Zephyrinus
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Pope Zephyrinus
Biography:
He was a Roman. He ruled as head bishop for nearly 20 years, but mostly under the strong influence of his deacon and successor, Pope Callistus I (217-222).Lapsed Christians
He decreed that excommunicated sinners could be received back after completing a prescribed penance.Holy Communion
He decreed that Holy Communion only be received by those 14 and older. This rule would remain unchanged until the 20th century when Pope Pius X (1903-1914) lowered it to 7 years of age, called the age of reason.Prayers for the dead
Tertullian writes in his On Monogamy that a good widow prays for her dead husband. The first record of prayers for the dead, of the early church writers.Church conflict
He lived during the time when the bishops of Rome were struggling for control, and arguing over which is the "true" church. Montanism and Monarchianism heresies were strong within the church, which were supported by many clergy and bishops. Differences in church doctrine resulted in the first Antipope, Hippolytus (217-235), who would be declared head by a separate majority of bishops.Hippolytus attacked all the heresies within the church, including Zephyrinus for not doing anything about them, and actually supporting Modalism. Hippolytus complained in his Apostolic Tradition that under Zephyrinus’ leadership, the church became corrupt and public worship a scandal.
Roman Persecution
Christian persecutions continued throughout the Empire from about 202-211, under Emperor Septimius Severus, who sought for a single common religion. Septimius made no new laws regarding this, and is believed to have even had Christians within his household. The church at Rome had almost absolute peace under his protection; however, numerous persecutions outside of Rome continued.Edict of Caracalla
In 212, persecution of Jews and Christians was lifted when Emperor Caracalla issued the Edict of Caracalla, which granted full citizenship for all free people of the Roman Empire. A century later, under Emperor Constantine, this would end.Rulers & Events:
193-211: Roman Emperor, Septimius Severus
211: Roman Emperor, Geta
211-217: Roman Emperor, Caracalla
217-235: Antipope Hippolytus
217-218: Roman Emperor, Macrinus
