Alexander of Jerusalem

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Alexander of Jerusalem, depiction from the 15th century.

Alexander of Jerusalem ( ancient Greek Αλέξανδρος Ιεροσολύμων Aléxandros Ierosolýmon ; † March 18, 250 or 251 in Caesarea Maritima ) was Bishop of Jerusalem from 213.

Life

Alexander studied together with Origen in Alexandria under Pantaenus and Clemens . He became bishop in Cappadocia or Cilicia at the beginning of the 3rd century and was imprisoned for his faith from 204 to 212 during the persecution of Christians under Septimius Severus . After his release he went to Jerusalem and was placed by the bishops of Palestine at the side of the elderly Bishop Narcissus of Jerusalem as coadjutor and successor.

Alexander, along with Theoctistus of Caesarea, was one of the supporters of Origen in his dispute against the bishop of Alexandria , Demetrius , when Origines preached in Caesarea without being ordained . Alexander justified this to Demetrius by saying that lay preaching was common practice in his region. Above all, Alexander was venerated for donating a library in Jerusalem that later consulted Eusebius of Caesarea for the preparation of his church history. Alexander, who was already very old at this point in time, finally fell victim to the persecution of Christians by Emperor Decius , who had him imprisoned. Alexander died in chains in Caesarea's dungeon.

Alexander is venerated as a saint. His feast day is March 18th in the west and December 22nd in the east .

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literature

predecessor Office successor
Narcissus Patriarch of Jerusalem
213-251 		Mazabanes
personal data
SURNAME Alexander of Jerusalem
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Alexandros
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Bishop of Jerusalem
DATE OF BIRTH 2nd century
DATE OF DEATH March 18, 250 or 251
Place of death Caesarea Maritima