St. Hippolytus of Rome

St. Hippolytus of Rome was born around 170 and died around 235, and was the most important theologian of the Roman Church in the early third century, writing in Greek. A learned and rigorous priest, he came into sharp conflict with the popes of his day over doctrine and over what he judged to be their laxity toward penitents, and he was set up by his followers as a rival bishop of Rome — a role later tradition regards as a schism or antipapacy.

His reconciliation with the Church, however, was sealed in blood. During the persecution under the Emperor Maximinus, both Hippolytus and Pope Pontian were exiled to hard labor in the mines of Sardinia, where they were reconciled before both died as martyrs. A prolific writer, he is credited with the Apostolic Tradition, one of the most valuable early sources for the sacraments, ordination, and worship of the ancient Church. He is venerated as a saint and martyr.