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Name:
Pope Victor I
Preceded by: St. Eleutherius (175 - 189)
Succeeded by: St. Zephyrinus (199 - 217)
Roman Catholic Pope #14
Dates:
Born: ? (Africa)
Died: c. 196
Pope: 189 - 199 (9 years)
Feast Day: July 28
Biography:
Victor I was the first pope from Africa and he is best known for upholding Western, Roman Christian traditions over
those form the East. A prime example of this was his insistence that Easter always be held on a Sunday; previous to
this decision, Easter might be held on any day of the week. Although decisions like this were indicative of growing
power in the papacy, Victor sought to confirm his wishes with various synods held in various places. Most churches
ended up agreeing with Victor's wishes, but on the Easter issue for example many in Asia Minor did not.
Pope Victor I excommunicated the Asia Minor churches that defied him and they became known as the Quatrodecimans. For a long time they continued to celebrate Easter on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Nisan, regardless of what day of the week it happened to be. Their excommunication resulted in a rash of protests, even from those who agreed with Victor's desire to hold Easter only on Sundays. Thus, despite the growing belief that the Bishop of Rome was especially important, there were those who objected to what they regarded as the arbitrary abuse of that power.
Victor I is venerated as a martyr, but there is no evidence in the historical records that he actually died a martyr's death. In fact, he appears to have been the first pope to have developed close dealings with the imperial household, for example in order to secure the release of imprisoned or enslaved Christians.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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