Zoticus (Greek: Ζωτικός) was a 3rd-century martyr and bishop of Comana (also spelled Conana or Comama). Zoticus is known for his opposition to the Montanist heresy.[1] He died in 204 a martyr.[1] A life of Zoticus, the Vita Zotici, was written during the reign of Michael IV (1034–41). The town of Saint-Zotique, Quebec is named for him, as is Rue St Zotique in Montreal.

Saint Zoticus
Martyr and Bishop of Comana
Died204
Venerated inRoman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church
CanonizedPre-congregation
Feast21 July

Biography

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Zoticus of Comana is sometimes identified with Comana in Cappadocia,[1] but other sources dispute this identification,[2] and suggest a Comana in Italy.[3] Zoticus is known for his opposition to the Montanist heresy.[1][4] Sometime in the 3rd century Bishop Zoticus and Bishop Julian of Apamea went to a town called Pepuza to exorcize demons from Maximilla. While in Papuza they muzzled the followers of Themiso to stop them from spreading falsehood,[5] and Zoticus tried to prove Maximilla why Montanism was wrong.[6][7] Zoticus' exorcism was stopped by followers of Themiso.[8] Zoticus became a martyr during the persecution of Septimius Severus,[3] around the year 204.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Butler, Alban. Lives of the Saints, Vol. VII, 1866
  2. ^ Comana
  3. ^ a b St. Zoticus Catholic Online
  4. ^ Holweck, Frederick George (1924). A Biographical Dictionary of the Saints: With a General Introduction on Hagiology Volume 1. B. Herder Book Company.
  5. ^ Eusebius, Caesariensis (1991). Church history ; Life of Constantine the Great ; and Oration in praise of Constantine. T. & T. Clark ; W.B. Eerdmanns. ISBN 978-0-567-09410-0.
  6. ^ McKechnie, Paul (2019). Christianizing Asia Minor:Conversion, Communities, and Social Change in the Pre-Constantinian Era. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-110-848-146-5.
  7. ^ Durell, J.C.V (1997). The Historic Church: An Essay on the Conception of the Christian Church and Its Ministry in the Sub-apostolic Age. Wipf & Stock Publishers. ISBN 978-157-910-075-9.
  8. ^ Bacon, Benjamin Wisner (1910). The Fourth Gospel in Research and Debate: A Series of Essays on Problems Concerning the Origin and Value of the Anonymous Writings Attributed to the Apostle John. Moffat, Yard.