Saint Anicetus was a Syrian from Emesa (modern-day Homs, Syria) who became pope in 155. He was the 11th pope of the Church and was elected after Pope Saint Pius was martyred.

Polycarp of Smyrna visited Pope Anicetus to discuss dates when Easter was celebrated. The pope did not agree with Polycarp’s explanation but he still did agree that the Smyrna church could celebrate the crucifixion on the date that they wanted. This Easter controversy grew in the following centuries.

Anicetus was absolutely opposed to Gnostics and Marcionism. Perhaps because Gnostics let their hair grow long, Anicetus decreed that priests should keep their hair short. He suffered martyrdom on the orders of the Roman Emperor Lucius Verus, but no records remain of his death.

Other Saints of the Day:
• Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
• Saint Robert of Molesme
• Saint Robert of Chaise-Dieu
• Saint Landericus of Soignies
• Saint Donnan of Eigg