Thraseas
Saint Thraseas was a martyr and bishop of Eumenia in Phrygia during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He is chiefly remembered as a Quartodeciman Christian leader who observed Passover on the 14th of Aviv, adhering to traditions passed down from the Apostle John, and as an opponent of Montanism. Thraseas was martyred in Smyrna.
- Century
- 2nd century
- Country Or Region
- Asia Minor
Key Facts
- ›Thraseas served as the Bishop of Eumenia, Phrygia, in Asia Minor.
- ›He was a Quartodeciman Christian leader who observed Passover on the 14th of Aviv.
- ›Thraseas was an adversary of Montanism.
- ›He is mentioned chronologically between Polycarp (155) and Sagaris (under Sergius Paulus, 166–67) in a synodal letter by Polycrates of Ephesus, suggesting his date is around 160 AD.
- ›Although from Eumenia, Thraseas was martyred in Smyrna.
- ›His burial is noted at a cemetery in Smyrna, near where a myrtle tree sprung up after his body was interred.
About Thraseas
Saint Thraseas
Saint Thraseas was a Christian martyr and Bishop of Eumenia in Phrygia, Asia Minor, who lived during the second century. He is primarily remembered for his role as a Quartodeciman leader and for his martyrdom under the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, likely around 170 AD.
Background and Ministry
Eumenia, the city Thraseas served, was a significant and prosperous Roman city in Phrygia. Thraseas was a prominent figure among the Quartodecimans, a group of Christians who observed the Paschal festival on the 14th day of Nisan, following the Jewish calendar and the tradition attributed to the Apostle John. This practice contrasted with the preference of some Roman bishops for celebrating the festival on a Sunday, a practice that eventually evolved into Easter Sunday.
Opposition to Montanism and Martyrdom
Beyond his adherence to Quartodeciman traditions, Thraseas was also noted as an adversary of Montanism, an early Christian prophetic movement. His steadfastness in his beliefs and practices led to his martyrdom. Although he was the Bishop of Eumenia, historical accounts indicate that Thraseas was martyred in Smyrna. The Life of Polycarp, attributed to St. Pionius, mentions Thraseas as a martyr buried in Smyrna, near a myrtle tree that reportedly sprang up after his burial at the cemetery in front of the Ephesian Royal gate.
Historical Context
Thraseas is mentioned in synodal letters, notably by Polycrates of Ephesus around 190 AD, who listed him among bishops and relatives who had served before him. In a letter from Polycrates to Pope Victor I concerning the dating of Easter, Thraseas is chronologically placed between Polycarp (who died in 155) and Sagaris (around 166–67), suggesting his significant activity around 160 AD. His life and death underscore the theological and practical disputes within early Christianity, particularly concerning the dating of Easter and the challenge posed by movements like Montanism.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Thraseas?
Saint Thraseas was a martyr and served as the Bishop of Eumenia in Phrygia, Asia Minor. He lived during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and died around 170 AD.
Why is Thraseas considered a Quartodeciman leader?
Thraseas is identified as a Quartodeciman because he observed the Passover feast on the 14th of Aviv (Nisan), following the tradition handed down from the Apostle John and scriptures, rather than adopting the Sunday date preferred by some Roman bishops.
What was Thraseas's stance on Montanism?
Thraseas was an opponent of Montanism. Eusebius mentions Apollonius of Ephesus speaking of him as a martyr-Bishop who opposed this movement.
Where was Thraseas martyred?
Although Thraseas was the bishop of Eumenia, he was martyred in Smyrna, according to Polycrates and Jerome. His burial is also noted to have taken place in Smyrna.
When did Thraseas live?
Thraseas was active in the second century. He is mentioned chronologically between Polycarp (died 155) and Sagaris (active around 166–67) in a letter by Polycrates of Ephesus, placing his approximate date around 160 AD.
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