Hierarch Victor I of Rome

St. Victor I of Rome, born in Roman Africa, held the episcopal see of Rome from 189 to 199, becoming the first African-born bishop of that see. He is remembered as the central figure of the Quartodeciman Paschal controversy: he insisted that the churches of Asia Minor abandon celebrating Pascha on the 14th of Nisan regardless of the day of the week, in favor of the Roman practice of celebrating on a Sunday, and temporarily excommunicated Bishop Polycrates of Ephesus and his supporters for refusing — a move that drew sharp objection from St. Irenaeus of Lyons, who urged leniency. He also excommunicated the heretic Theodotus the Tanner, who denied the divinity of Christ. Under him Latin became the official language of worship and administration of the Roman Church. He died in 199.