This week in Christian history: Quaker founder dies, Lutheran Synod president ordained

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, January 09, 2022

Fabian becomes pope – Jan. 10, 236

A 15th-century painting of Saint Fabian (200-250) | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Saint Fabian was elected pope after what one early church account claimed was a miraculous appearance of the Holy Spirit.

A layman before taking the church leadership role, Fabian had initially attended the gathering to select a new pope and was originally not considered for the position.

Then, according to early church historian St. Eusebius, a bird came “flying down lighted on his head, resembling the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Saviour in the form of a dove.”

“Thereupon all the people, as if moved by one Divine Spirit, with all eagerness and unanimity cried out that [Fabian] was worthy, and without delay they took him and placed him upon the episcopal seat,” continued Eusebius, according to The National Catholic Register.

Fabian ruled until 250, helping to provide more structure to the Roman church and collect stories of past saints, with his reign ending when he was martyred for his faith.