Wednesday, December 27, 2017

During this Christmas Octave there is a feast day of an early Church Pope

St. Pope Dionysius

Image of St. Pope Dionysius

Facts

Feastday: December 26
Death: 268


Pope from 259-268, who rebuilt the Church after the persecution conducted by Emperor Valerian. Dionysius was a Greek who served as a priest in Rome. He was elected pope on July 22, 259, after a year's delay caused by the persecution. In 260, Dionysius defended the doctrine of the Holy Trinity against the heresy of Sabellianism. He also condemned Paul of Samosata for heretical teaching. Dionysius sent large sums of money to Cappadocia, which had been ravaged by the Goths. He rebuilt many areas after Emperor Gallienus issued an edict of toleration of Christians. Dionysius died in Rome, was the first pope not listed as a martyr, and was buried in the cemetery of Callistus.

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