Evaristus
Pope Evaristus, also known as Aristus, served as the bishop of Rome from approximately 99/100 to 107/108 AD. His pontificate is notable for the likely death of John the Apostle, marking the end of the Apostolic Age. According to tradition, he divided titles among Roman priests and ordained seven deacons, and is venerated as a saint.
Key Facts
- ›Bishop of Rome from C. 99/100 to 107/108.
- ›Likely reigned during the death of John the Apostle.
- ›Described as Greek by birth, son of Judah from Bethlehem.
- ›According to Liber Pontificalis, crowned with martyrdom.
- ›Buried near Saint Peter in the Vatican.
Aristus
- Divided Titles Among Priests In Rome
- Ordained Seven Deacons To Assist With Preaching
- Decreed That Marriage Should Be Celebrated Publicly With A Priest's Blessing
John the Apostle, Saint Peter, Trajan
About Evaristus
Pope Evaristus
Pope Evaristus, also known by the name Aristus, served as the bishop of Rome from approximately 99/100 AD to his death in 107/108 AD. His pontificate falls within the Early Church period. A significant event that likely occurred during his reign was the death of John the Apostle, which is often considered the close of the Apostolic Age.
Biography and Historical Context
According to the Liber Pontificalis, Evaristus was of Greek origin, with his father being a Greek Jew named Judah from Bethlehem. Historical accounts, such as those by Eusebius in his Ecclesiastical History, place his taking of office in the third year of Emperor Trajan's reign (AD 99/100) and his death in the twelfth year of the same reign (AD 108/109), after presiding for nine years.
During his time as bishop of Rome, Evaristus is recorded as having divided titles among the city's priests and ordained seven deacons to support the bishop's preaching. The Liber Pontificalis also states that he decreed that marriage should be celebrated publicly and with the blessing of a priest, in accordance with Apostolic tradition. He is described in the Liber Pontificalis as having been "crowned with martyrdom," a sentiment echoed by historian Alexis-François Artaud de Montor. However, he is not listed with the martyr title in the Roman Martyrology, where his feast day is observed on October 26th.
Burial
Pope Evaristus is interred near the remains of Saint Peter within the Vatican, specifically in Saint Peter's tomb located beneath Saint Peter's Basilica.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pope Evaristus the bishop of Rome?
Pope Evaristus served as the bishop of Rome from approximately 99/100 AD to his death in 107/108 AD.
What is Pope Evaristus known for during his papacy?
He is credited with dividing titles among the priests in Rome and ordaining seven deacons to assist with preaching. It is also believed that the Apostle John died during his reign, marking the end of the Apostolic Age.
Where is Pope Evaristus buried?
Pope Evaristus is buried near the body of Saint Peter in the Vatican, specifically in Saint Peter's tomb beneath Saint Peter's Basilica.
Is Pope Evaristus considered a saint or martyr?
He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Oriental Orthodoxy. While the Liber Pontificalis describes him as 'crowned with martyrdom,' he is listed without the martyr title in the Roman Martyrology.
Related Popes
Anacletus
Pope Anacletus, also known as Cletus, was the bishop of Rome following Peter and Linus, serving between approximately AD 80 and AD 92. He is traditionally credited with establishing around twenty-five parishes in Rome and ordaining numerous priests. Anacletus is believed to have died as a martyr, and his feast day is celebrated on April 26th.
Clement I
Clement of Rome, also known as Pope Clement I, was the Bishop of Rome in the late first century and is considered one of the first Apostolic Fathers. He is best known for his "First Epistle to the Corinthians" (1 Clement), an early Christian document that affirmed the authority of church rulers and is seen as the earliest affirmation of apostolic succession. While little is definitively known about his life, traditions suggest he may have been martyred.
Linus
Pope Linus, bishop of Rome from approximately 68 to his death around 80 AD, is widely regarded as the second pope after Saint Peter. He is mentioned in the New Testament as being with Paul the Apostle in Rome near the end of Paul's life. Irenaeus and other early Christian writers attest to Linus being entrusted with the church's episcopate by the apostles.