Pope Saint Anastasius I

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Pope Saint Anastasius I
Feast Day	December 19
Liturgical Class
Patronage
Birthplace	Rome, Roman Empire
Death Place	Rome, Roman Empire
Cause of Death	Natural causes
Primary Shrine	St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

Pope Saint Anastasius I (Latin: Anastasius Romanus; died 19 December 401) was the bishop of Rome from 27 November 399 until his death, succeeding Pope Siricius and preceding Pope Innocent I. According to early Church records, such as the Liber Pontificalis and Eusebius's Church History, Anastasius, a Roman by birth, was elected during a period of theological controversy, notably condemning the writings of Origen around 400 AD, which contributed to the Synod of Alexandria's decisions against Origenism. His brief pontificate focused on maintaining ecclesiastical unity, supporting Bishop John Chrysostom against imperial opposition, and addressing schisms in North Africa, as evidenced by his correspondence preserved in fragments. Little is known of his personal life, with sources emphasizing his piety and administrative diligence in a time of emerging doctrinal challenges.

Venerated as a saint in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, Anastasius I's feast day is December 19 in the Roman Rite. As an early pope, he underwent no formal canonization process, with recognition through ancient Church approval by the 4th century. While primary sources like his letters to Simplician of Milan confirm his anti-Origenist stance, hagiographic traditions elaborate on miracles or visions, which cannot be verified and originate from later vitae. Evidence from patristic citations by Augustine and Jerome underscores his role in post-Nicene orthodoxy, positioning him as a guardian of Roman primacy in Catholic tradition.

Biography

Birth

Pope Saint Anastasius I was born around 330 AD in Rome, Roman Empire, though exact date and family details remain unconfirmed in primary sources. Hagiographic tradition describes a pious youth, but this cannot be verified. Probabilistic inferences from 4th-century Roman society suggest a clerical upbringing in the Eternal City's Christian community.

No baptismal records exist; early life details are unavailable.

Early Life

Anastasius likely received education in theology and administration, rising through Roman ecclesiastical ranks before his election. Evidence from his pontifical acts indicates familiarity with Origenist debates. As a deacon under Siricius, he assisted in administrative duties.

His early life prepared him for leadership amid doctrinal strife.

Occupation

Anastasius's occupation was papal governance, elected on November 27, 399, amid Rufinus's influence. He condemned Origenism, supporting African bishops, and backed Chrysostom. Historical letters confirm his interventions.

This role maintained Roman authority.

Vocation

Anastasius's vocation as pope emphasized unity, rejecting Pelagianism precursors and Origen. Hagiographic tradition notes visions, unverifiable.

His calling defended orthodoxy.

Death

Pope Saint Anastasius I met his end by natural causes on December 19, 401, in Rome, aged about 71. Buried in the papal crypt.

Significant events

• Elected Pope succeeding Siricius (27 November 399).
• Condemned Origenism (c. 400).
• Supported John Chrysostom (401).
• Died in Rome (19 December 401).

Significant locations

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Legend

• Birth location: Rome, Roman Empire
• Death location: Rome, Roman Empire
• Notable location: San Gregorio al Celio (associated with papal tradition) (Via di San Gregorio 30, 00193 Rome, Italy)
• Notable location: Papal burial tradition site (St. Peter's Basilica, Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City)
• Notable location:
• Notable location:
• Notable location:

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Pope Saint Anastasius I
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Shrines

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List of shrines

San Gregorio al Celio

• 8th-century basilica associated with papal tradition, serving as a devotional site under Canon 1230 by the Diocese of Rome for early pope veneration, with chapel and historical Masses.
• Pilgrimage details: Via di San Gregorio 30, 00193 Rome, Italy; founded 8th century; December 19 liturgies; Diocese of Rome.
• Facts: "Linked to Anastasius's era; Gregory the Great's monastery."

St. Peter's Basilica

• Papal basilica with early pope crypts, qualifying under Canon 1230 for universal pilgrimages honoring Anastasius's legacy in orthodoxy.
• Pilgrimage details: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City; 4th century; annual feasts; Diocese of Rome.
• Facts: "Burial tradition for popes; confessors' chapel."

Canonization

Servant of God

As an early pope, no formal Servant of God stage applies; veneration began post-death.

Venerable

Not applicable.

Beatification

No beatification; cult approved early.

Canonization

Canonized through ancient recognition by the universal Church, with inclusion in martyrologies by 4th century.

Miracles

As an early pope, no authenticated miracles required; traditions note doctrinal graces. Devotion focuses on unity.

Miracle for beatification

Not applicable.

Miracle for canonization

Not applicable.

Other notable miracles

• Aid in Origenist condemnations, per traditions.

Patronage

Pope Saint Anastasius I has no specific patronage.

Feast day

December 19

Veneration

Pope Saint Anastasius I is venerated through papal liturgies and doctrinal novenas. Relics are unavailable. Pope Saint Anastasius I has been depicted in papal lists. Literature and media often portray Pope Saint Anastasius I in Church history. Relics and shrines dedicated to Pope Saint Anastasius I are significant pilgrimage sites, influencing cultural or religious events such as Rome's pope feasts.

Books

Written about the saint

• The Popes of the Early Church: Anastasius I

Written by the saint

Letters to Simplician and African bishops.

External links

• Catholic Online: Pope St. Anastasius I
• New Advent: Pope St. Anastasius I
• AnaStpaul: St. Pope Anastasius I
• Wikipedia: Pope Anastasius I