Optional Memorial of Pope St. Sylvester I; only a very strong and wise man could have preserved the essential independence of the Church in the face of the overpowering figure of the Emperor Constantine; in general, the bishops remained loyal to the Holy See, and at times expressed apologies to Sylvester I for undertaking important ecclesiastical projects at the urging of Constantine; Sylvester reigned as pope from 314 to his death in 335 A.D.
Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/31/25