According to Eusebius (Ecc. Hist. 7.32; 8.11, 13 and 9.6) Peter was an illustrius example of the episcopacy. He served well for 12 years, before becoming the last bishop of Alexandria to be executed by a Pagan authority.

Peter was responsible for excommunicating Arius for sympathising with the Melitians. In custody awaiting his martyrdom Arius’ friends tried desperately to encourage Peter to restore Arius. It is said that Peter had earlier had a vision of the impending chaos and schism caused by Arius and his teaching. He refused the many entreaties of the envoys sharing with them the details of his vision.

He was martyred in AD 312.
Yesterday we commemorated the feast of Amphilochius who stood up to “power”. Today we commemorate Peter who stood up to “peer pressure”. While we indie folk don’t often have the following or influence to “stand up to power” (which is frankly re-assuring) we do often suffer from the consequences of “peer pressure” both real and percieved.