Pope Anicetus
Pope Anicetus was the bishop of Rome from approximately 157 to his death in April 168, with his papacy potentially starting earlier in 153. He is primarily remembered for his active opposition to Gnosticism and Marcionism, and for welcoming Polycarp of Smyrna to Rome to discuss the Easter controversy.
- Feast Day
- April 20
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Syria
Key Facts
- ›Anicetus was the bishop of Rome from C. 157 to April 168.
- ›He actively opposed Gnosticism and Marcionism.
- ›Polycarp of Smyrna visited Rome during his pontificate to discuss the Easter controversy.
- ›Anicetus decreed that priests were not allowed to have long hair.
- ›According to church tradition, he suffered martyrdom, but historical grounds are lacking.
- ›He was buried in the cemetery of Callistus.
About Pope Anicetus
Pope Anicetus served as the bishop of Rome from approximately 157 AD until his death in April 168 AD. The Annuario Pontificio suggests his papacy may have commenced as early as 153 AD. His pontificate is noted for its active opposition to emerging theological movements such as Gnosticism and Marcionism.
Life and Ministry
According to the Liber Pontificalis, Anicetus hailed from the Syrian city of Emesa. A significant event during his time as bishop was the visit of Polycarp of Smyrna, a disciple of John the Evangelist. Polycarp came to Rome to discuss the contentious issue of the date for celebrating Easter. The Church of Smyrna followed the Quartodeciman practice, observing Easter on the fourteenth day of Nisan, regardless of the day of the week. In contrast, the Roman Church celebrated Easter on the Sunday following Passover. While Anicetus and Polycarp did not reach a full agreement, Anicetus allowed the Church of Smyrna to continue its accustomed practice. The Christian historian Hegesippus also visited Rome during Anicetus's pontificate, a visit often interpreted as evidence of the early importance of the Roman See.
Doctrinal Stance and Decrees
Anicetus was a firm opponent of Gnosticism and Marcionism. The Liber Pontificalis records a decree attributed to Anicetus that prohibited priests from wearing long hair, possibly as a measure against Gnostic customs. While church tradition suggests Anicetus suffered martyrdom under Emperor Lucius Verus, historical evidence for this claim is absent.
Death and Veneration
Anicetus died in April 168 AD. Various dates, including April 16, 17, and 20, are cited for his death, with April 20th currently observed as his feast day. Prior to 1970, his feast day was celebrated on April 17th. The Liber Pontificalis states that he was buried in the cemetery of Callistus.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pope Anicetus the bishop of Rome?
Pope Anicetus served as the bishop of Rome from approximately 157 AD until his death in April 168 AD. The Annuario Pontificio suggests his papacy may have begun as early as 153 AD.
What heresies did Pope Anicetus oppose?
Pope Anicetus actively opposed Gnosticism and Marcionism. He also decreed that priests were not permitted to have long hair, a practice possibly associated with Gnostics.
Who visited Pope Anicetus to discuss the Easter controversy?
Polycarp of Smyrna, a disciple of John the Evangelist, visited Rome during Pope Anicetus's pontificate. They discussed the differing practices of celebrating Easter; Polycarp's Church of Smyrna observed it on the fourteenth day of Nisan, while the Roman Church celebrated it on Sunday.
Did Pope Anicetus suffer martyrdom?
According to church tradition, Pope Anicetus suffered martyrdom during the reign of Emperor Lucius Verus. However, the article states there are no historical grounds to support this account.
When is Pope Anicetus's feast day?
Pope Anicetus's feast day is currently celebrated on April 20th. Before 1970, April 17th was the chosen date for his commemoration.
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