Pope Miltiades
Pope Miltiades was the bishop of Rome from 311 to 314, during the pivotal period when Emperor Constantine the Great granted Christianity legal status. He is remembered for presiding over the Lateran Council, which condemned the Donatist teaching of rebaptism, and for receiving the palace of Empress Fausta, which became the site of the Lateran Palace.
- Feast Day
- January 10
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- North Africa
Key Facts
- ›Miltiades was of North African descent and served as bishop of Rome from 311 to 314.
- ›During his pontificate, Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313, legalizing Christianity.
- ›He received the palace of Empress Fausta, where the Lateran Palace would be built, establishing it as the papal seat.
- ›At the Lateran Council in 313, Miltiades condemned the Donatist teaching of rebaptism for apostates.
- ›He prescribed the distribution of the fermentum, consecrated bread from the pope, as a sign of unity among Roman churches.
- ›Miltiades was buried in the Catacomb of Callixtus and is venerated as a saint.
Melchiades the African, Μιλτιάδης, Μελχιάδης ὁ Ἀφρικανός
About Pope Miltiades
Miltiades, also known as Melchiades the African, served as the bishop of Rome from 311 to his death in 314. His pontificate coincided with a pivotal moment in Christian history: the issuance of the Edict of Milan in 313 by Emperor Constantine the Great. This edict granted Christianity legal status within the Roman Empire, ending periods of persecution.
Life and Historical Context
The exact year of Miltiades' birth is unknown, but he was of North African descent. He was a Roman citizen and part of the clergy of Pope Marcellinus. There were suggestions, repudiated by Augustine of Hippo, that Miltiades, along with Marcellinus and Sylvester, had surrendered sacred texts and offered incense to Roman deities during times of persecution, a claim originating from Donatist bishop Petilianus.
Major Contributions and Events
A significant event during Miltiades' papacy was the defeat of Maxentius by Constantine at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in October 312. Following this victory, Constantine presented the pope with the palace of Empress Fausta, the site where the Lateran Palace would later be constructed, establishing it as the papal residence and administrative seat.
The Lateran Council
In 313, Miltiades presided over the Lateran Council, convened to resolve a schism within the Church of Carthage concerning the election of Bishop Caecilianus. The dispute centered on the Donatist demand for the rebaptism of apostatized bishops and priests. Miltiades, with the addition of Italian bishops, ruled in favor of Caecilianus and condemned the Donatist teachings on rebaptism. Despite this ruling, Donatism continued to spread in North Africa.
Veneration
Miltiades is venerated as a saint. His feast day was traditionally celebrated on January 10. While later included in the General Roman Calendar with the mistaken qualification of "martyr," his veneration now focuses on his role as a confessor, with his feast day observed on the day of his death, January 10, without the designation "martyr."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pope Miltiades bishop of Rome?
Pope Miltiades served as the bishop of Rome from July 2, 311, until his death on January 10 or 11, 314.
What was the Edict of Milan and why is it important to Pope Miltiades' pontificate?
The Edict of Milan, issued in 313 by Emperor Constantine the Great and Licinius, granted Christianity legal status within the Roman Empire. This occurred during Miltiades' papacy, marking a period of peace and tolerance for the Church.
What was the significance of the Lateran Council during Miltiades' papacy?
During the Lateran Council in 313, Miltiades presided over a synod that addressed a schism in the Church of Carthage. He condemned the Donatist teaching of rebaptizing apostates and upheld Caecilianus as the bishop of Carthage.
Where is Pope Miltiades buried?
Pope Miltiades was buried in the Catacomb of Callixtus, located along the Appian Way in Rome.
How is Pope Miltiades venerated today?
Pope Miltiades is venerated as a saint. His feast day is celebrated on January 10, the day of his death, as per the Martyrologium Hieronymianum and later liturgical calendars.
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