Pope Saint Anastasius I
Roman pope of the late fourth century who condemned the writings of Origen
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Pope
- Life
- d. 401
- Era
- 5th century
- Feast
- 19 December
- Countries
- Italy
Life story
Anastasius I was a Roman by birth. He became bishop of Rome in 399, succeeding Pope Siricius, and he died within a little less than four years, so that his pontificate falls between 399 and 401. It was a period when barbarian invasions were threatening the empire.
He is remembered chiefly for condemning Origenism, the dispute over the writings of Origen in the Latin-speaking Church. The sources that survive are too few to say more about the steps he took against it, and it would be unwise to add details beyond what is recorded.
He was a friend of Augustine, Jerome and Paulinus of Nola. Jerome described him as a man of great holiness, rich in his own poverty. The Catholic Encyclopedia gives no exact date for his death, only that his pontificate lasted a little less than four years; later lists place his death in December 401, and the Roman Martyrology keeps his memorial on 19 December. Because the sources for his life are so few, what can be said with confidence is mostly the points above.
Works and witness
- Became bishop of Rome in 399
- Condemned the writings of Origen
- Praised by Jerome as a man of great holiness
- Friend of Augustine and Paulinus of Nola
- Died in 401 according to later lists; memorial on 19 December
Saints from the same country
References
- New Advent, Catholic Encyclopedia (1907), 'Pope St. Anastasius I', newadvent.org/cathen/01454c.htm
- Vatican City State, 'Saint of the day, 19 December: Saint Anastasius I, Pope' (vaticanstate.va)
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.