Cyprian
ST., THAECIUS CÆCI- LIUS (sip're-an), Bishop of Carthage, and one of the fathers of the Church. He was probably a native of Carthage, taught rhetoric there, and about 246, wien nearly 50 years of age, was converted to the Christian faith. He adopted a rigidly ascetic manner of life, and was appointed Bishop of Carthage in 248. When the persecution under Decius fell on the Churches, Cyprian ran away and concealed himself for nearly two years.
He was then received as bishop again, but during the next persecution, under Valerianus, he was arrested and banished. After a year he was recalled, but as he refused to make the required sacrifice to the gods, he was put to death, 258. His works, consisting of letters and sermons, are of great importance for the insight they give into the beliefs, modes of thought, and practices of the early Churches.