Anastasius was born in Rome and was the son of Maximus. He succeeded Siricius as Pope and condemned the writings of the Alexandrian theologian Origen shortly after their translation into Latin. He was the first Pope to fight against the writings of Origen. He fought against these writings throughout his papacy, and in 400 he called a council to discuss them. The council agreed that Origen was not faithful to the Church.

During his reign, he encouraged Christians in North Africa to fight against Donatism. He instructed priests to stand and bow their head as they read from the gospels. Among his friends were Augustine, Jerome, and Paulinus. Jerome speaks of him as a man of great holiness who was rich in his poverty.

The papacy of Pope Anastasius I was only 25 months long, and he passed away in 40. He died in Rome and was eventually buried in the Catacomb of Pontian. His son became his immediate successor as Pope Innocent I, which is probably a unique case of a pope being succeeded by his son.

Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Nemesius
2. Saint Bernard Valeara
3. Saint Dominic Uy
4. Saint Fausta
5. Saint Francis Xavier Mau