Pope Evaristus
Pope Evaristus served as the bishop of Rome from approximately 99/100 to 107/108 AD. He is venerated as a saint in several Christian traditions and is noted for organizing the clergy in Rome and ordaining deacons. His pontificate is significant as it likely marked the end of the Apostolic Age with the death of John the Apostle.
- Feast Day
- October 26
- Century
- 1st century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›Evaristus was the bishop of Rome from C. 99/100 to 107/108.
- ›He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Oriental Orthodoxy.
- ›John the Apostle likely died during his reign, marking the end of the Apostolic Age.
- ›According to the Liber Pontificalis, he was Greek by birth.
- ›He divided titles among priests in Rome and ordained seven deacons.
- ›He is described as being 'crowned with martyrdom' by the Liber Pontificalis.
Aristos
About Pope Evaristus
Pope Evaristus, also known by the name Arisus, was the bishop of Rome from approximately 99/100 AD to his death in 107/108 AD. His papacy is considered significant as it likely concluded with the death of the Apostle John, marking the end of the Apostolic Age.
Biography and Historical Context
According to the Liber Pontificalis, Evaristus was of Greek origin, with a father named Judah from Bethlehem. The historian Eusebius, in his Ecclesiastical History, places Evaristus's accession to office in the third year of Emperor Trajan's reign, corresponding to AD 99/100. He is recorded to have held the office for nine years, dying in the twelfth year of Trajan's reign, which is AD 108/109.
Key Contributions and Traditions
During his pontificate, Evaristus is credited with administrative reforms within the Church of Rome. He divided titles among the priests of the city and ordained seven deacons to assist the bishop with his preaching duties. The Rev. John F. Sullivan notes that Evaristus decreed that marriage should be celebrated publicly and with the blessing of a priest, in accordance with Apostolic tradition.
The Liber Pontificalis also describes Evaristus as having been "crowned with martyrdom," a sentiment echoed by French historian Alexis-François Artaud de Montor. However, the Roman Martyrology lists him without the martyr title and assigns his feast day to October 26th.
Burial and Veneration
Pope Evaristus is interred near the resting place of Saint Peter, within the Vatican, specifically in Saint Peter's tomb situated beneath Saint Peter's Basilica. He is recognized and venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Oriental Orthodoxy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pope Evaristus serve as bishop of Rome?
Pope Evaristus served as the bishop of Rome from approximately 99/100 AD until his death in 107/108 AD. This period lasted for about nine years.
What is Pope Evaristus known for?
He is known for dividing titles among the priests in Rome and ordaining seven deacons to assist with preaching. His reign also likely marked the end of the Apostolic Age with the death of John the Apostle.
Is Pope Evaristus considered a martyr?
The Liber Pontificalis describes him as being 'crowned with martyrdom.' However, he is listed in the Roman Martyrology without the martyr title.
Where is Pope Evaristus buried?
Pope Evaristus is buried near the body of Saint Peter in the Vatican, specifically in Saint Peter's tomb under Saint Peter's Basilica.
What was Pope Evaristus's origin?
According to the Liber Pontificalis, he was Greek by birth. His father was a Greek Jew named Judah from Bethlehem.
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