Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem (+251)

The Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem, was a disciple of Saint Clement of Alexandria (+c. 217). At the beginning of the third century he was chosen Bishop of Flavias in Cappadocia. In the reign of Septimius Severus (193–211) the hierarch was thrown into prison, where he spent three years. After his release the Lord’s chosen one went to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places, where in 212 he was chosen co-bishop with Patriarch Narcissus. This was a very rare occurrence in the practice of the ancient Church. First as co-bishop with the patriarch, and then consecrated patriarch himself, Saint Alexander governed the Church for 38 years and laboured much for the Christian enlightenment of his flock. The Lord’s chosen one created in Jerusalem a rich library of the works of Christian writers. He died in prison during the persecution of the Christians by the Emperor Decius (249–251).