A deacon of Carthage who, in the middle of the third century,
headed a short-lived but dangerous schism, to which undue
doctrinal importance has been given by a certain class of
writers, Neander, Ritschl, Harnack, and others, who see in it "a
presbyterial reaction against episcopal autocracy". Of the chief
figure in the revolt, Felicissimus, not much can be said. The
movement of which he was afterwards the leader originated in the
opposition of five presbyters of the church in Carthage to St.
Cyprian's election as bishop of that see. One of these
presbyters, Novatus, selected Felicissimus as deacon of his
church in the district called Mons, and because of the
importance of the office of deacon in the African Church,
Felicissimus became the leader of the malcontents. The
opposition of this faction, however, led to no open rupture
until after the outbreak of the Decian persecution in 250, when
St. Cyprian was compelled to flee from the city. His absence
created a situation favourable to his adversaries, who too