January 11
Pope Hyginus
Hyginus was a second-century bishop of Rome, conventionally dated to about 138–142. The chronology is uncertain, and the ancient evidence does not establish that he died as a martyr.
An early bishop of Rome
Hyginus succeeded Telesphorus. Irenaeus connects his time with the activity of Valentinus and Cerdo in Rome, while Eusebius assigns him an episcopate of four years. These references place him within early Christian debates about the faith, but provide little detail about his personal life.
The limits of the record
The Catholic Encyclopedia warns that precise dates and several later claims about Hyginus cannot be securely established. It specifically states that ancient authorities do not report his martyrdom. The previous description tried to call him a martyr merely because he endured difficulties; that conclusion was unsupported. January 11 is the date recorded in the historical calendar.
Sources and references
Original explanation by Bible Daybook, prepared with AI assistance. References checked September 10, 2026; theological review pending.
Patronage
No verified patronage is listed for this record.
Era: 2nd century