The saint library

Saint Sixtus II of Rome

Bishop and martyr
Athens and Rome
Feast day: August 10

Group icon: Lawrence the Archdeacon, Sixtus of Rome and Hippolytus the Martyr. Image source: Romanian Patriarchate calendar

A life of faith

Sixtus came from Athens and later served as bishop of Rome after Stephen. During Valerian’s persecution he refused an order to sacrifice to the gods. The calendar remembers his martyrdom in the catacombs after celebrating the Liturgy.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Sixtus’s remembrance invites reflection on the place of shared worship when a community faces pressure.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.

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