Hyginus Greece

Born [date unknown] in Greece, Roman Empire

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Biography

Pope St Hyginus Greece is Notable.

Hyginus was born in Greece.^[1][2]

He was consecrated Bishop of Rome in 138.^[1]

Hyginus instituted godparents at baptism to assist the baptised during their Christian life. He also decreed that all churches be consecrated.^[2]

He died in 142 or 149 and was buried on the Vatican Hill, near Saint Peter's tomb.

Flocknote Popes in a Year ^[3] tells us:

Having documented every pope (12) up to his lifetime, St. Irenaeus identified St. Hyginus as the eighth successor of St. Peter in Adversus haeresis ("Against Heresy").

He was Greek by birth, according to the Liber Pontificalis, but otherwise little else is known about his early life. His feast day is celebrated on January 11.

During Hyginus' pontificate, he had to deal with two prominent heretics, Cerdo and Valentinus, coming to Rome and trying to gain followers. Cerdo and Valentinus were both Gnostics, but tried to say, "Hey, our teachings are totally Christian." To which St. Hyginus replied (probably), "No, they're totally not," ultimately excommunicating both men to protect the integrity and avoid confusion within the still-young Church.

Though ancient sources can't confirm whether Hyginus was a martyr, he's believed to have died near the Vatican Hill in Rome, and is buried close to St. Peter.

About a year after Hyginus became pope, Marcus Aurelius was named Caesar of the Roman Empire.

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} Vatican
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Wikipedia Pope Hyginus
3. ↑ Flocknote Popes in a Year
   SOURCES (and further reading)
   - http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07593a.htm
   - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Hyginus
   - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/140s