Saint Anastasius I (d.401)

Saint Anastasius I was a Roman by birth, but very little is known about his early life. He was elected pope in 399 and began his papacy by condemning the works of Origen. His mistrust of Origen began after he received a letter from Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria expressing great uncertainty about Origen's faithfulness to Christian teaching. In 400, Anastasius organized a council to deliberate on the writings of Origen, which were judged to be heretical. Even though he faced opposition to this decision, Anastasius upheld the council's judgment. Anastasius also fought against the heresy of Donatism. Saint Anastasius I kept holy company, including Saint Augustine of Hippo, Saint Jerome, and Saint Paulinus of Nola.