Eleutherius

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Eleuterus
175 to 189
 Pope #13
 St. Soter (166-175)
St. Victor I (189-199)

Eleutherius, son of Habundius
in Nicopolis, Epirus, Greece


Pope Eleutherius

Biography:

He served Pope Anicetus (155-166) as deacon, according to Hegesippus.

Missionaries

He sent missionaries (Fugatius and Damian), with the Roman armies to England, to convert the Britons. This is the first record of missionary work via state military conquests.

Heresies

Montanism was growing strong within the church, and Tertullian writes that Eleutherius favoured the doctrine, but later would reject it. From this point the Roman church would see that spiritual governance was to be done by the hierarchy rather than by individuals, regardless of personal inspiration.

Removal of Jewish Tradition

During this time there was growing debate, even physical conflicts, between eastern and western churches over the observances of many Jewish customs. The Eastern churches were accused of being Jewish, while the Roman churches were suspected of Roman influence.

Rulers & Events:

161-180: Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelius

175:     Avidius Cassius rebellion crushed

180-192: Roman Emperor, Commodus

180:     Scillitan Martyrs