Saint Alexander of Jerusalem

Also known as: Alexander of Cappadocia
Memorial: 18 March (Roman Church)
22 December (Greek Church)
Profile: Studied in Alexandria, Egypt. Fellow student with Origen. Bishop of Cappadocia. Imprisoned from 204 to 211 for his faith in the persecutions of Severus. Pilgrim to Jerusalem upon his release. Coadjutor of Jerusalem with Saint Narcissus in 212. Censured for encourging Origen to teach in churches while still a laymen. Developed a large theological library.

Imprisoned again during the persecutions of Decius. When given a chance to save himself by denounced Christianity, he made a public pronouncement of faith. Thrown to wild animals, they refused to attack him. Reimprisoned, he died in chains from general maltreatment. Martyr.
Died: martyred in 251 at Ceasarea.
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Name Meaning: defending men
Additional Information: Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Catholic Encyclopedia
Catholic Online
New Catholic Dictionary
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson
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