Pope Kedron of Alexandria

Who was Pope Kedron of Alexandria?

Pope Kedron, 4th Pope of Alexandria & Patriarch of the See of St. Mark. When the priest and Bishops who served in the country learned that the Bishop Avilius, Patriarch of Alexandria had died, they grieved greatly and they gathered in the city of Alexandria to consult with the Christian people there, and they cast the ballot to find out who deserved to sit on the Throne of Alexandria. They all agreed, with the confirmation of God, to elect a righteous man named Kedronos. It was said that he was among those who had been baptized by Saint Mark, and he was enthroned Patriarch in the month of Babab, in the year 96 AD, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan.

He was arrested and martyred in the persecution led by the Roman Emperor Trajan. It was said that the reason for the arrest was that one of the Roman governors had said to him, “Why do you not have our gods partake with your God and continue to worship him?" So he answered, “Because we do not prostrate before any other.” His martyrdom took place on the 21st of Paoni, in the year 106 AD. He was chaste and had all the good virtues, so he shepherded the Church with hard work and loyalty, for eleven years, one month, and twelve days, then departed in peace. After his departure, the Throne remained vacant for three years because of the intense persecution which did not allow the Christian people to elect a successor.