Mabilia); Erhard de Lessines (Lesigny), of Langres, son of Guillaume, Marshal of Champagne; Bentivenga de Bentivengis, O.Min., of Aquasparta; Robert Kilwardby, OP, Archbishop of Canterbury; and Ordoño (Ordeonio) Ãlvarez, Bishop of Braga. Two cardinal-priests were named: Gerardo Bianchi of Parma, and Girolamo Masci d' Ascoli, O.Min., of Picenum. He also appointed three cardinal-deacons: Giordano Orsini, brother of Pope Nicholas III, of Rome; Giacomo Colonna of Rome; and Gerardo Cupalates, O.Min., of Piacenza.[32] The effect of these creations was to seriously dilute the Angevin influence in the Sacred College, and to considerably increase the monastic element, especially the Franciscan one. It needs to be recalled that Nicholas III was the Governor, Corrector, and Protector of the Franciscans. The Roman influence was also strengthened. The inevitable consequence would be that the next pope too would not be a creature of Charles I of Sicily. though, by 19 October 1279, Pope Nicholas recalled Cardinal Simon de Brion.[33] of 1280–1281[edit] article: Papal election, 1280–81 Cathedral and Episcopal Palace, Viterbo Nicholas III (Giovanni Caetano Orsini) died at Castro Soriano in the diocese of Viterbo on 22 August 1280 of an apoplectic stroke which had left him without speech.[34] story was circulated nonetheless that he had been poisoned. At the time of his death on 22 August 1280, there were thirteen cardinals.[35] This would be the fifth Conclave in five years. Charles had taken the trouble to make friends with the Annibaldi faction, led by Riccardo Annibaldi, who were enemies of the Orsini and who had been driven out of Rome in street fighting following the death of Nicholas III.[36] had taken refuge in Viterbo, and now, by coincidence, they were present and entrenched and ready to make trouble on behalf of Charles I and themselves. Annibaldi led a coup in Viterbo, which drove out the governor of the city, Orso Orsini, the dead pope's nephew. The Angevins thereupon dominated the Conclave, in which the regulations of Gregory X were still in abayence. But the Conclave still required a two-thirds vote to elect a pope, in according with the Constitution of Alexander III, which was still in effect. Neither the Orsini faction nor the French faction had sufficient votes to elect, but each had sufficient votes to block an election. The stalemate continued throughout the winter. On 2 February 1280, the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a mob broke into the Episcopal palace, where the Conclave was in progress, and abducted two of the cardinals, Matteo Rosso Orsini and Giordano Orsini (the late pope's brother).[37] Without their opposition, Simon de Brion was unanimously elected to the papacy on 22 February 1281, taking the name Martin IV,[38] the third time in fifteen years Viterbo had hosted a papal conclave. And for the third time there were disorders which had threatened the validity of the election and the lives of the participants. was placed under the ban of excommunication and of the interdict for the imprisonment of the cardinals. It was not possible, therefore, for the Coronation to take place in Viterbo. Rome was not at all inclined to accept a hated Frenchman as Pope. IV sent two cardinals, Latino Orsini and Goffredo da Alatri, to Rome with a letter, proposing that he be crowned in Rome on Quadragesima Sunday.[39] The Romans positively refused to allow the Coronation to take place in Rome. But they did hold a public meeting, and elected Giovanni Caetani Orsini in his purely personal capacity as their Senator, and authorized him to appoint anyone he chose as his substitute. Martin IV was crowned instead at Orvieto on 23 March 1281.[40] He never visited Rome during his Pontificate. Instead he immediately sent his Vicar, Peter of Lavagna, to Rome. But on 30 April 1281, Pope Martin handed the senatorial power over to King Charles for the rest of his reign.[41] Martin IV[edit] bulla of Martin IV on Charles of Anjou in nearly everything, the new Pope quickly appointed him to the position of Senator of Rome.[42] the insistence of Charles, Martin IV excommunicated the Eastern Roman Emperor Michael VIII Palaeologus, who stood in the way of Charles's plans to restore the Latin Empire of the East that had been established in the aftermath of the Fourth Crusade. thus broke the tenuous union which had been reached between the Greek and the Latin Churches at the Second Council of Lyons in 1274 and further compromise was rendered impossible. 1282, Charles lost control of the island of Sicily in the violent massacre known as the Sicilian Vespers.[43] Sicilians had elected Peter III of Aragon as their king and sought papal confirmation, in vain, though they were willing to reconfirm Sicily as a vassal state of the papacy. IV used all the spiritual and material resources at his command against the Aragonese in order to preserve Sicily for the House of Anjou. ---------------------------He excommunicated Peter III, declared his kingdom of Aragon forfeit, and ordered a crusade against him,[44] but it was all in vain. to the hostility of Raynerius, the Captain of Orvieto, in the repeated struggles between Guelphs and Ghibbelines, Pope Martin was unable to remain at Orvieto.[45] He removed himself and the Papal Curia from Orvieto on 26 June 1284, and arrived in Perugia on 4 October.[46] He died at Perugia on 28 March 1285. cathedral and town of Orvieto the example of Nicholas III, Pope Martin IV created new cardinals at his first opportunity, on the Quattuor Tempora of Lent, 12 April 1281. His new cardinals included: Bernardus de Languissello of Nîmes, the Archbishop of Arles since 1273; Hugh of Evesham, Canon of York and Archdeacon of Worcester; Gervasius de Glincamp of Mans, Archdeacon of Paris; Comes Giusianus, Conte de Casate, of Milan, Auditor of the Rota; Gaufridus (Geoffroy) de Barro or Barbeau, of Burgundy, Dean of the Cathedral of Paris; Johannes Chauleti (Cholet), of the village of Nointre in the diocese of Beauvais, a personal friend of Philip III, Philip IV, and Pope Martin IV; and Benedetto Gaetano of Anagni, who was elected Pope Boniface VIII on 24 December 1295. French influence is strongly in evidence, and only Cardinal Gaetano came from the neighborhood of Rome.[citation needed] Martin IV celebrated a solemn Mass in the Cathedral at Perugia on Easter Sunday, 25 March 1285, which was also the Feast of the Annunciation. After his usual lunch with his chaplains he was stricken with a sudden illness. On the following Wednesday, 28 March, around the fifth hour of the night, he died. He was buried in the Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Perugia. He had reigned four years and one month. His successor was elected four days later, on 2 April. the Divine Comedy, Dante sees Martin IV in Purgatory, where the reader is reminded of the former pontiff's fondness for Lake Bolsena eels and Vernaccia wine. 26 Martyrs of the Zographou Monastery on Mount Athos at the hands of the Crusaders, Commemorated on October 10; Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1285-1288, Pope Honorius IV
Rome, 1285-1288, Pope Honorius IV; Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1288-1294, Pope Nicholas IV
Rome, 1288-1294, Pope Nicholas IV; Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1294-1294, Pope Celestine V
Rome, 1294-1294, Pope Celestine V; Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1294-1303, Pope Boniface VIII
Rome, 1294-1303, Pope Boniface VIII; Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1303-1305, Pope Benedict XI
Rome, 1303-1305, Pope Benedict XI; Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1305-1316, Pope Clement V
Rome, 1305-1316, Pope Clement V; Martyrs killed by the Latins at the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos, Commemorated on May 13;

Rome, 1316-1334, Pope Benedict XII
Rome, 1316-1334, Pope Benedict XII;

Rome, 1334-1342, Pope Benedict XII
Rome, 1334-1342, Pope Benedict XII;

Rome, 1342-1352, Pope Clement VI
Rome, 1342-1352, Pope Clement VI ; CATHERINE OF SIENA, REFORMER AND SPIRITUAL TEACHER (29 APR 1380);

Rome, 1367-1380, Saint, CATHERINE of SIENA
France, 1367-1380, Saint, CATHERINE of SIENA; Siena; CATHERINE OF SIENA, REFORMER AND SPIRITUAL TEACHER (29 APR 1380);

Rome, 1370-1378, Roman Pope, Gregory XI, the last of the Avignon Popes
Pope, 1370-1378, Gregory XI, the last of the Avignon Popes; JOHN WYCLIF, TRANSLATOR AND CONTROVERSIALIST, 30 OCT. 1384; CATHERINE OF SIENA, REFORMER AND SPIRITUAL TEACHER (29 APR 1380) ; JAN HUS, PRIEST and MARTYR, 6 July 1415;

Rome, 1378-1389, Roman Pope, Pope Urban VI
Roman Pope, 1378-1389, Pope Urban VI; CATHERINE OF SIENA, REFORMER AND SPIRITUAL TEACHER (29 APR 1380) ;

Rome, 1389-1404, Pope Boniface IX
Roman Pope, 1389-1404, Pope Boniface IX; JAN HUS, PRIEST and MARTYR, 6 July 1415;

Roman Pope, 1404-1406, Pope Innocent VII
Roman Pope, 1404-1406, Pope Innocent VII; JAN HUS, PRIEST and MARTYR, 6 July 1415;

Roman Pope, 1406-1415, Pope Gregory XII
Roman Pope, 1406-1415, Pope Gregory XII ; JAN HUS, PRIEST and MARTYR, 6 July 1415;

Roman Catholic Council, 1431-1444, Council of Florence
Roman Catholic Council, 1431-1444, Council of Florence; St Mark the Archbishop of Ephesus, Commemorated on January 19;

Rome, 1494-1559, Italian Wars
Rome, 1494-1559, Italian Wars;

Rome, 1519-1556, Charles V from Belgium, Holy Roman Emperor
Roman Emperor, 1519-1556, Charles V from Belgium, Holy Roman Emperor; St Macarius the Roman, Commemorated on August 15; St Zosimas II of Kumurdo, Commemorated on May 1;

Rome, 1534-1549, Pope, Paul III, Jesuits
Pope, 1534-1549, Paul III ; IGNATIUS LOYOLA, MYSTIC, EDUCATOR, PREACHER, AND FOUNDER OF THE JESUITS (31 JULY 1556) ; 1537 the Jesuits (now ten in number) gathered in Venice and (having found that renewed war in Palestine made journeying there impossible) offered their services to Pope Paul III. Ignatius and some of the others were ordained to the priesthood, and they were assigned various tasks. 1540 they became a formal organization, with the usual monastic vows, plus a fourth vow of personal obedience to the Pope. In order to have more time for preaching and study the order abolished the practice (followed by almost all previous orders) of reciting the monastic Hours in community. Its chief goals were: (a) renewal of the Roman Catholic Church through extensive education and the encouragement of frequent use of the sacraments, (b) extensive missionary work in non-Christian countries, and (c) a suitable response to the growing challenge of Protestantism. St Zosimas II of Kumurdo, Commemorated on May 1; St Macarius the Roman, Commemorated on August 15;

Rome, 1559-1713, Spanish Domination of Italy
Rome, 1559-1713, Spanish Domination of Italy;

Rome, 1592-1605, Pope, Clement VIII
Pope, 1592-1605, Clement VIII; RICHARD HOOKER, PRIEST AND THEOLOGIAN (3 NOV 1600);

Rome, 1713-1796, Austrian Domination of Italy
Rome, 1713-1796, Austrian Domination of Italy;

Rome, 1796-1814, French Domination of Italy
Rome, 1796-1814, French Domination of Italy;

Rome, 1805-1814, Kingdom of Italy (Napoleonic)
Rome, 1805-1814, Kingdom of Italy (Napoleonic);

Rome, 1846-1878, Pope, Pius IX
Rome, 1846-1878, Pope, Pius IX; JOHN HENRY NEWMAN, PRIEST AND THEOLOGIAN, 1890, Commemorated February 21;

Rome, 1848, Revolutions of 1848, Springtime of Nations, 50 Countries, for democracy, free press, Potato Famine, L forced into exile
Rome, 1848, Revolutions of 1848; Revolutions of 1848, known in some countries as the Springtime of the Peoples[2] or the Springtime of Nations, were a series of political upheavals throughout Europe in 1848. It remains the most widespread revolutionary wave in European history. revolutions were essentially democratic and liberal in nature, with the aim of removing the old monarchical structures and creating independent nation-states.[citation needed] revolutions spread across Europe after an initial revolution began in France in February. Over 50 countries were affected, but with no significant coordination or cooperation among their respective revolutionaries. of the major contributing factors were widespread dissatisfaction with political leadership, demands for more participation in government and democracy, demands for freedom of the press, other demands made by the working class, the upsurge of nationalism, the regrouping of established government forces,[3] and the European Potato Failure, which triggered mass starvation, migration, and civil unrest.[4] uprisings were led by temporary coalitions of reformers, the middle classes ("the bourgeoisie") and workers.[5] the coalitions did not hold together for long. Many of the revolutions were quickly suppressed; tens of thousands of people were killed, and many more were forced into exile. lasting reforms included the abolition of serfdom in Austria and Hungary, the end of absolute monarchy in Denmark, and the introduction of representative democracy in the Netherlands. The revolutions were most important in France, the Netherlands, Italy, the Austrian Empire, and the states of the German Confederation that would make up the German Empire in the late 19th and early 20th century. JOHN HENRY NEWMAN, PRIEST AND THEOLOGIAN, 1890, Commemorated February 21;

Rome, 1861-1946, Kingdom of Italy
Rome, 1861-1946, Kingdom of Italy; Kingdom of Italy (Italian: Regno d'Italia) was a state which existed from 1861 – when King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia was proclaimed King of Italy – until 1946, when civil discontent led an institutional referendum to abandon the monarchy and form the modern Italian Republic. The state was founded as a result of the unification of Italy under the influence of the Savoy-led Kingdom of Sardinia, which can be considered its legal predecessor state. Italy declared war on Austria in alliance with Prussia in 1866 and received the region of Veneto following their victory. Italian troops entered Rome in 1870, thereby ending more than one thousand years of Papal temporal power. Italy entered into a Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1882, following strong disagreements with France about the respective colonial expansions. However, even if relations with Berlin became very friendly, the alliance with Vienna remained purely formal as the Italians were keen to acquire Trentino and Trieste, corners of Austria-Hungary populated by Italians. So during World War I, Italy accepted the British invitation to join the Allied Powers, as the western powers promised territorial compensation (at the expense of Austria-Hungary) for participation that was more generous than Vienna's offer in exchange for Italian neutrality. Victory in the war gave Italy a permanent seat in the Council of the League of Nations. "Fascist Italy" is the era of National Fascist Party government from 1922 to 1943 with Benito Mussolini as head of government. The fascists imposed totalitarian rule and crushed the political and intellectual opposition, while promoting economic modernization, traditional social values and a rapprochement with the Roman Catholic Church. According to Payne (1996), "[the] Fascist government passed through several relatively distinct phases". The first phase (1923–1925) was nominally a continuation of the parliamentary system, albeit with a "legally-organized executive dictatorship". Then came the second phase, "the construction of the Fascist dictatorship proper, from 1925 to 1929". The third phase, with less activism, was 1929 to 1934. The fourth phase, 1935–1940, was characterized by an aggressive foreign policy: war against Ethiopia, launched from Italian Eritrea and Italian Somaliland, which resulted in its annexation;[3] confrontations with the League of Nations, leading to sanctions; growing economic autarky; and the signing of the Pact of Steel. The war itself (1940–1943) was the fifth phase with its disasters and defeats, while the rump Salò Government under German control was the final stage (1943–1945).[4] Italy was an important member of the Axis powers in World War II, battling on several fronts with initial success. However, after the German-Italian defeat in Africa and in the Soviet Union and the subsequent Allied landings in Sicily, King Victor Emmanuel III placed Mussolini under arrest, and the Fascist Party in areas (south of Rome) controlled by the Allied invaders was shut down. The new government signed an armistice in September 1943. German forces immediately occupied northern Italy with Fascists' help, setting up the Italian Social Republic, a collaborationist puppet state still led by Mussolini and his Fascist loyalists. As a consequence, the country descended into civil war, with the Italian Co-belligerent Army and the resistance movement contended the Social Republic's forces and its German allies. Shortly after the war and the liberation of the country, civil discontent led to the institutional referendum on whether Italy would remain a monarchy or become a republic. Italians decided to abandon the monarchy and form the Italian Republic, the present-day Italian state. JOHN HENRY NEWMAN, PRIEST AND THEOLOGIAN, 1890, Commemorated February 21; EMILY MALBONE MORGAN, PROPHETIC WITNESS, 1937, Commemorated February 26 ;

Rome, 1869-1870, First Vatican Council
First Vatican Council (1869-1870); Second Vatican Council ; JOHN XXIII (Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli), BISHOP OF ROME, 1963, Commemorated June 3 ;

Rome, 1878-1903, Pope Leo XIII
Rome, 1878-1903, Pope Leo XIII; GREGORIO AGLIPAY, PRIEST AND FOUNDER OF THE PHILIPINE INDEPENDENT CHURCH, 5 Sept. 1940; JOHN HENRY NEWMAN, PRIEST AND THEOLOGIAN, 1890, Commemorated February 21;

Rome, 1958-1963, Roman Pope, Pope John XXIII
Roman Pope, 1958-1963, Pope John XXIII; JOHN XXIII (Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli), BISHOP OF ROME, 1963, Commemorated June 4;

Rome, 1962-1965, Second Vatican Council
Second Vatican Council ; David du Plessis, PENTECOSTAL SAINT, 1987, Commemorated February 2 ; JOHN XXIII (Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli), BISHOP OF ROME, 1963, Commemorated June 3 ;

Rome, 1963, Peace on Earth (Pacem in Terris, 1963)
Pacem in Terris (1963); Vatican City ; JOHN XXIII (Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli), BISHOP OF ROME, 1963, Commemorated June 3 ;

Rome, Central Italy, Tiber River Folder

Tiber River

Tiber River Source (Mount Fumaiolo)
Mount Fumaiolo;

Apennine Mountains
Apennine Mountains; St Isaac the Syrian, Abbot of Spoleto, Commemorated on April 12;

Tiber River 1 (Unbria Region, Assisi)

San Damiano, Assisi Church, 1150 or 12th Century
San Damiano, Assisi ; BENEDICT. FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); CLARE OF ASSISI, NUN (11 AUGUST 1253) ; FRANCIS OF ASSISI;

Umbria Region, Italy (Tiber River 1) Lake Trasimeno, Marmore Falls
Umbria Region; is a region of central Italy. It includes Lake Trasimeno and Marmore Falls, and is crossed by the River Tiber. The regional capital is Perugia. region is characterized by hills, mountains, valleys and historical towns such as the university centre of Perugia, Assisi, a World Heritage Site associated with St. Francis of Assisi, Terni, Norcia, Citta di Castello, Gubbio, Spoleto, Orvieto, Todi, Castiglione del Lago, Narni, Amelia, Spello and other small cities. Hieromartyr Valentine the Bishop of Interamna, Terni in Italy, Commemorated on July 30 ; CLARE OF ASSISI, NUN (11 AUGUST 1253) ;

Assisi, Umbria, Italy (Tiber River 1)
Assisi; BENEDICT, FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); CLARE OF ASSISI, NUN (11 AUGUST 1253) ; FRANCIS OF ASSISI, FRIAR (4 OCT 1226);

Monte Subasio
Monte Subasio;

Lake Trasimeno

Tiber River 2 (Spoleto)

Tiber River 3 (Nera River Mouth)

Rome, Central Italy, Tiber River 3, Nera River Folder

Nera River

Sibillini Mountains
Sibillini Mountains;

Nera Rvier Source (Sibillini Mountains)

Nera River 1 (Nurisa)

Nursia (Nera River 1), Northeast of Rome
Nursia; BENEDICT, FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); Benedict of Nursia; St Eutychius of Nursia, Commemorated on August 23; Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14;

Nera River 2

Trebium (Nera River 2)
Trebium Hieromartyr Emilian, Commemorated on August 18;

Nera River 3

Nera River 4 (near Spoleto)

Spoleto (Nera River 4, foothills Apennine Mountains)
Spoleto; Hieromartyr Emilian, Commemorated on August 18 ; St Isaac the Syrian, Abbot of Spoleto, Commemorated on April 12; Martyr Concordius of Spoleto, Commemorated on June 4;

Nera River 5

Nera River 9 (Nera River Plain)

Terni (Nera River Plain, NR 9)
Terni (Nera River Plain) ; Hieromartyr Valentine the Bishop of Interamna, Terni in Italy, Commemorated July 30

Interamna, Terni, Italy (Nera River 9)
Interamna; Hieromartyr Valentine the Bishop of Interamna, Terni in Italy, Commemorated July 30

Nera River Mouth (Tiber River 3)

Tiber River 4

Tiber River 5 (Rome, Aniene River Mouth)

Rome, Central Italy, Tiber River 5, Aniene River Folder

Aniene River

Aniene River Source (Trevi nel Lazio, Monti Ernici Mountains)
Trevi nel Lazio; Monti Ernici Mountains;

Monti Ernici Mountains
Monti Ernici Mountains;

Ferentino (Monti Ernici Mountains)
Ferentino (Monti Ernici Mountains); St Boniface the Merciful the Bishop of Ferentino, Commemorated on December 19 ;

Aniene River 1

Aniene River 2 (Subiaco)

Subiaco (Aniene River 2), East of Rome
Subiaco, Lazio; BENEDICT. FOUNDER OF WESTERN MONASTICISM (11 JULY 540); Benedict of Nursia; Venerable Benedict of Nursia, Commemorated on March 14;

Aniene River 3

Aniene River 4

Aniene River Mouth (Rome, Tiber River 5)

Mausoleum of St Agnes at Rome (Aniene River Mouth area) 306
mausoleum of St Agnes at Rome; Commemoration of the Weeping Icon of the Mother of God "œof the Sign"Â at Novgorod, Commemorated on November 27 ; AGNES OF ROME, MARTYR (21 JAN 304);

St Agnes Church of Rome (Aniene River Mouth area) 306
mausoleum of St Agnes at Rome; Commemoration of the Weeping Icon of the Mother of God "œof the Sign"Â at Novgorod, Commemorated on November 27 ; AGNES OF ROME, MARTYR (21 JAN 304);

Tiber River 6 (Rome)

Tiber River Mouth (Ostia, Tyrrhenian Sea, Mediterranean Sea)

Ostia (the port city of Rome, Tiber River Mouth)
Ostia (the port city of Rome) ; Virginmartyr Susanna, Commemorated on August 11 ; Martyr Felix Beheaded at Ostia; Hieromartyr Hippolytus the Pope of Rome, Commemorated January 30 ; MONNICA, MOTHER OF AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (4 MAY 387); St Monica, Commemorated on May 4 ;

Rome, Italy, Vatican Folder

Vatican City
Vatican City ; JOHN XXIII (Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli), BISHOP OF ROME, 1963, Commemorated June 3 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda orœthe RomanÂÂÂ, Commemorated on June 26; PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64);

Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, Rome, 1626
Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican; Icon œNot Made by HandsÂ from Lydda, Commemorated on March 12; St Gregory Dialogus, the Pope of Rome, Commemorated on March 12; Venerable Alexis the Man of God, Commemorated on March 17; Martyr Processus of Rome, Commemorated on April 11 ; JOHN XXIII (Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli), BISHOP OF ROME, 1963, Commemorated June 3 ; Venerable Peter of Mt. Athos, Commemorated on June 12 ; Icon of the Mother of God of Lydda or œthe RomanÂ, Commemorated on June 26; PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS (29 JUN 64);

Bacilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles, Rome, 560 Approx
Bacilica of the Twelve Holy Apostles; James of PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES (1 MAY NT);

Porta San Pancrazio (Via Aurelian Gate, near Vatican)
Porta San Pancrazio; Martyr Pancratius, Commemorated on May 12;

St Boniface Church, P.za di Sant'Alessio, 23, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
St Boniface Church, P.za di Sant'Alessio, 23, 00153 Roma RM, Italy; Saint Gregory, Archbishop of Omirits, Commemorated on December 19;

Piazza Farnese (Rome, near Vatican)
Piazza Farnese, Saint Jerome's hand is enshrined in a Church near Piazza Farnese; St Jerome (Hieronymus) of Stridonium, Commemorated on June 15;

Uniates - Eastern Catholic Churches
Uniates - Eastern Catholic Churches ; Repose of St Theodosius of Chernigov, Commemorated on February 5;

Jesuits, Society of Jesus, Originated in Spain, 1540
Jesuits, Society of Jesus, Originated in Spain; St. Athanasius of Lubensk the Patriarch of Constantinople, Commemorated on May 2;

Rome, Italy, Latern Hill Folder

Lateran hill, Rome
Lateran hill; Myrrhbearer and Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene, Commemorated on July 22; Martyr Pancratius, Commemorated on May 12;

Latern Palace
Latern Palace; Latern Council; Myrrhbearer and Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene, Commemorated on July 22; St Maximus the Confessor, Commemorated January 21;

Lateran Cathedral, 324
Lateran Cathedral; Myrrhbearer and Equal of the Apostles Mary Magdalene, Commemorated on July 22;

church of the holy Martyrs Laurence and Pope Damasus at Rome, 258
church of the holy Martyrs Laurence and Pope Damasus at Rome; Hieromartyr Hippolytus, and those with him, Commemorated on January 30;

Rome, Italy, Coliseum area Folder

Coliseum, Rome
Coliseum; EMILY MALBONE MORGAN, PROPHETIC WITNESS, 1937, Comemorated February 26 ;

Mamertine Prison, Rome, 640 BC
Mamertine Prison; Martyr Processus of Rome, Commemorated on April 11;

Roman Senate (Curia Julia)
Roman Senate (Curia Julia); Apostle Pudens of the Seventy, Commemorated on April 15;

Basilica (Church) of San Clemente, Rome
Church of San Clemente, Rome; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated December 20 ; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869) ; Repose of St Cyril, Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Commemorated on February 14; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869) ; St Methodius, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Moravia, Enlightener of the Slavs, Commemorated on April 6; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Methodius, Commemorated on May 11; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Cyril, Commemorated on May 11 ;

Church (Basilica) of San Clemente, Rome
Church of San Clemente, Rome; Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-Bearer the Bishop of Antioch, Commemorated December 20 ; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869) ; Repose of St Cyril, Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Commemorated on February 14; CYRIL AND METHODIUS, MISSIONARIES TO THE SLAVS (14 FEB 869) ; St Methodius, Equal of the Apostles and Archbishop of Moravia, Enlightener of the Slavs, Commemorated on April 6; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Methodius, Commemorated on May 11; Equal of the Apostles and Teacher of the Slavs, Cyril, Commemorated on May 11 ;

Saint Sebastian's Basilica (near Rome)
Saint Sebastian's Basilica at the catacombs in Rome; Martyr Sebastian at Rome, and his companions, Commemorated on December 18 ;

Catacombs of Rome, Catacomb of Callixtus
Catacombs of Rome, Catacomb of Callixtus; Martyr Marinus, his wife Martha, their children, and those with them at Rome, Commemorated on July 6;

Rome, Italy, Corsica and Sardinia Islands Folder

Corsica
Corsica; REMIGIUS OF RHEIMS, BISHOP, APOSTLE OF THE FRANKS (1 OCTOBER 530) ; Virginmartyr Julia of Carthage, Commemorated July 16 ;

Sardinia
Sardinia ; REMIGIUS OF RHEIMS, BISHOP, APOSTLE OF THE FRANKS (1 OCTOBER 530) ;

Rome, Roman Roads Folder

Rome, Italy, Appian Way Folder

Appian Way 336 Miles or 540 Kilometers
Appian Way;

Appian Way Route 2

Terracina (Appian Way, south of Rome)
Terracina, near Rome ; Martyr Julian the Presbyter at Terracina, Commemorated October 7 ;

Appian Way (Rome)
Appian Way;

Appian Way (Naples)

Appian Way (Bari)

Appian Way (Brindisi)

Appian Way (Trullo)

Rome, Italy, Via Aurelia Folder

Via Aurelia (Roman Road, Pisa to Rome)
Via Aurelia;

Via Aurelia 1 (Pisa)
Via Aurelia, Roman Road from Pisa to Rome; Pisa;

Via Aurelia 2 (Cosa)
Via Aurelia 2 (Cosa);

Via Aurelia 3 - Alsium

Via Aurelia 4 - Aurelian gate, Porta St Pancrazio
Via Aurelia, Roman Road from Pisa to Rome - Aurelian gate, Rome aka Porta Pia. The Aurelian gate is known today as the Porta St Pancrazio. Martyr Pancratius, Commemorated on May 12;

Rome, Italy, Via Salaria Folder

Salarian Way, Via Salaria
Via Salaria;

Via Nomentana (ancient road from Rome to Nomentana, only 23 K)
Via Nomentana (ancient road from Rome to Nomentana, only 23 K, probably same route as the longer Via Salaria (Salt Road)); Virginmartyr Agnes of Rome, Commemorated January 21 ;

Via Salaria 1 (Porta Salaria Gate, Aurelain Walls)
Porta Salaria Gate, Gardens of Sallust, Aurelian Walls;

Via Salaria 2 (Rieti)
Rieti;

Interocrea (Antrodoco, between the mountains, Via Salaria) Severus brings back dead man in 6th C
Interocrea (Antrodoco, between the mountains); St Severus the Presbyter of Interocrea in Italy, Commemorated on June 27; Severus the Presbyter during the sixth century served in a church of the Most Holy Theotokos in the village of Interocrea in Central Italy. He was noted for his virtuous and God-pleasing life. One time, when the saint was working in his garden, cutting grapes in the vineyard, they summoned him to administer the Holy Mysteries for the dying. Saint Severus said: “Go back, and I’ll catch up with you soon.â€ remained only but a few more grapes to cut off, and Saint Severus dallied for awhile in the garden to finish the work. When he arrived at the sick person’s home, they told him that the person was already dead. Saint Severus, regarding himself as guilty in the death of a man without absolution, started to tremble and loudly he began to weep. He went into the house where the deceased lay. loud groans and calling himself a murderer, in tears he fell down before the dead person. Suddenly the dead man came alive and related to everyone that the demons wanted to seize his soul, but one of the angels said, “Give him back, since the priest Severus weeps over him, and on account of his tears the Lord has granted him this man.â€ Saint Severus, giving thanks to the Lord, confessed and communed the resurrected man with the Holy Mysteries. That man survived for another seven days, then joyfully went to the Lord.

Via Salaria 3 (Asculum, Ascoli Piceno)
Ascoli Piceno;

Via Salaria 4 (Castrum Truentinum, Adriatic Sea)
Castrum Truentinum;

Adrianium, Italy (Hadrianium)
Adrianium, Italy (Hadrianium) ; Apostle Epaphroditus of the Seventy, Commemorated on March 30;

Theato, Italy
Theato, Italy; Martyr Eleutherius of Constantinople, Commemorated August 14

Via Salaria 5 (Ancona)
Ancona;