Saint of the Day – 5 March – Saint Theophilus of Caesarea (Died c217) Bishop, Theologian, Writer , Apologist and Defender of the Faith. Born in Caesarea, Palestine and died c195 of natural causes. Also known as – Theophilus of Palestine.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Caesarea, in Palestine, in the time of the Emperor, Severus, St Theophilus, Bishop, who was conspicuous for his wisdom and the purity of his life.”
Saint Theophilus was born in Caesarea in Palestine around 110. He was educated in a Christian environment and soon became a leader of the local Church. In 189 he was appointed as the Bishop of Caesarea.
He was a prolific Theologian and wrote several works, including the “Letter to Autolycus” an apologetic work defending Christianity against pagan accusations. In this work, Theophilus argues that Christianity is the true religion and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Theophilus was an important leader of the Church. He was one of the main supporters of celebrating Easter on Sunday, according to Western tradition. In 190, he attended a Synod in Caesarea, in which it was decided that Easter would be celebrated on Sunday.
He died in Caesarea of Palestine around 217. He was officially Canonised in the 16th Century with a Feast today, 5 March.
AnaStpaul 
One thought on “Saint of the Day – 5 March – Saint Theophilus of Caesarea (Died c217) Bishop”