St Celestine, Pope of Rome (+432)

Saint Celestine, Pope of Rome (+432), a faithful defender of Orthodoxy, lived in the time of the holy Theodosius the Younger (408–450). He received a good education and knew philosophy excellently, but studied Holy Scripture most diligently of all. His compassion and his knowledge of Holy Scripture won the holy father universal authority and love. After the death of the holy Pope Boniface I (418–422) Celestine was elected to the see of Rome.

At that time the heresy of Nestorius arose. In 430, at a local council in Rome, Saint Celestine denounced and condemned the heresy. After the council the pope sent a letter to Saint Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria (commemorated 18 January), declaring that if Nestorius did not renounce his false teaching within ten days, he would be cut off from the Church.

Saint Celestine also denounced Nestorianism in letters sent to the Churches of Constantinople and Antioch.

For two years after the council the saint fervently preached the true teaching about Christ as God incarnate, and reposed in peace on 6 April 432.