Peter of Alexandria
Peter of Alexandria was the 17th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria who served from 302 to 311. He is revered as a saint by the Coptic Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, and Catholic Churches. He is chiefly remembered for his leadership during the Diocletianic Persecution and his martyrdom.
- Feast Day
- November 25
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Egypt
Key Facts
- ›He was the 17th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria, serving from 302 to 311.
- ›Peter was highly educated and became the head of the school of Alexandria.
- ›During the Diocletianic Persecution, he traveled through many lands, encouraging his flock and secretly visiting those imprisoned.
- ›He disagreed with Bishop Meletius of Lycopolis over the treatment of Christians who had lapsed during persecution, advocating for leniency.
- ›According to Severus of Ashmumeen, Peter excommunicated Arius as a heretic before his execution.
- ›Peter was martyred by beheading in AD 311.
Peter I of Alexandria, Pope Peter I of Alexandria, Hieromartyr Peter the Archbishop of Alexandria
Pope, Archbishop, Bishop, Martyr, Priest
About Peter of Alexandria
Peter of Alexandria, also known as Peter I, served as the 17th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria from 302 to 311 AD. He is venerated as a saint by the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Catholic Church. His life and ministry were significantly shaped by the intense Christian persecutions of his era, particularly the Diocletianic Persecution.
Life and Ministry
Born and raised in Alexandria, Peter was dedicated to the priesthood from a young age, according to Coptic tradition. He progressed through the ecclesiastical ranks, serving as a reader, deacon, and priest. His intellectual capabilities led him to become the head of the renowned school of Alexandria. Upon the deathbed of his predecessor, Theonas, Peter was chosen to succeed him as bishop.
Peter's tenure as patriarch coincided with the Diocletianic Persecution, which began in 303 and continued intermittently for a decade. Forced into exile, he ministered to his scattered flock through letters and traveled to encourage them. He also made clandestine visits to imprisoned Christians, providing aid to widows and orphans and conducting secret services. This period of intense suffering and resistance defined much of his leadership.
Conflict and Martyrdom
Accounts suggest Peter was imprisoned alongside bishop Meletius of Lycopolis, where a significant theological and disciplinary dispute arose. The conflict centered on the appropriate response to Christians who had compromised their faith during the persecution by offering pagan sacrifices or surrendering scriptures. Peter advocated for a more lenient approach, while Meletius insisted on strict measures, including rebaptism for the lapsed.
According to the tenth-century historian Severus of Ashmumeen, Peter was seized and imprisoned during the Diocletianic Persecution and ordered to be beheaded. A large crowd of Christians gathered at the prison, willing to die with their patriarch, which caused the soldiers to hesitate. To prevent further bloodshed and riots, Peter devised a plan to be smuggled out through a breached wall. He was then beheaded on the 29th of Hatur (approximately November 25th) in AD 311. Severus of Ashmumeen also records that Peter anathematized Arius, a priest and follower of Meletius, before his death, deeming him a heretic and excommunicating him.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Peter of Alexandria?
Peter of Alexandria was the 17th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria, serving from 302 to 311 AD. He was highly educated and became the head of the school of Alexandria.
Why is Peter of Alexandria considered a saint?
Peter of Alexandria is revered as a saint by the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Catholic Church. He is recognized for his faith and leadership during times of persecution, and for his martyrdom.
What role did Peter of Alexandria play during the Diocletianic Persecution?
During the Diocletianic Persecution, Peter was forced into exile but traveled to encourage his flock and secretly ministered to prisoners, widows, and orphans. He also conducted clandestine services.
What was Peter of Alexandria's stance on Christians who lapsed during persecution?
Peter of Alexandria urged leniency towards Christians who had offered pagan sacrifice or surrendered scriptures to save their lives during persecution, believing they needed to be re-baptised. This put him at odds with bishop Meletius of Lycopolis.
How did Peter of Alexandria die?
Peter of Alexandria was martyred by beheading in AD 311, during the Diocletianic Persecution. He orchestrated his own escape from prison to prevent a massacre of Christians who had gathered to protect him.
Related Saints
Catherine of Alexandria
Catherine of Alexandria is a Christian virgin martyr traditionally believed to have suffered martyrdom in the early 4th century. She is revered as a scholar and princess who converted hundreds to Christianity. Catherine is remembered for her intellectual prowess in debating pagan philosophers and for her steadfast refusal of marriage, dedicating her virginity to Christ.
Joseph Marello
Giuseppe Marello was an Italian Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of Acqui from 1889 until his death in 1895. He is chiefly remembered as the founder of the Oblates of Saint Joseph, an order dedicated to caring for the poor and educating children. Marello was beatified in 1993 and canonized in 2001.
Alexander I of Alexandria
Alexander I of Alexandria was the 19th Patriarch of Alexandria who played a crucial role in opposing Arianism. He is primarily remembered for his leadership at the First Council of Nicaea and for mentoring his successor, Athanasius of Alexandria.