Pope St. Gregory III

"The only true riches are those that make us rich in virtue. Therefore, if you want to be rich, beloved, love true riches. If you aspire to the heights of real honor, strive to reach the Kingdom of Heaven. If you value rank and renown, hasten to be enrolled in the heavenly court of the Angels."
- Pope St. Gregory the Great (540 - 604)

Today is the feast day of Pope St. Gregory III. Gregory was born in either the 7th or 8th century and was Syrian. He was elected pope in 731 by the people of Rome after Pope St. Gregory II's death. Gregory is most remembered for his protection of the veneration of icons of Jesus, Mary, and the saints. When Emperor Leo III, condemned icons of Jesus, Mary, and the saints, (he believed the veneration of these icons was idolatry) Gregory held a synod that approved measures against anyone who destroyed icons of Jesus, Mary, and the saints. Leo then sent ships to capture Gregory to take him to Constantinople, but Leo's ships were destroyed in storms. Gregory died in 741. 

Pope St. Gregory III, pray for us!

________________________________

Picture Of And Information About Pope St. Gregory III Taken From:

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=53

http://leadershipinhistory.blogspot.com/2011/10/spooky-fun-of-years-gone-by.html