Hippolytus of Rome
Overview
A rigorist theologian who briefly became an "Anti-Pope" because he felt the Church was too lenient on sinners.
Did You Know?
His Apostolic Tradition contains the oldest known text of ordination prayers used for bishops.
Historical Note
Saint*He was technically an Anti-Pope. He thought the real Pope (Callistus) was too forgiving of adultery and murder, so he started his own schismatic church.
Status: Saint (with asterisk). Before he died, he was arrested by Rome and sent to the mines of Sardinia alongside the real Pope (Pontian). They reconciled in the mines and died as martyrs together.
Major Writings
Refutation of All Heresies (Philosophumena)
Cataloging pagan philosophies and Christian heresies.
Read OnlineApostolic Tradition
Traditionally attributed to Hippolytus; authorship debated. Contains early descriptions of the Eucharist, baptism, and ordination.
Read OnlineHistorical Context
The Ante-Nicene Fathers
The "Apologists" and early theologians living under persecution before the Council of Nicaea.
7 Church Fathers in this era
Part of The Ante-Nicene Fathers