Saint Zephyrinus
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| Saint Zephyrinus | |
| Feast Day | August 26 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | |
| Birthplace | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Death Place | Rome, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | martyrdom (disputed tradition) |
| Primary Shrine | Catacombs of Callixtus, Via Appia Antica, 110/126, 00179 Rome, Italy |
Pope Saint Zephyrinus (died 20 December 217) was, according to ancient Christian tradition, the fifteenth bishop of Rome after Saint Peter, serving from approximately 199 to 217 AD, thus the fifteenth pope.[1] He appears in the earliest papal catalogues of Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 180), the Liber Pontificalis, and Eusebius of Caesarea, who give him an eighteen-year pontificate.[2]
Historical evidence for Zephyrinus is limited but more substantial than for many earlier popes. The contemporary theologian Hippolytus of Rome, in his Refutation of All Heresies, portrays Zephyrinus as a simple, uneducated man influenced by his deacon Callistus (later pope) and accuses him of weakness against the Monarchian heresy of Noetus and Sabellius, whom he nevertheless condemned.[3] The Liber Pontificalis adds legendary details: that he was Roman by birth, ordained fifteen priests, and was martyred under Antoninus Caracalla and buried in his own cemetery on the Via Appia—elements now regarded as unreliable embellishments. No contemporary source confirms martyrdom, and modern scholarship considers it unlikely during Caracalla’s generally tolerant reign.[4]
As an ancient pope, Zephyrinus was venerated from the 3rd century onward without formal canonization processes; his name appears in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I) and the Roman Martyrology. His feast day is 26 August. The Catacombs of Callixtus on the Via Appia, developed under his deacon Callistus, are associated with his memory, though his tomb has not been identified.
Biography
Birth
No reliable historical data exist concerning the birth of Saint Zephyrinus. The Liber Pontificalis claims he was Roman by birth, but this cannot be confirmed.[5]
Early Life
No information survives regarding Zephyrinus’ life before his episcopacy.
Occupation
According to the earliest catalogues, Zephyrinus succeeded Saint Victor I as bishop of Rome around AD 199 and led the Church for approximately eighteen years until his death on 20 December 217.[6]
Vocation
Zephyrinus’ pontificate coincided with theological controversies over Monarchianism. Though criticized by Hippolytus for alleged laxity, he upheld the distinction between Father and Son and excommunicated the heretic Sabellius, as confirmed by later orthodox sources.[7]
Death
Saint Zephyrinus died in Rome on 20 December 217. The Roman Martyrology describes him as a martyr, but no contemporary source confirms violent death; modern scholars consider natural causes more probable.[8]
Saint Zephyrinus met his end peacefully, though long-standing tradition describes martyrdom.
Significant events
- Succeeded Saint Victor I as bishop of Rome (c. 199–217 AD).
- Condemned the Monarchian heresy of Sabellius (c. 215–217).
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Rome, Roman Empire
Death location: Rome, Roman Empire
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Canonization
As an ancient bishop of Rome, Saint Zephyrinus was venerated from the earliest centuries without formal canonization processes. His name appears in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer I) and the Roman Martyrology.
Miracles
No authenticated miracles are recorded for Saint Zephyrinus.
Patronage
No specific patronage is attributed to Saint Zephyrinus.
Feast day
August 26
Veneration
Saint Zephyrinus is venerated as the fifteenth pope with a memorial on 26 August. His name is included in the Roman Canon.
External links
References
- ↑ "Pope St. Zephyrinus". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15756c.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Zephyrinus". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_zefirino_en.html.
- ↑ "St. Zephyrinus". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=43.
- ↑ "Saint Zephyrinus". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Zephyrinus.
- ↑ "Pope St. Zephyrinus". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15756c.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Zephyrinus". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/pontifical_committees/archeology/documents/rc_comm_archeo_02001010_zefirino_en.html.
- ↑ "St. Zephyrinus". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=43.
- ↑ "Saint Zephyrinus". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Zephyrinus.