Celestine of Rome

Saint Celestine, Pope of Rome, champion of Orthodoxy against Nestorius.

Celestine was Bishop of Rome from 422 to 432. Learned in the Scriptures, he was a firm defender of the Orthodox faith and condemned the teaching of Nestorius, sending his legates to the Third Ecumenical Council at Ephesus.

He reposed in peace and is honoured by the Eastern Church among the holy popes of old Rome.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Celestine of Rome is commemorated on April 8. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on April 21 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on April 8

• 

  Kalliope

  Holy Woman, Καλλιόπη

  Holy Martyr Calliopus.

  Name days: Kalliope, Kalliopi, Calliope, Callie

• Agabus, Rufus, Phlegon and Asyncritus

  Apostle, Άγαβος, Ρούφος, Φλέγων και Ασύγκριτος

  Holy Apostles Agabus, Rufus, Phlegon and Asyncritus of the Seventy.

  Name days: Agabus, Rufus

• Pausilypos of Heraclea

  Martyr, Παυσίλυπος

  Holy Martyr Pausilypos, who suffered at Heraclea in Thrace under Hadrian.

• John the Ship-Captain

  Martyr, Ιωάννης ο Ναύκληρος

  Holy New Martyr John the Ship-Captain of Kos, burned for Christ.

• Niphon of Novgorod

  Hierarch, Νήφων Νόβγκοροντ

  Saint Niphon, Bishop of Novgorod, monk of the Kiev Caves.

• John Koulikas

  Martyr, Ιωάννης ο Κουλικάς

  Holy New Martyr John Koulikas, who was impaled for Christ.