Baring-Gould’s sources: Roman Martyrology. Usuardus, Ado. Authority: — Eusebius, j|ARCISSUS was the thirtieth bishop of Jerusalem. The controversy about the Paschal festival had continued to divide some parts of the Eastern and Western Churches ever since S. Polycarp and S. Anicetus had discussed the question at Rome in 158. The two parties, however, had not conducted themselves with the mildness of those bishops, and the dispute was running high at the period when Narcissus ascended the important throne of Jerusalem. The Churches of Asia Minor adhered to the Jewish method of observing the Paschal festival on the fourteenth day of the first month; whereas all the other Churches kept it on the day before the Sunday on which they celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord The Church of Jerusalem, consisting, since the rebuilding of the city as iElia Capitolina, exclusively of Greeks, was fired with hostility to the relics of the old Nazarene Church of Jerusalem, made up of converted Jews. It, therefore, embraced eagerly the anti- Jewish custom of celebrating Easter, and was thus thrown into opposition to the Churches of Asia Minor.

Theophilus, Bishop of Caesarea, and Narcissus of Jerusalem 1 took the lead among the Bishops of Palestine. An assembly was called, and Cassius, Bishop of Tyre, and Clasus of Ptolemais with some others attended the synod. The bishops of Pontus [a region on the Black Sea coast of Turkey] met under the presidency of Palmas, and another council was held at Edessa. The unanimous decision of these synods was against the Jewish method of keeping the Paschal festival, and they all sent letters declaratory of their sentiments to the different Churches.

Narcissus is said by Eusebius [Eusebius of Caesarea (d. c. 339), the first historian of the Church] to have wrought a notable miracle. One Easter Eve, oil was wanting for the lamps. Narcissus bade water be drawn from a well and poured into the lamps, and it answered as well as oil Narcissus did not escape slander. Some, disliking the strictness of his discipline, told false stories about him, and swore to their truth. The bishop, who had long craved for a life of solitude, took to flight, and remained for many years concealed in the deserts. But divine justice pursued those who had accused him. One was burned in his house, another attacked by leprosy, and the third, after confessing how he had slandered Narcissus, lost his sight On the disappearance of Narcissus, the bishops of the neighbouring churches ordained one named Dius in his room. On the death of Dius they consecrated Germanius, and then Gordius, in whose time Narcissus re-appeared as one risen from the dead, and resumed his office at the entreaty of the people.