Hieromartyr Sixtus II, Pope of Rome

Hieromartyr Sixtus II, Pope of Rome, was born in Athens, where he received a broad philosophical education before turning to Christ. Coming to Rome, he rose through the ranks of the clergy and earned the respect of the community for his wisdom and piety. After the martyrdom of Pope Stephen I in 257, Sixtus was elevated to the see of Rome — at a time when occupying the Roman throne effectively meant certain death. During Emperor Valerian's persecution in 258, Sixtus was arrested together with the deacons Felicissimus and Agapitus. Brought before the authorities and pressed to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods, he declared: "I always bring a pure and undefiled sacrifice to Almighty God the Father, to His Son our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Spirit." For refusing to renounce Christ, Sixtus was beheaded together with his deacons. On the way to execution he was met by Archdeacon Lawrence, who begged to accompany him; Sixtus instead instructed him to distribute the Church's treasures to the poor, foretelling that Lawrence would follow him in martyrdom within three days — which came to pass. His relics rest in the Catacomb of Callixtus in Rome. Feast: August 10/23.