Roman Catholic Saint, Pope. Pope St. Sylvester I reigned as Bishop of Rome from January 31, 314 until his death on December 31, 335. During his pontificate, Constantine was Emperor of Rome, the first Roman emperor to legalize Christianity. The First Council of Nicea took place in 325 but Pope Sylvester was not able to attend in person, possibly due to old age. He sent two delegates to represent him. The Council dealt with the Arian heresy, agreement on the date of the Easter celebration, and formulated the Nicene Creed. Pope Sylvester confirmed the Council’s decisions. The Basilica of St John Lateran, which houses the ecclesiastical seat of Rome, was built during Sylvester’s reign as Pontiff. Other churches constructed in Rome during these years were the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and Old St Peter’s Basilica (built over the Circus of Nero). Cemeterial churches were erected over the graves of Christian martyrs in the catacombs. After his death, Pope Sylvester became the subject of legend, that he cured leprosy and fought with dragons, for example. Pope St. Sylvester was buried in a cemetery-church he had built over the Catacomb of Priscilla. In 762, his relics were moved to the Church of San Silvestro in Capite by Pope Paul I.
Roman Catholic Saint, Pope. Pope St. Sylvester I reigned as Bishop of Rome from January 31, 314 until his death on December 31, 335. During his pontificate, Constantine was Emperor of Rome, the first Roman emperor to legalize Christianity. The First Council of Nicea took place in 325 but Pope Sylvester was not able to attend in person, possibly due to old age. He sent two delegates to represent him. The Council dealt with the Arian heresy, agreement on the date of the Easter celebration, and formulated the Nicene Creed. Pope Sylvester confirmed the Council’s decisions. The Basilica of St John Lateran, which houses the ecclesiastical seat of Rome, was built during Sylvester’s reign as Pontiff. Other churches constructed in Rome during these years were the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and Old St Peter’s Basilica (built over the Circus of Nero). Cemeterial churches were erected over the graves of Christian martyrs in the catacombs. After his death, Pope Sylvester became the subject of legend, that he cured leprosy and fought with dragons, for example. Pope St. Sylvester was buried in a cemetery-church he had built over the Catacomb of Priscilla. In 762, his relics were moved to the Church of San Silvestro in Capite by Pope Paul I.
Bio by: Joan I
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