Pope St. Anastasius I (401 AD)
Full Name: Pope St. Anastasius I
Period: 4th Century (Died: December 19, 401 AD)
Feast Day: December 19
Place of Birth: Rome, Italy
Special Significance: 39th Pope, defender of orthodoxy against heresies, praised by St. Jerome.
Youth and Papal Ministry
Born in Rome, he dedicated his youth to Church service and was elected Pope in 399 AD.
Though his pontificate was short (around 2 years), he was steadfast in guarding Church doctrine.
Opposition to Heresy and Praise from St. Jerome
He officially condemned the un-orthodox teachings of Origen and assisted North African bishops regarding Donatism.
St. Jerome praised him as a man of rich poverty and apostolic zeal.
Liturgical Reform and Final Days
He instructed priests to stand bowed while the Gospel was read at Mass. He passed away peacefully on December 19, 401 AD.
Spiritual Lesson
Safeguarding authentic Church doctrine and serving the poor faithfully within our allotted time is the lesson taught by Pope St. Anastasius I.