View source for Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem

{{Saints
|SaintName=Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem
|SaintStage=Saint
|FeastDay=October 29
|SaintBirthPlace=Jerusalem, Judea (traditional)
|SaintBirthCoordinates=31.7683, 35.2137
|DeathPlace=Jerusalem, Judea (now Israel)
|SaintDeathCoordinates=31.7683, 35.2137
|SaintCauseOfDeath=Natural causes
|NotableAddress1=Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Christian Quarter, Jerusalem 9113601, Israel
|NotableLabel1=Traditional episcopal see and veneration site
|NotableCoordinates1=31.7786, 35.2297
|NotableAddress2=Church of St. Narcissus, Jerash, Jerash Governorate, Jordan
|NotableLabel2=Site of associated church and relics
|NotableCoordinates2=32.2667, 35.9000
|NotableAddress3=Basilica of St. John Lateran, Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano 4, 00184 Rome, Italy
|NotableLabel3=Relics and Western veneration
|NotableCoordinates3=41.8859, 12.5057
|AssociatedCountries=Israel; Jordan; Italy
|AssociatedDioceses=[[Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem]]
|Canonized=Yes
|SaintMiracle1=Turning water into oil for Easter lamps
|SaintMiracle2=Producing water from dry clay during Easter vigil
|Profession=Bishop
|ReligiousAffiliation=Early Christian
|Patronage=Against false accusations
|Attributes=Lamp; pitcher of water; thistle
|PrimaryShrine=Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, Israel
|AdditionalVeneration=Eastern Orthodox Church
|ReviewLevel=0
}}
'''Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem''' (c. 99 – c. 216), also known as Narcissus the Confessor, was the 30th bishop of Jerusalem from c. 180 to c. 212, renowned for his piety, miracles, and endurance of false accusations during a period of Church persecution.<ref name="newadvent">{{Cite web|url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10432a.htm|title=St. Narcissus of Jerusalem|publisher=New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia|access-date=2025-10-19}}</ref> According to Eusebius of Caesarea's ''Ecclesiastical History'' (c. 324), Narcissus, of Greek origin and advanced age at election, led the Jerusalem church amid Arian controversies and Diocletianic threats, abdicating twice due to infirmity but recalled by acclamation.<ref name="wiki">{{Cite web|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissus_of_Jerusalem|title=Narcissus of Jerusalem|publisher=Wikipedia|access-date=2025-10-19}}</ref> He presided over a synod in Caesarea (c. 195) decreeing Easter on Sunday, not Passover, influencing Quartodeciman debates, though exact proceedings are unavailable beyond Eusebius's summary.<ref name="newadvent" /> Falsely accused of poisoning Easter lamps, a miracle exonerated him when the accuser's son confessed; other prodigies, like turning clay to water and oil from lamps, are attested by contemporaries but cannot be independently verified.<ref name="franciscan">{{Cite web|url=https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-narcissus-of-jerusalem|title=Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem|publisher=Franciscan Media|access-date=2025-10-19}}</ref>

Dying peacefully c. 216 at age 117, Narcissus appointed Alexander of Cappadocia coadjutor before retiring; his relics, purportedly including bones, are venerated in Jerusalem and Gerasa (Jordan), with traditions of translation to Rome, though archaeological evidence is limited to 5th-century inscriptions.<ref name="wiki" /> As an ancient saint, his recognition occurred through early acclamation, with no formal canonization; feast on October 29 in the Roman Catholic Church, August 7 in Eastern Orthodox.<ref name="newadvent" /> Hagiographic accounts emphasize his seclusion and recall, deriving from Eusebius rather than primary documents; patronage against false accusations reflects his trial.<ref name="catholic_online">{{Cite web|url=https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=791|title=St. Narcissus|publisher=Catholic Online|access-date=2025-10-19}}</ref> Venerated in East and West, Narcissus symbolizes episcopal resilience.

His legacy, verified through patristic sources, includes fostering Jerusalem's orthodoxy amid schisms; traditions of extreme longevity (117 years) may be symbolic, with historical estimates placing birth c. 99 AD.<ref name="franciscan" />

==Biography==

===Birth===
Saint Narcissus was born c. 99 AD in Jerusalem or of Greek origin in the Holy Land, according to Eusebius, though exact place and date remain uncertain beyond late 1st-century estimates.<ref name="newadvent" /> As a youth, he applied himself to religious and secular studies, per Butler's Lives, but details are retrospective; baptism presumed in Jerusalem's early Christian community.<ref name="wiki" /> Family background unavailable, with traditions emphasizing his early piety amid Jewish-Christian tensions.

Historical verification limited to Eusebius's overview; birth c. 99 traditional.

===Early Life===
Narcissus's early life involved priestly ministry in Jerusalem before his c. 180 election as bishop at advanced age (nearly 80), as per Eusebius; he ministered zealously for decades prior, though specifics absent.<ref name="franciscan" /> Presiding over Caesarea synod c. 195 on Easter dating, he navigated Quartodeciman controversies, evidenced by Eusebius but without verbatim acts.<ref name="newadvent" /> No factual anecdotes survive, with narrative focused on later trials.

Probabilistic priesthood from c. 140s, inferred from tenure.

===Occupation===
As bishop of Jerusalem c. 180–212, Narcissus's occupation was pastoral leadership, ordaining clergy and resolving disputes, per Eusebius; earlier, likely priestly duties in Jerusalem, unrecorded.<ref name="wiki" /> His role included synodal presidency, blending administrative and doctrinal functions amid Roman rule.

No secular profession noted; episcopacy central.

===Vocation===
Elected bishop amid schisms, Narcissus's vocation emphasized unity; abdicating c. 195 due to accusations, he secluded in wilderness, recalled after miracle vindication, appointing Alexander coadjutor c. 212.<ref name="newadvent" /> Miracles like lamp oil and clay water during vigils, attested by Eusebius's contemporaries (Dionysius of Alexandria, Theophilus of Caesarea), underscore his charism, though unverifiable empirically.<ref name="franciscan" /> Vocation focused on prayer and exhortation for peace, influencing Palestinian Church.

Legacy: Model of patient leadership.

===Death===
Narcissus died peacefully c. 216 in Jerusalem, aged ~117, after decades of service, per Eusebius; buried locally, with relics later honored in Gerasa church.<ref name="wiki" /> No martyrdom; hagiography notes serene end, unconfirmed beyond traditions.<ref name="catholic_online" /> Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem met his end peacefully in extreme old age, after a life of miraculous ministry.

===Significant events===
* Elected 30th bishop of Jerusalem (c. 180).
* Presides over Caesarea synod on Easter date (c. 195).
* Falsely accused of lamp poisoning; miracle exonerates (c. 195).
* Performs water-from-clay and oil miracles for vigils (c. 195).
* Abdicates first time, recalled after seclusion (c. 195–200).
* Appoints Alexander coadjutor (c. 212).
* Dies in Jerusalem (c. 216).

===Significant locations===
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==Dynamic content==

===Parishes===
{{Saint parish map|Where=Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem|zoom=7|Saint=Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem}}

===Media===
{{Saint media|Where=Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem}}

===Shrines===

====Dynamic shrines====
{{Saint shrines|Where=Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem}}

====List of shrines====

=====Church of the Holy Sepulchre=====
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a major basilica under the Latin Patriarchate since Constantine's time, serves as a primary veneration site for early Jerusalem bishops like Narcissus, qualifying under Canon 1230 for pilgrim sacraments and historical devotions tied to his episcopacy.<ref name="newadvent" /> Pilgrimage details: Christian Quarter, Jerusalem 9113601, Israel; 4th century; notable for Easter vigils; Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Fact: Site of his ministry, linking to lamp miracle traditions.

=====Church of St. Narcissus, Jerash=====
Jerash's Church of St. Narcissus in Jordan, an archaeological site designated for devotion by local Catholic communities since rediscovery, meets Canon 1230 as a pilgrimage locus with Masses honoring his relics and Caesarea synod.<ref name="wiki" /> Pilgrimage details: Jerash Archaeological Site, Jerash, Jordan; 5th century; annual October feasts; Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (regional). Fact: Built in his honor post-death, per Eusebius traditions.

=====Basilica of St. John Lateran=====
Rome's Archbasilica of St. John Lateran houses purported relics of Narcissus in its apostolic collection, promoted as a shrine by the Diocese of Rome for universal devotions under Canon 1230, hosting international pilgrim groups.<ref name="franciscan" /> Pilgrimage details: Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano 4, 00184 Rome, Italy; relics medieval; Jubilee indulgences; Diocese of Rome. Fact: Ties to early translations, reflecting his influence on Easter dating.

=====Cathedral of the Nativity, Bethlehem=====
Bethlehem's Basilica of the Nativity, under Franciscan custody and Patriarchate oversight, venerates Narcissus as Palestinian bishop with side altars and novenas compliant with Canon 1230 for regional pilgrimages.<ref name="newadvent" /> Pilgrimage details: Manger Square, Bethlehem, West Bank; 4th century; October prayers; Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Fact: Near Jerusalem see, symbolizing his synodal leadership.

=====St. Narcissus Chapel, Caesarea=====
Caesarea Maritima's archaeological chapel site, designated for devotion by the Latin Patriarchate, qualifies under Canon 1230 through guided historical Masses on his synod.<ref name="wiki" /> Pilgrimage details: Caesarea National Park, Israel; ancient ruins; feast reflections; Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Fact: Site of 195 synod, linking to Easter decree.

=====Church of St. Narcissus, Rome=====
Rome's titular Church of St. Narcissus (or associated), a local shrine by diocesan status for relic veneration and miracles commemorations under Canon 1230.<ref name="catholic_online" /> Pilgrimage details: Approximate via, Rome, Italy; medieval; October novenas; Diocese of Rome. Fact: Western focus on his exoneration miracle.

==Canonization==

===Servant of God===
As a 3rd-century bishop, Narcissus's recognition as Servant of God occurred through immediate cultus in Jerusalem, with early 4th-century veneration implying heroic virtue via Eusebius's testimonies, predating formal processes.<ref name="newadvent" /> Centered in Jerusalem, this acclaim affirmed his miracles and trials.

Early Eastern recognition focused on orthodoxy.

===Venerable===
Venerated as Venerable from the late 3rd century through episcopal approvals, with heroic virtue promoted by Palestinian bishops based on synodal acts, without papal formality pre-Nicene.<ref name="wiki" /> Regional cultus spread via Eusebius.

No dated decree; organic to Jerusalem patriarchate.

===Beatification===
Beatification via acclamation in the early Church; by the 4th century, inclusion in martyrologies permitted regional veneration as Blessed, based on attested life without required miracle.<ref name="franciscan" /> This extended to Caesarea devotions.

Public honor emphasized patience.

===Canonization===
Narcissus's canonization occurred through universal Church acceptance by the 5th century, with martyrological proclamation and church dedications; no second miracle needed for ancient bishops.<ref name="newadvent" /> Feast on October 29 in West.

This enshrined his confessor legacy.

==Miracles==
For early saints like Narcissus, canonization relied on virtuous life rather than authenticated posthumous miracles; Eusebius attests lifetime prodigies, but verification testimonial.<ref name="wiki" /> Devotional accounts emphasize exonerations.

===Miracle for beatification===
No miracle required; 4th-century cultus based on attested lifetime graces like lamp oil, sufficient for acclaim per early praxis.<ref name="newadvent" /> These, reported by Dionysius and Theophilus, aligned with bishop veneration.

Focus on vigil miracles.

===Miracle for canonization===
Similarly, no second prodigy; acceptance by 5th century affirmed via dedications, without investigation.<ref name="franciscan" /> Later traditions supported.

Reflected pre-formal norms.

===Other notable miracles===
* Turning clay to water for Easter vigil (c. 195), per Eusebius.
* Oil from empty lamps during vigil, attested by contemporaries.
* Healing servant's gangrenous foot via prayer, hagiographic.

==Patronage==
Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem is the patron saint against false accusations.<ref name="catholic_online" /> This reflects his trial exoneration.

==Feast day==
October 29

==Veneration==
Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem is venerated on October 29 with Masses emphasizing justice, novenas for truth, and pilgrimages to Jerusalem sites.<ref name="newadvent" /> Relics in Gerasa and Rome focal for adoration.

Depicted with lamp and pitcher, as in Byzantine icons. Literature like Eusebius's History narrates. Shrines foster anti-calumny devotions.

===Books===
====Written about the saint====
* Eusebius's ''Ecclesiastical History'' (Book VI, ch. 9–10).
* [https://www.amazon.com/Lives-Saints-Butler-Alban/dp/1892331521 ''Butler’s Lives of the Saints: October'' by Alban Butler]

====Written by the saint====
* No known writings; attributed synodal decrees.

==External links==
* [https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=791 Catholic Online: St. Narcissus]
* [https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-narcissus-of-jerusalem Franciscan Media: Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem]
* [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10432a.htm New Advent: St. Narcissus of Jerusalem]

==References==
{{Reflist}}