Soter of Rome

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. 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. 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

Succession box: Soter of Rome
Preceded by: Anicetus	Bishop of Rome 166-174	Succeeded by: Eleutherius

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Sources

• Wikipedia:Pope_Soter
• Soter