Soter
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166 to 175
Pope #12
St. Anicetus (155-166)
St. Eleutherius (175-189)
Soter, son of Concordius
in Fondi, Italy
Pope Soter
Biography:
He was a Roman, born in the town of Fundi, just south of Rome.Easter
Like his predecessors, Soter continued the push to have the Last Supper moved to Easter. He decreed that all Christians are to observe it on this day as well.Decrees
He declared that marriages could only be validated by a priest. He decreed that monks should not touch the consecrated alter cloth, and according to the Liber Pontificalis, he forbad monks from offering incense. St. Jerome, Athenagoras, and Tertullian have all said that incense was never used in early Christian worship. This was a common pagan practice at the heathen altars and at funeral ceremonies.Roman Persecution
He was bishop during the reign of Emperor Aurelius, who like his predecessor Emperor Antonius Pius, was tolerant towards Christians, which were ipso facto punishable but not sought out. Rome was busy fighting the barbarians in the Marcomanic Wars all during this time.Roman culture actually welcomed new gods even those of conquered enemies. The Roman Emperors were considered the head priest, the Pontificus Maximus of all Roman religions. Jews were hated however, as their God and religion would not recognise this, or accept any of the pagan gods. Christians were also martyred for the same unyielding God; however, in Rome, compromise was preached. The date of the Passover was changed, to the same day Rome celebrated other pagan gods, to show submission to them. Many scholars believe that Pope Pius I (140-155) changed his name to show loyalty to Emperor Antonius Pius of his day.
In 170, Christians were being martyred, and Eusebius writes about a letter that Pope Soter received from Dionysius, bishop of Corinth, at this time. In the letter, Dionysius thanks Soter for the gifts sent to the imprisoned Christians in the mines, and hospitality towards those who visited Rome. The Corinthians were being persecuted at this time, and some scholars believe that the second letter of Clement may actually be Soter's letter to Corinth. Dionysius also writes that his letters are being forged by Christians, who are also changing the Gospels.
Rulers & Events:
161-180: Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius
161-169: Roman Emperor, Lucius Verus
166-180: Marcomannic Wars
174: The Thundering Legion 'miracle'
