Google Preferred SourcesComments
ForumsShare

This week in Christian history: Catholic theologian dies; pope martyred; France abolishes tithes

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

Pope Sixtus II martyred — August 6, 258

A fresco found in the Domitilla Catacombs depicting Christ with his disciples.
A fresco found in the Domitilla Catacombs depicting Christ with his disciples. | (PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS)

This week marks the anniversary of when Pope Sixtus II was killed along with a few deacons for his beliefs while overseeing a worship service in the catacombs of Rome.

Roman Emperor Valerian had issued a decree the year before mandating that Christians take part in pagan rituals or be prohibited from holding worship assemblies.

“While seated on his chair in the act of addressing his flock he was suddenly apprehended by a band of soldiers,” explained the Catholic website New Advent.

“There is some doubt whether he was beheaded forthwith, or was first brought before a tribunal to receive his sentence and then led back to the cemetery for execution. The latter opinion seems to be the more probable.”  

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get:

  • The Insider Newsletter, a members-only monthly letter from our newsroom

  • Ad-free reading across christianpost.com


From as low as $8.25/month
Prefer to give once?

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles.
Return to homepage.

Most Popular

More Articles