St. Anicetus, Pope

St. Anicetus was the Bishop of Rome from around 157 to 168 AD. He was born in Syria and is believed to have been martyred during the reign of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. As pope, Anicetus defended the Catholic faith against the Gnostic heresy and established several important liturgical practices, including the observance of Easter. He is venerated as a saint for his steadfast leadership and devotion to the Church. St. Anicetus is the patron saint of beekeepers and is invoked for protection against floods.