By Bishop Grigorios of Mesaoria
Today, January 2, the Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Sylvester, Pope of Rome, who was born in Rome and became Pope in 314 AD. Thanks to his Orthodox faith, he managed to eradicate Arianism and established the liturgical practices of Chrismation. Before being ordained to Bishop, he had performed many miracles and, therefore, many people believed in the Savior Christ. For instance, one of those who were converted to Christianity was Constantine the Great. Constantine the Great, at the instigation of Saint Sylvester, built seven churches in order to glorify the Savior Christ and the Holy Martyrs. Saint Sylvester fell asleep in the Lord when he was old.
Source: Church of Cyprus