SAINT THEOPHILUS, BISHOP OF CAESAREA - 5 MARCH

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN MARCH

Saints celebrated on the 5th of March

SAINT THEOPHILUS, BISHOP OF CAESAREA

This holy bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia was in charge of the pastoral ministry just as the Easter dispute between East and West had flared up again.

Some, appealing to the custom of their churches, wished to celebrate Easter on the same day as the Jews, while others, referring to apostolic tradition, insisted on observing the day of the Lord's resurrection on the Sunday after March 14. Among these was Saint Theophilus.

A synod assembled under the presidency of Bishop Narcissus of Jerusalem, prompted by Pope Victor I. 

The synodal letter to the churches in Palestine, which was sent to all other churches as well as a sign of Catholic unity, was called "very useful" (valde utilem) by Saint Jerome.

In addition, the Roman Martyrology* mentions his erudition and impeccable conduct. According to the Bollandists*, Saint Theophilus died in the year 200.

(Information from Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints, Volume 5, Augsburg, 1882, p. 493)

*A hagiography source used by the authors 

Stadler's Complete Encyclopedia of Saints - Sources and Abbreviations

PRAYER:

Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Saint Theophilus may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.