ST. CLEMENT OF ROME (NOV. 23)

A Medieval Illumination of St. Clement of Rome

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West)

Pope St. Clement I, often referred to as St. Clement of Rome, occupies a place of great significance in the history of the early Church. Recognized as the fourth bishop of Rome, he served from AD 88 until his martyrdom in AD 99. His legacy as one of the earliest Apostolic Fathers has earned him a revered status, alongside other towering figures like St. Polycarp and St. Ignatius of Antioch. His writings, marked by their clarity and theological depth, have shaped foundational Christian doctrines, particularly concerning the authority of the apostles and their successors.

St. Clement's extant works, most notably his famous Epistle to the Corinthians, reflect his commitment to preserving the Church's unity and apostolic teachings. In this letter, written to address divisions within the Corinthian church, Clement emphasizes the importance of adhering to the leadership established by the apostles, a concept now known as Apostolic Succession. His teachings laid the groundwork for later theological formulations and underscored the Church’s commitment to maintaining a visible and continuous line of authority.

This emphasis on Apostolic Succession is echoed in the writings of later theologians like St. Irenaeus of Lyon, who highlighted Clement’s role in clarifying and defending the Church’s original teachings. Clement’s works, therefore, not only addressed the immediate concerns of his time but also became enduring guides for maintaining ecclesial unity and doctrinal purity.

Tradition recounts that St. Clement suffered imprisonment under Emperor Trajan, a period marked by his unshakable faith and pastoral care. Even in chains, Clement ministered to fellow prisoners, offering them spiritual nourishment and hope. His dedication to serving others in the face of adversity is a testament to his Christ-like humility and courage.

St. Clement's martyrdom further solidified his legacy. According to ancient accounts, he was sentenced to death by being tied to an anchor and cast into the sea—a cruel fate that he embraced with steadfast faith. The anchor, now a symbol associated with St. Clement, represents hope and steadfastness in the Christian tradition and is frequently depicted in icons and heraldry connected to his veneration.

St. Clement's influence extends across Christian traditions. He is venerated as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian Churches, highlighting his universal importance as a bridge between apostolic times and the ongoing life of the Church. In the Orthodox tradition, he is especially revered as a patron saint of mariners, with the anchor serving as a poignant reminder of his martyrdom and his steadfast hope in Christ.

His feast day, observed on November 23, marks the day of his martyrdom and invites the faithful to reflect on his life of service, his theological contributions, and his unwavering commitment to the Gospel.

The life and teachings of St. Clement of Rome offer timeless lessons for Christians today. His emphasis on unity, adherence to apostolic teachings, and sacrificial love for the Church serve as a beacon for navigating modern challenges. St. Clement's example reminds us that faithfulness to Christ and His Church often requires courage, humility, and an enduring hope in the promises of God.

As we honor St. Clement, we are invited to reflect on how his legacy can inspire our own lives, particularly in fostering unity within the Church and standing firm in our faith, even in the face of trials. His life remains a testament to the enduring power of apostolic faith and the transformative grace of Christ.

The Apse of the Basilica of St. Clement in Rome

The Nave of St. Clement's

Ancient Greek Icon of St. Clement

Mural of the Life of St. Clement

6th Century Romanesque Mosaic Icon of St. Clement of Rome

THE PRAYER OF ST. CLEMENT

We ask, with prayer and supplication,

that the Creator of the universe

may guard intact to the end

the number of his elect throughout the whole world,

through his beloved Son Jesus Christ,

through whom he called us from darkness to light,

from ignorance to the full knowledge of the glory of his name.

Grant to us, Lord,

that we may set our hope on your name

which is the primal source of all creation,

and open the eyes of our hearts,

that we may know you,

who alone dwells in the highest heavens,

holy in the holy,

who lays low the insolence of the proud,

who sets the lowly on high,

and brings the lofty low,

who makes rich and makes poor,

who kills and makes alive,

who alone is the Benefactor of spirits

and the God of all flesh,

who looks into the abyss,

who scans the works of man,

the provider of those who are in peril,

the Savior of those who are in despair,

the Creator and Overseer of every spirit,

who multiplies the nations on earth,

and has chosen out from all men those that love you

through Jesus Christ, your beloved Son,

through whom you instructed us, sanctified us, and honored us.

We beseech you, Lord and Master,

to be our help and provider.

Save those among us who are in trouble,

have mercy on the lowly,

lift up the fallen,

show yourself to the needy,

heal the ungodly,

convert the wanderers of your people,

feed the hungry,

release our prisoners,

raise up the weak,

comfort the fainthearted.

Let all the Gentiles know that you are the God alone,

and Jesus Christ is your Son,

and we are your people and the sheep of your pasture.

Through your work

you show yourself in the everlasting fabric of the world.

You, Lord, created the earth.

You are faithful throughout all generations,

righteous in your judgments,

marvelous in strength and excellence,

you are wise in creating and prudent

in establishing that which you have made,

you are good in the things which are seen

and faithful with those who trust in you,

merciful and compassionate.

Forgive us our iniquities and our unrighteousness

and our transgressions and shortcomings.

Do not count every sin of your servants and your handmaids,

but cleanse us with your truth,

and guide our steps

to walk in holiness and righteousness and singleness of heart

and to do such things that are good and well pleasing in your sight

and in the sight of our rulers.

Yes, Lord, make your face to shine on us in peace for our good,

that we may be sheltered by your mighty hand

and delivered from every sin by your uplifted arm.

And deliver us from those who hate us wrongfully.

Give concord and peace to us and to all who dwell on the earth,

as you gave to our fathers

when they called on you in faith and truth with holiness,

that we may be saved,

while we render obedience to your almighty and most excellent name,

and to our rulers and governors on the earth.

You, Lord and Master,

have given them the power of sovereignty

through your excellent and unspeakable might,

that as we know the glory and honor

which you have given them

we may submit ourselves to them,

resisting your will in nothing.

Grant to them therefore, O Lord,

health peace, concord, stability,

that they may administer the government which you have given them without failure.

For you, O heavenly Master, King of the ages,

give to the sons of men glory and honor

and power over all things that are on the earth.

Lord, direct their counsel by what is good and pleasing in your sight,

that administering the power which you have given them

in peace and gentleness with godliness,

they may obtain your favor.

O Lord, you alone are able to do these things

and things far better than these for us.

We praise you through the High priest and Guardian of our souls,

Jesus Christ,

through whom be the glory and the majesty

to you both now and for all generations

and for ever and ever. Amen.

(This prayer is the oldest extant in all Christendom, outside of the New Testament, translated from Latin by A. Hamman, OMF) 

COLLECT

O Almighty God, who didst give Thy servant Clement grace to lay down his life in faithful witness to Thy holy Name: Grant, we beseech Thee, that we, following his example of steadfastness and humility, may ever hold fast the faith once delivered to the saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.