Cyprian of Carthage (ca. 200-258) Bishop of Carthage, Father of the Church, martyr
Cyprian, born into wealth, sold his property, including his gardens at Carthage, and gave most of his revenues to the poor. He was baptized in 246 and elected Bishop of Carthage in 248. His election coincided with the Decian persecution. The Roman Emperor Decius issued an edict that all bishops be put to death and other believers tortured until they recanted their faith. Cyprian went into hiding but continued to write eulogies for those who were martyred.
During the the persecution, most Christians denied their faith. In 251, after the persecution subsided, Cyprian allowed the apostates back into the Church as long as appropriate penance was performed. Another issue related to those who denied their faith was the question of rebaptism. Cyprian despite admonishment from Rome performed rebaptism.
A new round of persecutions began under Emperor Valerian with Cyprian arrested on August 30, 257. On September 14, Cyprian was tried, sentenced and beheaded. Before dying, he ordered that 25 gold pieces be given to his executioner.
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