This week in Christian history: Catholic theologian dies; pope martyred; France abolishes tithes
Pope Sixtus II martyred — August 6, 258
This week marks the anniversary of when Pope Sixtus II was killed along with a few deacons for his beliefs while overseeing a worship service in the catacombs of Rome.
Roman Emperor Valerian had issued a decree the year before mandating that Christians take part in pagan rituals or be prohibited from holding worship assemblies.
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“While seated on his chair in the act of addressing his flock he was suddenly apprehended by a band of soldiers,” explained the Catholic website New Advent.
“There is some doubt whether he was beheaded forthwith, or was first brought before a tribunal to receive his sentence and then led back to the cemetery for execution. The latter opinion seems to be the more probable.”
