Telesphorus
Telesphorus was the bishop of Rome from approximately 126 to 137 AD, serving during the reigns of Emperors Hadrian and Antoninus Pius. Traditionally considered the eighth Bishop of Rome in succession from Peter, he is noted for his Greek ancestry and his vigorous opposition to Gnosticism. He is also credited with establishing several liturgical traditions, although the authenticity of these attributions is debated.
Key Facts
- ›Of Greek ancestry, born in Thurii, Italy.
- ›Traditionally considered the eighth Bishop of Rome.
- ›Eusebius places his pontificate from C. 128–129 to C. 138–139.
- ›Vigorously fought Gnosticism, prevalent during his time.
- ›Irenaeus attests to his martyrdom, making it the earliest attested martyrdom of a pope after Peter.
- ›Buried in the Vatican Necropolis.
Liturgy, Opposition To Heresy
- Fought Against Gnosticism
- Celebrated Easter On Sunday
- Remained In Communion With Those Not Following Easter Custom
- Traditionally Credited With Establishing Christmas Midnight Masses
- Traditionally Credited With Establishing A Seven-Week Lent
- Traditionally Credited With Establishing the Singing of the Gloria
Emperor Hadrian, Emperor Antoninus Pius, Gnosticism, Valentinus, IrenæUs, Pope Victor I, Peter
About Telesphorus
Pope Telesphorus
Telesphorus, a bishop of Rome of Greek ancestry, served from approximately 126 to his death around 137 AD. His pontificate occurred during the reigns of Roman Emperors Hadrian and Antoninus Pius, placing him as a significant figure in the early Christian Church.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Thurii (modern Terranova da Sibari, Calabria, Italy), Telesphorus is traditionally recognized as the eighth Bishop of Rome in succession after Saint Peter. The Liber Pontificalis suggests he was an anchorite, or hermit monk, before assuming papal office. His papacy coincided with a period when Rome attracted many heretics, with Gnosticism being a prominent doctrine. Telesphorus actively opposed Gnosticism, viewing it as a deviation from reality.
Liturgical and Ecclesial Significance
A fragment from Irenæus indicates that Telesphorus consistently celebrated Easter on a Sunday, a custom that differed from other communities who followed the Jewish Passover calculation. However, unlike later figures like Victor I, Telesphorus remained in communion with those who did not observe this practice. Several liturgical traditions, such as Christmas Midnight Masses, a seven-week Lent, and the singing of the Gloria, are traditionally attributed to his pontificate, though their historical authenticity is debated by scholars.
Martyrdom and Legacy
According to the testimony of Irenaeus, Telesphorus suffered martyrdom. This makes his martyrdom the earliest attested for a pope after Peter, distinguishing him as a significant early Christian martyr. He was interred in the Vatican Necropolis alongside his predecessors. His feast day is celebrated on January 2nd in the Roman Martyrology and on February 22nd in the Eastern churches. Until the 17th century, the Carmelite order venerated him as a patron saint.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Telesphorus serve as bishop of Rome?
Pope Telesphorus served as the bishop of Rome from approximately 126 AD until his death around 137 AD. This period falls within the reigns of Roman Emperors Hadrian and Antoninus Pius.
What is Pope Telesphorus known for fighting against during his pontificate?
During his pontificate, Telesphorus vigorously fought against Gnosticism. He believed this doctrine steered religion towards a mysticism that was far removed from reality.
Is Pope Telesphorus considered a saint and martyr?
Yes, Telesphorus is traditionally considered a martyr. Irenaeus, writing considerably earlier than many other sources, gives him this title, making his martyrdom the earliest attested martyrdom of a pope after Peter.
What liturgical traditions are attributed to Pope Telesphorus?
Several liturgical traditions are usually attributed to his pontificate, including the tradition of Christmas Midnight Masses, the celebration of Easter on Sundays, the keeping of a seven-week Lent before Easter, and the singing of the Gloria. However, historian Johann Peter Kirsch states that none of these attributions are genuine.
Where was Pope Telesphorus born?
Telesphorus was of Greek ancestry and was born in Thurii, which is located in modern-day Calabria, Italy.
Related Popes
Victor I
Pope Victor I was a Roman African prelate who served as Bishop of Rome in the late second century, with his papacy often dated from 189 to 199. He is notable for excommunicating Theodotus of Byzantium and for his significant role in the Quartodeciman controversy, where he insisted on a uniform date for Easter, leading to a break with churches in Asia Minor.
Alexander I
Pope Alexander I, bishop of Rome from approximately 108/109 to 116/119 AD, is a figure whose pontificate is shrouded in legend and disputed tradition. While some accounts credit him with significant liturgical innovations, modern scholarship views these as later attributions aimed at establishing an ancient pattern of papal authority.
Anicetus
Anicetus served as the bishop of Rome from approximately 157 to his death in April 168. A Syrian by birth, he actively opposed Gnosticism and Marcionism during his pontificate. He is notably remembered for his meeting with Polycarp of Smyrna to discuss the Easter controversy, though they did not reach an agreement.