Saint Evaristus

Saint Evaristus, successor of Saint Clement, according to Saint Irenaeus and Eusebius, was bishop of Rome around the year 100. At the time, the term Pope was applied to any prelate, and it was only in the 6th century that the title of Pope began to be reserved exclusively for the Roman Pontiff.

Saint Evaristo was a Greek from Antioch, as was his Jewish father, called Judas, born in Bethlehem. According to the Liber Pontificalis, Evaristo was considered a martyr, as were seven or nine other pontiffs, although the specific reason for this is not known.

During the exercise of his pontificate, two legendary dispositions were attributed to Santo Evaristo. The first was the distribution of the priests of Rome in the twenty-five titles or parish churches of the city, which would have been established by Saint Cletus. This organization provided a more adequate structure for the administration of the Church at the time.

The second provision was the decision for the deacons to be alongside the bishop during the preaching and proclamation of the preface to the Mass, with the aim of witnessing orthodoxy and giving greater solemnity to the celebration. This measure reinforced the importance of deacons in the liturgical context of the Church and established a more active role for them during celebrations.

The Death and Relics of Saint Evaristus

Saint Evaristus died in 105, during the persecution imposed by Emperor Trajan. Although the source is not accurate, his death was officially recorded in the Book of Popes in Rome. According to an ancient tradition, he became a martyr for the faith and his body was abandoned near the tomb of the apostle Peter.

After his death, Saint Evaristus was buried near the body of Saint Peter, in the Vatican, on October 27th. The martyrology, however, records his memory on October 26th. The name “Evaristo” derives from the Greek “euarestos”, which means funny or pleasant.

The Legacy of Saint Evaristus

Santo Evaristo left an important legacy as pontiff of the Church. His organization of the distribution of priests in Rome’s parish churches established an administrative model that lasted for many centuries. Furthermore, his decision to place the deacons alongside the bishop during the celebration of Mass highlighted the importance of this ministry and gave greater solemnity to the liturgies.

As successor to Saint Peter, Saint Evaristo played a fundamental role in structuring the Church, strengthening its organization and promoting unity among the faithful. His dedication and martyrdom are examples of faith and courage, and his memory continues to be celebrated and honored by the Catholic Church.