Hierarch Sylvester Pope of Rome

Saint Sylvester, Pope of Rome, was born in Rome to Christian parents, Rufinus and Justa (his exact birth year is unknown, likely the late third century). Educated by the presbyter Cyrinus, he was received into the Roman clergy at thirty and ordained deacon, then priest, by Pope Marcellinus. After the death of Pope Miltiades in 314, Sylvester was elected Bishop of Rome and governed the Roman Church for more than twenty years, esteemed for his wisdom and piety. During his pontificate, under Emperor Constantine the Great, the First Ecumenical Council convened at Nicaea in 325 and condemned the Arian heresy; owing to his advanced age, Sylvester did not attend in person but sent legates to represent him. Later hagiographic tradition also credits Sylvester with healing Constantine of leprosy and baptizing him, and associates his name with the later apocryphal "Donation of Constantine" (Donatio Constantini). Pope Sylvester I died peacefully in old age on 31 December 335. His memory is celebrated on 2/15 January.