Born near the start of the 2nd century, Narcissus was the Bishop of Jerusalem but, at the time, it was only the Jews and Christians who referred to the city by that name. 

After the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the Romans rebuilt and renamed the city, calling it Aleea Captitolina, a name they retained for 600 years! 

Narcissus became Bishop at an advanced age and, at a dangerous time. Many of his predecessors had been martyred. 

He was admired for his faith and Holiness but, there were those critical of his strict adherence to Church discipline. 

Narcissus was also known for many miracles, including turning water into oil for use in Church lamps on Holy Saturday after the Deacons had forgotten to provide the needed oil. 

At one point he retired and went into seclusion leaving many to believe he’d retired. But, in his absence, there were several successors. 

Then, at an even more advanced age, he returned and, with the help of an assistant, led the Christian community in Jerusalem again. 

In 196 he helped produce a decree that moved Easter to be celebrated on a Sunday, rather than the Jewish Passover. 

St. Narcissus, please pray for us.