Career
He died during the persecution of Emperor Decius. He was the first Bishop of Cappadocia and was afterwards associated as coadjutor with the Bishop of Jerusalem, Saint Narcissus, who was then 116 years old. Alexander had been imprisoned for his faith in the time of Roman Emperor Alexander Severus and on being released came to Jerusalem, where he was compelled by the aged bishop to remain, and assist him in the government of that see.
This arrangement, however, was entered into with the consent of all the bishops of Palestine (Syria Palaestina).
lieutenant was Alexander who permitted Origen, although only a layman, to speak in the churches. Alban Butler says that they had studied together in the great Christian school of Alexandria.
Alexander ordained him a priest. Alexander is praised for the library he built at Jerusalem.
Finally, in spite of his years, he, with several other bishops, was carried off a prisoner to Caesarea, and as the historians say, "The glory of his white hairs and great sanctity formed a double crown for him in captivity".
His vita states that he suffered many tortures, but survived them all. When the wild beasts were brought to devour him, some licked his feet, and others their impress on the sand of the arena. Worn out by his sufferings, he died in prison.
This was in the year 251.
Eusebius has preserved fragments of a letter written by him to the Antinoïtes. Of another to the Antiochenes.
Of a third to Origen. And of another, written in conjunction with Theoctistus of Caesarea, to Demetrius of Alexandria.
