Saint Clement of Rome
Saint Clement of Rome (also Clement I; born c. 35 AD in Rome, Italy; died c. 99 AD, traditionally in Crimea) was the fourth Pope of Rome (c. 88–99 AD) and one of the Apostolic Fathers. His First Letter to the Corinthians (1 Clement) — written around 96 AD and addressed to the Church at Corinth to restore order after a schism — is the earliest surviving Christian document outside the New Testament, and is a foundational text for the theology of apostolic succession. He is venerated as a martyr and his feast day is November 23.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Clement of Rome
| Saint Clement of Rome | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | November 23 |
| Profession | Pope; pastor; Apostolic Father; author |
| Rel. Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church; Early Church |
| Patronage | Mariners; sailors; tanners; blacksmiths; marble workers; Crimea; lighthouse keepers |
| Attributes | Anchor (instrument of his traditional martyrdom); papal triple tiara; fish (connection to sea/sailors) |
| Birthplace | Rome, Italy |
| Death Place | Crimea (traditional; martyrdom by drowning) |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom; traditionally drowned with an anchor tied to him (per later tradition); the historical account is uncertain |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, Italy — his relics brought from the Crimea by Saints Cyril and Methodius; enshrined beneath the high altar |
| Liturgical Class | Memorial |
| Historic Class | November 23 |
Biography
Clement is listed in ancient episcopal lists as the third or fourth Bishop of Rome after the Apostle Peter. The precise order varies by source (Irenaeus gives Linus, Anencletus, Clement; Tertullian gives Clement directly after Peter), but he was certainly active as a leading figure in the Roman Church by the end of the first century. He may be the Clement mentioned by Saint Paul in Philippians 4:3.
His most important legacy is the First Letter to the Corinthians, written around 96 AD in the name of the Church of Rome to the Church of Corinth, where a faction had deposed the legitimate presbyters. The letter urges restoration of order, emphasizes that the apostles appointed bishops and deacons and that this succession must be maintained, and contains an extended meditation on humility, charity, and unity. It is the earliest non-canonical Christian document, and an extraordinary witness to the Roman Church's sense of authority over other churches at the end of the first century.
A later tradition (not attested in early sources) says that Clement was exiled by Emperor Trajan to work in the Crimean mines and was eventually martyred by being drowned with an anchor. This led to his patronage of mariners and to the anchor becoming his symbol. Saints Cyril and Methodius claimed to find his relics at the Crimean city of Cherson in 861 AD and brought them to Rome, where they were placed in the Basilica of San Clemente.
The Basilica of San Clemente in Rome is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the city: the present 12th-century church stands over a 4th-century church which stands over a 1st-century Roman house, possibly the titulus Clementis — Clement's own house-church.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Rome, Italy
Death location: Crimea (traditional; martyrdom by drowning)
Notable location: The ancient titular church of Rome dedicated to him; built over a 2nd-century structure and a 1st-century house possibly associated with Clement; his relics translated here in the 9th century (Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano, Rome, Italy)
Notable location: His papal see; he led the early Roman Church and wrote the authoritative letter to Corinth (Rome, Italy (Vatican City area))
Notable location: The region where tradition says Clement was exiled and martyred; Saints Cyril and Methodius claimed to have found his relics here in 861 AD and brought them to Rome (Crimea (traditional martyrdom site))
Notable location:
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Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
| Parish | Diocese | City | AdministrativeSubdivision | Country | ParishWebsite |
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| Parish | Diocese | City | AdministrativeSubdivision | Country | ParishWebsite |
| St. Clement of Rome (Diocese of Bridgeport) | Diocese of Bridgeport | Stamford, CT | Connecticut | United States | http://www.stclementofstamford.com/ |
Media
| Media | Length | AuthorCreator |
|---|---|---|
| ✝️Saint Clement of Rome – The Courage of a Young Martyr🦁 | 15–30 minutes | Journey of the Saints |
| Saint Clement of Rome : The Anchor of Early Christianity | Under 5 minutes | Joy of Heaven |
Shrines
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Known shrines
- Basilica of San Clemente, Rome — the multilevel church containing his relics; one of Rome's most historically significant basilicas.
Feast day
November 23
Veneration
Saint Clement of Rome is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church with a feast day on November 23 (Memorial). He is also venerated in the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches.
Prayers
Authored
There are prayers authored by this saint in prayers list yet.
Intercessory
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