Saint Theogenes of Hippo
Bishop of Hippo in the 3rd century, Theogenes participated in the Council of Carthage under the authority of Saint Cyprian. He was martyred around 260 with thirty-six companions during the persecution of Valerian. Saint Augustine testifies to the celebration of his memory and his cult in Hippo.
Contemporaries
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Guided reading
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SAINT THEOGENES, BISHOP OF HIPPO (260).
Participation in the Council of Carthage
Theogenes, Bishop of Hippo, participated in the council convened by Saint Cyprian on the question of the baptism of heretics, where he expressed a prudent position later validated by Saint Augustine.
Theogene s, bishop, was among the Fathers of the Council of Carthage, which assembled through the care and author ity of Saint Cyprian to address the question of the baptism of heretics. He gave an opinion there which, if one pays attention to the circumstances and the question not yet defined, will appear marked by the s tamp of pruden ce. Saint Augustine reports these words as follows : "Theogenes of Hippo said: According to the sacrament of the heavenly grace, which we have received, we believe in one baptism, which is in the holy Church." And our great doctor interprets this thought thus: this opinion can also be mine. For it was stated so as to contain nothing contrary to the truth, and we also believe in one baptism, which is in the holy Church; that is why the terms of this opinion must not encounter contradiction, since they in no way hinder the truth.
The martyrdom under Valerian
Under the influence of Macrianus, the Emperor Valerian launched a persecution that struck Africa; Theogenes suffered martyrdom shortly after Saint Cyprian.
The Emperor Valerian was reigning at that time; for a long time, he had earned the approval of good people, being very favorable to the Christians. But led astray by the treacherous counsels of Macrianus, he issued an edict of persecution. Begun in Rome with a great shedding of blood, the persecution soon passed into Egypt, and invaded all of Africa. A prelate eminent a bove all othe rs, Saint Cyprian, had his head severed; Saint Augustine says of him: "Like a vine branch laden with fruit, if there was anything to be purified in him, martyrdom purified it." Theogenes of Hippo, his contemporary and his colleague in the episcopate, followed this great man in such a glorious death.
Cult and doctrine of the saints
Saint Augustine uses the example of Theogenes to clarify that the cult of the martyrs is directed toward God and not toward men, specifying that Theogenes died with thirty-six companions.
The memory of Theogene s was famous in H ippo, a nd the same doctor, speaking of the cult of the Saints, said: "When we offer the holy sacrifice at the memorials of the Saints, is it not to God that we offer it?" The holy martyrs have an honorable rank, yet they are not worshipped in place of Christ. When have you heard it said in the memory of Saint Theogenes, either by me, or by one of my brothers or colleagues, or finally by any priest: I offer to you, Saint Theogenes, I offer to you, Peter? It is not P eter t hat I worship, but God, whom Peter also worships as I do. Theogenes was martyred around the year 260, and with him thirty-six Christians who, despising death, won the crown of eternal life.
Sources
The information is based primarily on the sermons of Saint Augustine and the Proper of Aix.
Saint Augustin e, sermon 327. — See also the Proper of Ai x.
Iconography
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Frequently asked questions about Saint Theogenes of Hippo
Who was Saint Theogenes of Hippo?
Bishop of Hippo in the 3rd century, Theogenes participated in the Council of Carthage under the authority of Saint Cyprian. He was martyred around 260 with thirty-six companions during the persecution of Valerian. Saint Augustine testifies to the celebration of his memory and his cult in Hippo.
What is Saint Theogenes of Hippo the patron saint of?
Patronage of Saint Theogenes of Hippo: Hippo.
How is Saint Theogenes of Hippo depicted in Christian art?
In iconography, Saint Theogenes of Hippo is recognizable by: crown of eternal life.
How did Saint Theogenes of Hippo die?
Saint Theogenes of Hippo suffered martyrdom for the Christian faith (3rd century).
Which saints were contemporaries of Saint Theogenes of Hippo?
Contemporaries include: Saint Irenaeus of Lyon, Saint Ausonius of Angoulême, Saint Firmin of Pamplona and Saint Baudilus.
What are the other names of Saint Theogenes of Hippo?
Other forms of the name: Theogenes.
Annexes & related entities
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Key Events
- Participation in the Council of Carthage on the baptism of heretics
- Persecution edict of Emperor Valerian
- Martyred in Hippo with thirty-six companions
Quotes
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According to the sacrament of heavenly grace, which we have received, we believe in one baptism, which is in the holy Church
Theogenes of Hippo, cited by Saint Augustine