Saint Silverius - Pope and Martyr | Feast Day and Biography

ST. SILVERIUS (POPE)

Saint Silverius was a Pope who served during a turbulent time in the 6th century. Known for his strong stand against Monophysite heresy, he was deposed and exiled by the Byzantine emperor's forces, led by Belisarius, and died in exile. His steadfastness in upholding the true nature of Christ earned him martyrdom, and he is honored as a saint in the Catholic Church.

Saint Silverius, born around the late 5th century, was the son of Pope Hormisdas. His papacy began in 536 AD, following the death of Pope Agapetus I. The time in which he served as pope was marked by both political and theological upheaval. During this period, the Byzantine Empire, under Emperor Justinian I, was engaged in a war with the Ostrogoths over control of Italy, and the Church was also embroiled in the Monophysite controversy, which revolved around the nature of Christ.

The Monophysites, a group that believed Christ had only one nature (divine), were in opposition to the Orthodox belief that Christ had two natures, one divine and one human. The Byzantine Empress Theodora, a supporter of the Monophysite belief, sought to have the pope support this heresy. However, Silverius, adhering to the Orthodox teachings of the Church, resisted these pressures.

The political influence of Theodora, coupled with the military presence of the Byzantine forces in Italy, led to Silverius' eventual deposition in 537. The general Belisarius, who was sent to Italy by Justinian to assert imperial control, accused Silverius of treason, though these accusations were likely politically motivated. Silverius was forced into exile on the island of Palmaria, where he suffered from harsh conditions and possibly starvation. He died in exile, likely in 537 or 538 AD.

Despite the brevity and hardship of his papacy, Saint Silverius is revered for his commitment to the Orthodox faith and his refusal to compromise on Church doctrine, even in the face of immense pressure. He is remembered as a martyr, and his feast day is celebrated on June 20th. Though the exact date of his canonization is unknown, his story serves as a powerful testament to the struggles faced by early Church leaders in defending the true teachings of Christianity.

Feast Day

20-6-

Birth Date

--Unknown, possibly late 5th or early 6th century.

Died Date

--537 or 538 AD

Canonised Date

--N/A

Island of Palmaria, Italy

"Saint Silverius, faithful servant of Christ, You endured trials with courage and strength, Intercede for us, that we may remain steadfast in our faith, And be granted the grace to follow the path of truth and righteousness. Pray for us, that we may find peace and holiness in God's love. Amen."
ST. SILVERIUS (POPE)

Video Not Found

ST. SILVERIUS (POPE)

The information you see here may be either accurate or might contain some discrepancies, as it is gathered from various sources. If you believe that any part of the details about this saint is incorrect or incomplete, we kindly invite you to share your suggestions or corrections with us. Your insights are invaluable in helping us ensure that we provide the most accurate and reliable information.

We encourage you to use the form on the left to submit any corrections or additional information you may have. Whether it's a small detail or a larger correction, we will carefully review your submission and update the information accordingly. Your contributions will not only help us maintain the integrity of the content but also benefit others who seek to learn more about this saint. We greatly appreciate your assistance in making our information more accurate and complete.

Please rest assured that your personal details will remain confidential, and your suggestions will be handled with the utmost care. Together, we can ensure that the information about this saint is as accurate and informative as possible. Thank you for your time and contribution!