Saint Narcissus
Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem (born c. 99 AD; died c. 215 AD in Jerusalem) was Bishop of Jerusalem from approximately 190 to 216 AD, known for a miraculous change of water into oil for the Easter Vigil lamps, his extraordinary age (reportedly living past 116 years), and his periods of voluntary solitary retreat from the episcopate. He is venerated in the Catholic Church with a feast on October 29.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Narcissus
| Saint Narcissus | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | October 29 |
| Profession | Bishop; 30th Bishop of Jerusalem (c. 190–216 AD); confessor |
| Rel. Affiliation | Catholic Church; Eastern Orthodox Church; Church of Jerusalem; early Christian episcopate; Aelia Capitolina (Roman Jerusalem) |
| Patronage | Jerusalem; bishops; those falsely accused; those of extreme old age |
| Attributes | Bishop's vestments; lamp or oil lamp (the Easter Vigil miracle); well or vessel of water; hermit's attributes (reflecting his period of solitary withdrawal) |
| Birthplace | Jerusalem (traditional) |
| Death Place | Jerusalem |
| Cause of Death | Natural death of extreme old age; he reportedly lived to over 116 years; he died as bishop emeritus of Jerusalem, c. 215–216 AD, after a remarkable career spanning decades |
| Primary Shrine | Church of the Holy Sepulchre area, Jerusalem — the historic seat of his episcopate; no specific shrine of his relics; venerated by ancient tradition in Jerusalem; Eusebius documents his cult |
| Liturgical Class | Optional Memorial (Roman Rite); October 29 |
| Historic Class | Commemoration in the Roman calendar; October 29 |
Biography
Narcissus was the 30th Bishop of Jerusalem, serving approximately from 190 to 216 AD. During his episcopate he presided over a local council of Jerusalem that agreed with Rome on the Sunday celebration of Easter, against the Quartodeciman position.
He is known for the miracle of changing water to oil for the Easter Vigil lamps, attested by eyewitness accounts preserved in the early Church.
He was falsely accused of serious sins by enemies; shaken by the accusations, he voluntarily withdrew from Jerusalem and lived as a hermit for some years. Several bishops served in his absence. When he was found again, the community insisted on his return.
In his great old age — reportedly past 116 years — Alexander of Jerusalem was appointed co-bishop to assist him. Eusebius of Caesarea (Ecclesiastical History VI) documents his life with unusual detail.
He died in Jerusalem in his extreme old age, c. 215–216 AD.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Jerusalem (traditional)
Death location: Jerusalem
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Parishes
No parishes dedicated to Narcissus of Jerusalem have been added to the database yet.
Media
| Media | Length | AuthorCreator |
|---|---|---|
| October 29 Saint Narcissus | Under 5 minutes | Breski1 |
| Saint of the Day: October 29th - Saint Narcissus | 5–15 minutes | Butler's Lives of the Saints |
| Powerful Novena to St. Narcissus | Under 5 minutes | Joy of Heaven |
| Powerful Prayer to Saint Narcissus | Under 5 minutes | Joy of Heaven |
Shrines
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Feast day
October 29
Veneration
Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem was the 30th Bishop of Jerusalem and is one of the best-documented early bishops outside Rome. His life is recorded in Eusebius's Ecclesiastical History. He is commemorated on October 29.
Prayers
Authored
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Intercessory
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