St Peter of Alexandria was the Bishop of Alexandria.
He was born in the 3rd century AD in Alexandria, Egypt.
He died as a martyr in 311 AD in Alexandria.
We celebrate his feast day on November 25 every year in the Catholic Church.
St Peter of Alexandria Biography | |
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Date of Birth | 3rd century AD |
Place of Birth | Alexandria, Egypt |
Profession | Bishop of Alexandria |
Place of Work | Alexandria, Egypt |
Date of Death | 311 AD |
Place of Death | Alexandria, Egypt |
Feast Day | November 25 |
Canonization | Pre-congregation |
Patron Saint of |
St Peter of Alexandria’s Life History
St. Peter of Alexandria, a native of Alexandria, Egypt, is celebrated for his deep understanding of both science and the Bible.
He served as the head of the catechetical school in Alexandria and, in 300 AD, became the Bishop of Alexandria.
Notably, he staunchly opposed extreme Origenism and is believed to be one of the earliest figures to confront the Arian heresy.
During the Diocletian persecution, St. Peter, along with many of his followers, fled the area. He faced criticism from some quarters for his perceived leniency and forgiveness toward Christians who had renounced their faith during the persecutions.
However, his leadership was tested when a rogue bishop illegitimately assumed his position, leading to the Meletian schism within his clergy.
To address this crisis, St. Peter emerged from hiding, excommunicated Meletius, and convened a synod of bishops to denounce the schism.
His writings were subsequently referenced in the Council of Ephesus and the Council of Chalcedon.
St. Peter, together with three of his priests – Father Dio, Father Ammonius, and Father Faustus, met martyrdom during the persecutions of Roman Emperor Gaius Valerius Galerius Maximinus in 311.
Notably, he holds the distinction of being the last Christian martyr in Alexandria at the hands of civil authorities. The Coptic Church, recognizing his significance, reveres him as “the seal and complement of the martyrs.”
St. Peter’s relics were initially laid to rest in a martyr’s cemetery in Alexandria, but most were later enshrined in a church in Grasse, France.
He is often depicted in art embracing his executioner or in the presence of Christ appearing to him as a child dressed in rags, as depicted in the Acts of the Martyrdom of Saint Peter.
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