Saint Hippolytus of Rome

c. 170–235 · 3rd c. · 4 works

Saint Hippolytus of Rome was a learned presbyter and theologian of the Roman Church in the late second and early third centuries. Born around 170, he was reckoned the most important Christian writer at Rome of his day, and, unusually for the Western Church of his era, he composed his works in Greek.

A rigorist by temperament, he came into sharp conflict with the bishops of Rome, Zephyrinus and Callistus, over both doctrine and discipline, and led a schismatic group — by later reckoning the first antipope. In the persecution under Maximinus Thrax he was exiled with Pope Pontian to the mines of Sardinia, where the two were reconciled.

His principal surviving work is the Refutation of All Heresies, which traces Christian errors to pagan philosophy; he is also generally credited with the Apostolic Tradition, a key witness to early liturgy and church order, along with commentaries on Daniel and the Song of Songs and works on the Antichrist.

He died about 235 and was honored at Rome as a martyred priest, his relics enshrined in the city. He is venerated as a hieromartyr; the Orthodox Church keeps his feast on 30 January.

Sources: Orthodox Church in America — Hieromartyr Hippolytus of Rome · Encyclopædia Britannica — St. Hippolytus of Rome