Felix I.-IV., POPES.

Felix I.-IV., POPES. FELIX I. succeeded Dionysius in the see of Rome in 269. Little is known of his history, for though he has been put amongst the martyrs there is no early evidence as to the manner of his death. Felix II. was the first antipope (see ANTIPOPE), being consecrated when Liberius was banished (356) for refusing to condemn Athanasius. When Liberius was restored in the following year, Felix was constrained to retire from the city. Most ancient authorities treat him as an unauthorised interloper; but he was ultimately regarded as a saint and martyr (on what evidence does not appear).—FELIX III. ascended the pontifical throne in 483 as the successor of Simplicius. He was a native of Rome, and of the family from which afterwards sprung Pope Gregory the Great. Immediately after his accession Felix repudiated the Henoticon or Decree of Union between the Eastern Church and the Monophysites proclaimed by the Emperor Zeno, and proceeded to excommunicate Acacius, patriarch of Constantinople, because he refused to do the same, thus originating the first disruption between the churches of the East and West, a breach which on this occasion lasted thirty-four years. Felix died 24th February 492, and was succeeded by Gelasius.—FELIX IV., a native of Benevento, succeeded John I. in 526. He was appointed by Theodoric, and failed to meet with the approval of the clergy and the people. He died in 530. His successor was Boniface II.—FELIX V. (antipope). See AMADEUS (VIII. of Savoy).