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By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, July 21, 2024

Dionysius becomes pope – July 22, 259

Early Church leader Dionysius, who became bishop of Rome (or pope) in July 259, serving until his death in December 268. | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when St. Dionysius, known for his opposition to the Sabellian heresy, became bishop of Rome, serving in the office until his death in 268.

While little is known about his origins, it is believed that Dionysius’ family was from Greece and he was born in Italy. His papacy came at a time when persecution of the Church was eased.

Dionysius made a concerted effort to denounce Sabellianism, an early Church heresy which claimed that the Persons of the Trinity are just three different aspects of God.

“One thing associated with this pope was his support of followers in Cappadocia. This region is now in parts of modern-day Turkey and faced many attacks from invading Goths,” noted Pope History.

“They not only destroyed some of the churches in the area but also kidnapped local people. The pope sent Church funds to those locals and asked them to use the money to both pay the ransoms for some of their people and to rebuild their churches.”

Dionysius is also believed to be the first pope in Catholic Church history to not be martyred.