Bishop
Saint Sylvester was the Pope of Rome from 314 to 335. He was born there and raised by Christian parents. After the death of his father, he remained under the care of his mother. He received an excellent education, devoted himself to the spiritual life, and became a man of deep Christian virtue.
During the period of persecutions against Christians, he did not hesitate to live together with the holy confessor Bishop Timothy for more than a year, converting many people to Christ. After the martyrdom of Saint Timothy, Sylvester secretly preserved his relics. For this act, he was arrested, yet he remained steadfast despite the threats he faced. He was imprisoned for a long time, until he was eventually released and began preaching the truth of the Christian faith to the pagans.
At the age of thirty, he was received into the clergy of the Roman Church. He was ordained a deacon and later a presbyter. After the death of the Pope, he was elected Bishop of Rome. He diligently guided his flock and ensured the proper celebration of all sacraments. He studied the Holy Scripture and courageously defended the Christian faith.
During the reign of Constantine the Great, after the end of the persecutions, new disputes concerning matters of faith arose. At that time, Saint Sylvester, speaking on behalf of all Christians, demonstrated, by referring to the texts of the Old Testament, that the prophets had foretold the Birth of Christ. His argument was so strong that led many to believe in Christ and to be baptized.
Saint Sylvester served as Pope of Rome for more than twenty years, inspiring deep reverence among the faithful. He reposed in peace in 335, at an advanced age.
