Sylvester was Bishop of Rome from 314 to 335—that is, from just after the Emperor Constantine's edict legalizing Christianity to just before the death of Constantine. He was represented by delegates at the regional Council of Arles in 314 (called in an attempt to heal the Donatist schism) and at the ecumenical Council of Nicea in 325 (called to decide the Arian question). Constantine gave him the Lateran Palace, which became his cathedral. Little else is known of him. There are later stories of his dealings with Constantine, but these are totally unhistorical. He is chiefly remembered as a great leader and teacher of the Christian Church during turbulent, transitional times—and for his legendary humility and selflessness.

Making it real. Sometimes it's surprising for "cradle Orthodox" to hear that many western saints (pre-Great Schism of 1054) are celebrated by our Church each year, such as St. Alban, St. Patrick and St. Sylvester. It's important for us to realize that the Orthodox world—then and now—is a broad, richly diverse reality. The demographics of our own parish confirm this. This month, engage your children on this topic. Look up St. Sylvester or another western Orthodox saint online—or ask Fr. Alex for some of his books or articles that chronicle the lives of the saints. Talk to them about the similarities and differences between Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy, and discuss with them how there was a time when the Church was united. Our Orthodox faith and history is full of rich surprises; let's make sure we're sharing them with our children.