Upon the passing of St. Victor I in 199, St. Zephyrinus was enthroned as the XVth Pope. St. Zephyrinus opposed new heresies and apostasies, with Marcion, Praxeas, Valentine, and the Montanists among the most prominent. According to Eusebius, Zephyrinus aggressively combated the blasphemies of the two Theodotuses, who, in response, mocked him but later referred to him as the greatest advocate of the divinity of Christ. Additionally, this Pope prohibited the use of wooden chalices and ordered that, in the event that metal was too expensive, glass chalices be used in their place. He also mandated that everyone who was faithful partake in Holy Communion on Easter.
He wasn't actually slain for his faith, but his mental and spiritual suffering earned him the title of martyr, which was subsequently revoked 132 years after his death on August 26, 217. His remains are kept in San Silvestro in Rome, the English Catholics' church in the Eternal City.
St. Zephyrinus, obtain for us the strength and courage to spread the gospel in spite of all obstacles.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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