Feast of Pope St. Anastasius I

Pope Anastasius I was  a Roman by birth, and a little is known of his early life. 

St. Jerome wrote of Pope Anastasius that he was a distinguished man of blameless life and apostolic solicitude, a man of great holiness, rich in his poverty. Born a Roman, son of Maximus, Anastasius was the successor of St. Siricius, and was pope from 399 to 401.

In 400, he arranged a council to consider the writings of Origen, after receiving a letter from Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria expressing strong doubt about Origen’s fidelity to Christian teaching.

The council condemned Origen’s work as heterodox, and Rufinus of Aquiliea wrote to the pope to defend his translation of Origen’s First Principles, which St. Jerome had attacked. Anastasius upheld the council’s decision.

He also urged the church in North Africa to continue its struggle against Donatism. He died in 401 and was buried in the cemetary of Pontian.

REFLECTION
The life of St. Anastasius I reminds us that in our efforts to preserve God’s Word we must be willing to undergo the work of prayer, study, vigilance, and humility. Opposition fades in the face of these activities.

PRAYER
O God, in Your goodness and wisdom You raise up leaders for Your Church who are rooted in Your Word and Your Will. Through the intercession of Your servant, St. Anastasius I, may we be loyal to our Faith in following their directions. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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