A Greek, born in Nicopolis, Epirus, Greece; died in Rome, May 24, c.189.
Although Eleutherius, son of Habundius, was Greek, he became a deacon in
Rome and was elected pope about 174 to succeed Saint Soter. He is known
only for his decree that any food fit for humans was suitable for
Christians-- probably issued against the rigorism of the Gnostics and
the Montanists. He is credited with sending missionaries to Britain.
(
Benedictines,
Delaney).