Soter of Rome
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Our father among the saints Soter of Rome was the Bishop of Rome from 166 to 174. His name in Greek "σωτήρ" (sōtēr), meaning a "saviour" or "deliverer". His feast day is April 22.
Life
Bishop Soter was born in Fondi, Campania, Italy of Greek ancestry.[1] Dionysius of Corinth praised him for his charity towards needy Christians to whom he gave support as exiles and those who had been condemned to the mines.[2] Bp. Soter is known for declaring that marriage was valid only as a sacrament blessed by a priest. He also formally inaugurated the celebration of Pascha as an annual festival in Rome.[1]
While Bp. Soter has not been recognized as a martyr, traditionally he has been considered one. He reposed in 174.
References
Soter of Rome | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by: Anicetus |
Bishop of Rome 166-174 |
Succeeded by: Eleutherius |