Euchtychian
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| − | {{epname|Euchtychian}} | + | {{epname|Euchtychian}}{{Images OK}} |
{{Infobox Pope| | {{Infobox Pope| | ||
English name=Saint Eutychian| | English name=Saint Eutychian| | ||
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==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||
| − | Unlike some of his predecessors in the mid-third century, sources for Eutychian's life are very scarce. His is said to have been born in the town of Luni the region of [[Tuscany]], and his father's name is given as Marinus. ''[[Liber Pontificalis]]'' gives him a reign of eight years and 11 months, from 275 to 283. The ''Church History'' of [[Eusebius]] of Caesaria, written considerably earlier, however, says that he was Rome's [[bishop]] for only ten months. His reign is given in contemporary Catholic sources as lasting from January 4, 275 to December 7, 283. | + | Unlike some of his predecessors in the mid-third century, sources for Eutychian's life are very scarce. His is said to have been born in the town of Luni in the region of [[Tuscany]], and his father's name is given as Marinus. ''[[Liber Pontificalis]]'' gives him a reign of eight years and 11 months, from 275 to 283. The ''Church History'' of [[Eusebius]] of Caesaria, written considerably earlier, however, says that he was Rome's [[bishop]] for only ten months. His reign is given in contemporary Catholic sources as lasting from January 4, 275 to December 7, 283. |
Eutychian is also said to have authorized the [[blessing]] of [[grape]]s and [[bean]]s on the altar during the [[mass]]. This report, too, is looked upon with [[skepticism]] today, since the blessing of the produce of the fields is believed to belong to a later period. | Eutychian is also said to have authorized the [[blessing]] of [[grape]]s and [[bean]]s on the altar during the [[mass]]. This report, too, is looked upon with [[skepticism]] today, since the blessing of the produce of the fields is believed to belong to a later period. | ||
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During Eutychian's time internal disputes still plagued the church, including the continuing [[Novatianist]] controversy and various [[trinty|trinitarian]] and [[christology|christological]] debates. The sources leave no record, however, of Eutychian's role in any of these. | During Eutychian's time internal disputes still plagued the church, including the continuing [[Novatianist]] controversy and various [[trinty|trinitarian]] and [[christology|christological]] debates. The sources leave no record, however, of Eutychian's role in any of these. | ||
| − | ''Liber Pontificalis'' reports that Eutychian buried 324 [[martyr]]s with his own hands. Most historians doubt this tradition, however, as there are no credible reports of major [[persecution]]s during the time in question. Somewhat more plausible is the idea that he ordained certain ceremonial procedures for the [[burial]] of martyrs, for | + | ''Liber Pontificalis'' reports that Eutychian buried 324 [[martyr]]s with his own hands. Most historians doubt this tradition, however, as there are no credible reports of major [[persecution]]s during the time in question. Somewhat more plausible is the idea that he ordained certain ceremonial procedures for the [[burial]] of martyrs, for there is indeed evidence that the martyrs had begun to be venerated with considerable honor in the [[catacomb]]s on Rome's outskirts in these times. However, whether his reign was ten or months or eight years, Euchtychian lived during a time remarkable for the peace which the Christian [[church]] enjoyed in its relations with the Roman [[state]]. |
==Legacy== | ==Legacy== | ||
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Given the lack of persecution in his time, it is likely that Eutychian did not die a martyr. The ''Liber Pontificalis'' claims this title for him, saying that "he was crowned with martyrdom," as it does for nearly all the early popes. However, an earlier fourth-century Roman calendar mentions him only as a Roman [[bishop]], not in its list of martyrs. | Given the lack of persecution in his time, it is likely that Eutychian did not die a martyr. The ''Liber Pontificalis'' claims this title for him, saying that "he was crowned with martyrdom," as it does for nearly all the early popes. However, an earlier fourth-century Roman calendar mentions him only as a Roman [[bishop]], not in its list of martyrs. | ||
| − | Eutychian's remains were placed in the papal chapel in the [[Catacomb of Callixtus]]. When this famous crypt was rediscovered in 1849, fragments of his [[epitaph]] were found with his name in Greek letters. His feast is kept on December 8. The [[papacy]] during his time furthered the development of the Roman Christian church into a major cultural institution that would emerge in the fourth century as official religion of the [[Roman Empire]]. | + | Eutychian's remains were placed in the papal chapel in the [[Catacomb of Callixtus]]. When this famous crypt was rediscovered in 1849, fragments of his [[epitaph]] were found with his name in Greek letters. His feast is kept on December 8. The [[papacy]] during his time furthered the development of the Roman Christian church into a major cultural institution that would emerge in the fourth century as the official religion of the [[Roman Empire]]. |
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==References== | ==References== | ||
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* Chapman, John. ''Studies on the Early Papacy''. Port Washington, NY: Kennikat Press, 1971. ISBN 9780804611398 | * Chapman, John. ''Studies on the Early Papacy''. Port Washington, NY: Kennikat Press, 1971. ISBN 9780804611398 | ||
* Duffy, Eamon. ''Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes''. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2002. ISBN 0300091656 | * Duffy, Eamon. ''Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes''. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2002. ISBN 0300091656 | ||
Revision as of 16:50, 19 January 2009
| Saint Eutychian | |
|---|---|
| |
| Birth name | Eutychianus |
| Papacy began | January 4, 275 |
| Papacy ended | December 7, 283 |
| Predecessor | Felix I |
| Successor | Caius |
| Born | ??? |
| Died | December 7 283 Rome |
Pope Saint Eutychian, also known as Eutychianus, was the bishop of Rome in the last quarter of the third century. Little is know about him that can be considered historical. Catholic sources cite his reign as beginning on January 4, 275 and ending on December 7, 283.
Tradition holds that Eutychian was particularly attentive to the graves of the martyrs. He lived during a period of peace between the Roman state and the Christian church, however. Thus, his supposed martyrdom is not considered historical, even in contemporary Catholic tradition.
Eutychian was buried, like many other early popes, in the Catacomb of Callixtus, and his feast day is commemorated on December 8.
Biography
Unlike some of his predecessors in the mid-third century, sources for Eutychian's life are very scarce. His is said to have been born in the town of Luni in the region of Tuscany, and his father's name is given as Marinus. Liber Pontificalis gives him a reign of eight years and 11 months, from 275 to 283. The Church History of Eusebius of Caesaria, written considerably earlier, however, says that he was Rome's bishop for only ten months. His reign is given in contemporary Catholic sources as lasting from January 4, 275 to December 7, 283.
Eutychian is also said to have authorized the blessing of grapes and beans on the altar during the mass. This report, too, is looked upon with skepticism today, since the blessing of the produce of the fields is believed to belong to a later period.
During Eutychian's time internal disputes still plagued the church, including the continuing Novatianist controversy and various trinitarian and christological debates. The sources leave no record, however, of Eutychian's role in any of these.
Liber Pontificalis reports that Eutychian buried 324 martyrs with his own hands. Most historians doubt this tradition, however, as there are no credible reports of major persecutions during the time in question. Somewhat more plausible is the idea that he ordained certain ceremonial procedures for the burial of martyrs, for there is indeed evidence that the martyrs had begun to be venerated with considerable honor in the catacombs on Rome's outskirts in these times. However, whether his reign was ten or months or eight years, Euchtychian lived during a time remarkable for the peace which the Christian church enjoyed in its relations with the Roman state.
Legacy
Given the lack of persecution in his time, it is likely that Eutychian did not die a martyr. The Liber Pontificalis claims this title for him, saying that "he was crowned with martyrdom," as it does for nearly all the early popes. However, an earlier fourth-century Roman calendar mentions him only as a Roman bishop, not in its list of martyrs.
Eutychian's remains were placed in the papal chapel in the Catacomb of Callixtus. When this famous crypt was rediscovered in 1849, fragments of his epitaph were found with his name in Greek letters. His feast is kept on December 8. The papacy during his time furthered the development of the Roman Christian church into a major cultural institution that would emerge in the fourth century as the official religion of the Roman Empire.
| Roman Catholic Popes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by: Felix I |
Bishop of Rome Pope 275–283 |
Succeeded by: Caius |
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Chapman, John. Studies on the Early Papacy. Port Washington, NY: Kennikat Press, 1971. ISBN 9780804611398
- Duffy, Eamon. Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2002. ISBN 0300091656
- Fortescue, Adrian, and Scott M. P. Reid. The Early Papacy: To the Synod of Chalcedon in 451. Southampton: Saint Austin Press, 1997. ISBN 9781901157604
- Hinchliff, Peter Bingham. Cyprian of Carthage and the Unity of the Christian Church. London: G. Chapman, 1974. ISBN 9780225660357 OCLC 1193927
- Kelly, John N. D., and Michael J. Walsh. The Oxford Dictionary of Popes. Oxford [u.a.]: Oxford Univ. Press, 2005. ISBN 9780198614333
- Loomis, Louise Ropes. The Book of Popes (Liber Pontificalis). Merchantville, NJ: Evolution Publishing. ISBN 1889758868
- Maxwell-Stuart, P. G. and Toby A. Wilkinson. Chronicle of the Popes: The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Papacy from St. Peter to the present, W W Norton & Co Inc, 1997. ISBN 9780500017982
This article incorporates text from the Catholic Encyclopedia, a publication now in the public domain.
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