This Week in Christian History: Early Church Bishop Killed, First Female American Minister

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, September 09, 2018

Bishop Cyprian Martyred - September 14, 258

St. Cyprian (200-258), Bishop of Carthage who was martyred for his beliefs. | (Photo: Public Domain)

This week marks the anniversary of when Saint Cyprian, a notable early church theologian and bishop, was executed for his beliefs, becoming the first African bishop to be martyred.

A native of Carthage and born to wealthy pagan parents, Cyprian was originally a lawyer until his conversion to Christianity in 246. He became a martyr two years later.

Cyprian was arrested for his refusal to sacrifice to pagan gods and was executed during a period of persecution under the Roman Emperor Valerian.

"He refused to sacrifice, and added that in such a matter there was no room for thought of the consequences to himself. The proconsul read his condemnation and the multitude cried, 'Let us be beheaded with him!'" explained NewAdvent.org.

"For the rest of the day his body was exposed to satisfy the curiosity of the pagans. But at night the brethren bore him with candles and torches, with prayer and great triumph, to the cemetery of Macrobius Candidianus in the suburb of Mapalia."