Early Christian Martyrs

SAINT HIPPOLYTUS OF ROME: *Summary* (based on other researches)

Basic Profile
Saint Hippolytus was born in Rome in the 2nd century.
Hippolytus was a presbyter of the Church of Rome at the beginning of the third century. He was also a chief guard and a military leader. Saint Lawrence, who was imprisoned under his jurisdiction, converted Hippolytus to Christianity. Hippolytus was known as one of the most prolific writers of the early Christian Church. He was once referred to as the first Anti-pope due to various conflicts with the popes of the time. Eventually, the issues were resolved and he became a prelate. Saint Hippolytus was prosecuted and martyred on August 13 for assisting at the burial of Martyred Saint Lawrence.

When was the year of Saint Hippolytus’ martyrdom?
Saint Hippolytus gained the title of a martyr by dying in the mines in the year of AD 235.

How did Saint Hippolytus die?
Saint Hippolytus buried the martyr, Saint Lawrence’s body. Emperor Valerian was immediately informed about this, and Saint Hippolytus was then arrested. Valerian told Hippolytus to join them offer sacrifices to gods and he’ll set him free, but then he refused to and confessed himself a Christian and that he is a soldier of Christ who desires to die for Him. Because of this, the saint himself was tied to wild horses, which dragged him over the stones to his death.

Who was the emperor reigning at that time?
Valerian was the emperor reigning at that time.

What is Hippolytus a patron saint of?
Martyr Hippolytus is known as the patron saint of Horses and Prisons.

When is Saint Hippolytus’ feast day?
August 13 is Saint Hippolytus’ feast day.

How is Saint Hippolytus relevant to our present time?
Saint Hippolytus is relevant to our present time such that he sets a good example of being a good soldier of Christ. He reminds us to become strong faithful Christians, who would persevere to please God, and to become Christians who would hold strong onto our faith even in times of temptation.

How would you feel or act if you were in Saint Hippolytus’ shoes?
If I were in the shoes of Saint Hippolytus’, I think that I would feel angry for being accused for doing something that I believe is right and I think I would have had second thoughts of giving into temptation by following Valerian in joining sacrificial offerings to false-gods, just so that I would be freed from death.

“Saint Hippolytus”. Catholic-Saints.info. Web. 2 July 2014. http://www.catholic-saints.info/patron-saints/saint-hippolytus.htm

“Saint Hippolytus of Rome”. Saints.SQPN.com. 3 Sepetmber 2013. Web. 2 July 2014. http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-hippolytus-of-rome/

“martyr Hippolytus of Rome”. OCA.org. Web. 2 July 2014. http://oca.org/saints/lives/2013/08/13/102288-martyr-hippolytus-of-rome