Who he was
Dionysius was a learned priest of Rome who took part in the baptism controversy under Pope Stephen. After the martyrdom of St Sixtus II the see stayed empty for almost a year, and he was chosen only as the persecution died down, in July 259. Soon afterwards the Emperor Gallienus granted the Church toleration and returned its property, and Dionysius set its affairs in order again.
What he is remembered for
He held a synod in Rome that set out the Church's faith in the Trinity against both Sabellius and those who divided God into three or made the Son a creature, and asked his namesake, the Bishop of Alexandria, to explain his own teaching. He also sent money to ransom Christians in Cappadocia carried off by the Goths. He was buried in the papal crypt of the Catacomb of St Callistus.
He is honoured by the Church as Saint. Read his page in the dictionary of saints.
Sources
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