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Anicetus was pope from about 154 to about 167 (the
Vatican's list cites 150 or 157 to 153 or 168). 
He was a Syrian from Emesa. According to Irenaeus,
it was during his pontificate that the aged
Polycarp, a disciple of Saint John the Evangelist,
visited the Roman Church. Polycarp and Anicetus
discussed the celebration Easter. Polycarp and his
Church of Smyrna celebrated Easter on the
fourteenth day of Nisan, which coincides with
Pesach. The day of the week was not important in
the East. On the other hand, the Roman Church
celebrated Easter on Sunday—the weekday of
Jesus' resurrection. The two did not agree on a
common date, but Anicetus permitted Polycarp and
the Smyrnan Church to retain the date to which
they were accustomed. The controversy was to
accelerate and grow heated in the course of the
following centuries.

The Christian historian Hegesippus also visited
Rome, Italy|Rome during Anicetus' pontificate.
This visit is often cited as sign for the early
importance of the Roman See. 

Anicetus was the first pope to condemn heresy by
forbidding Montanism. He also actively opposed the
Gnostics and Marcionism. According to Liber
Pontificalis, Anicetus decreed that priests are
not allowed to have long hair (perhaps because the
Gnostics wore long hair.) Anicetus is reported to
have suffered martyrdom. April 16, 17 and 20 are
all cited as the date of his death, but April 17
is celebrated as his memorial or feast day.
Details relating to the type of his martyrdom are
unknown.

Pope|
Predecessor=Pope Pius I|Saint Pius I|
Successor=Pope Soter|Saint
Soter|Dates=154–167