WHO ARE THESE GUYS?
An Introduction to the "Church Fathers":
PAUL OF TARSUS (2-66 AD) Saint, Apostle. Originally a Pharisee and persecuter of Christians, Paul became a great defender of Christ. His works, in the form of letters (epistles) form to bulk of the New Testament. Martyred at Rome. Feast Day: June 29th (with Peter), January 25th (conversion).
CLEMENT OF ROME (?-110 AD) Saint, Pope, Father. Clement was the third successor to Peter as the Bishop of Rome, following the martyrdom of Cletus and Linus. His major work, his Epistle to the Corinthians (aka. "1st Epistle"), was written during the Apostolic Era and is the earliest existant work of Christian literature outside of the New Testament. It is an appeal to the Church in Corinth to renounce schism and embrace unity. Other works: Clement's 2nd Epistle. Apparently martyred, accounts vary. Feast Day: November 23rd.
IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH (75-110 AD) Saint, Bishop, Father. A disciple of John the Evangelist and Bishop of Antioch in Syria, he was arrested and sentenced to death. Ignatius was sent to Rome to be thrown to wild beast at the Roman "games". On his journey he wrote seven epistles to churches and individuals, warning against heresy and giving summary of orthodox beliefs. His epistles give testimony to strong organization of the Church around bishops, with orders of presbyters and deacons; and to Eucharistic celebration. Works include: Letters to the Ephesians, the Magnesians, the Trallians, the Philadelphians, the Smyrnans, the Romans and to Polycarp of Smryna. Martyred at Rome. Feast Day: February 1st.
ARISTIDES (?-140 AD) Not much is known of him other than he lived in Athens. As an apologist he wrote in defense of Christians to the Emperor Hadrian. This, his only known work, is called his "Apology" from the Greek 'apologia' which means "defense."
BARNABAS (early second century) Though sometimes believed to be Barnabas, a disciple of Paul referred to in the Acts of the Apostles, this is not likely. In fact, the text makes no such claims for itself. Nor is it known exactly who the author was writing to. But the epistle seems aimed at Jewish Christians, dealing at length with the Old Testament and its understanding in the Light of Jesus Christ. Work: the Epistle of Barnabas.
JUSTIN MARTYR (101-165 AD) Saint, Father. Born a pagan Greek, he studied philosophy before becoming a Christian. As a learned layman he devoted himself to defending the faith and promoting the Truth. In his "First Apology", written to the Emperor, he defends Christians against false accusations on legal and moral grounds, shows Christianity to be superior morally to paganism and gives a detailed account of their beliefs and worship. Other works are: the Second Apology and Dialogue with Trypho Judaius. He was martyred at Rome by beheading. Feast Day: April 14th.
DIONYSIUS OF CORINTH (?166? AD) Bishop. Nothing much is known of him except that he was Bishop of Corinth. While no complete works survive he is known to us in fragments and quotations. Work: Epistle to Soter of Rome (in a fragment from Eusebius).
TATIAN (?-172 AD) Born in Assyria, he was trained in Greek philosophy but became a Christian around 150 AD. He wrote both an apology,"Oratorio ad Graecos" (Oration to the Greeks), and a harmony of the four gospels, the "Diatesseron," which was widely used in Syria. He later apostatized and died a Gnostic Encratist.
HEGESIPPUS (?- 180 AD) Saint, Confessor. Born in Jerusalem, he converted from Judaism to Christianity and vigorously defended the Faith against heresies, such as Gnosticism and Marcionism. Of his works only a few chapters remain of a Defense, as well as a canon of succession and one of heresies.
MELITO OF SARDIS (?-190 AD) Bishop. His known works are: the Paschal Homily and the Fragments, a collection of quotations from lost texts.
ATHENAGORAS OF ATHENS (?177? AD) Like his contemporaries, Justin and Tatian, Athenagoras was learned in Greek philosophy. After his conversion to Christianity he wrote in defense of both Christians and their beliefs. Works include: "Supplication for Christians" (an apeal for justice on their behalf) and "On the Resurrection" (a defense directed toward pagans).
THEOPHILUS OF ANTIOCH (?181? AD) A Christian Apologist whose works show an understanding of Greek philosophy. Works: "To Autolycus"
IRENAEUS (130-202 AD) Saint, Bishop, Father. Born in Asia, he was instructed in the Faith by Polycarp, a disciple of John the Evangelist. As a priest, he was sent to Rome (177 AD) and eventually made Bishop of Lyons. His works include: "Against Heresies" (written against gnostic teachings), "Proofs of Apostolic Preaching," and "Fragments." He was martyred in Lyons. Feast Day: June 28th.
TERTULLIAN (160-220 AD) Father. Born in Carthage, lived in Rome where he practiced law until his conversion. He returned to North Africa and applied himself vigorously to defending the faith against false charges by the pagans and false understanding by heretics. Towards the end of his life he embraced Montanism, a sect later declared heretical. He wrote profusely. Among his works are: "Apologeticus," "On the Claims of Heretics," "On Baptism."
HIPPOLYTUS (186-236 AD) Saint. Not much is known about his early life. After the death of Pope Zephyrinus, he secured "election" as Pope in opposition to Callistus I, with whom he had a dispute. He was, in fact, an "anti-pope" and banished to Sardina, where he reconciled with the Church. In spite of this odd situation, he was a prolific and orthodox theologian. His works include: "The Refutation of All Heresies," "Apostolic Tradition," and "On the Anti-Christ." Martyred. Feast Day: August 13th.
CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA (149-215 AD) Father. Probably born in Athens, he headed the catechetical school in Alexandria. Origen was among his pupils. His writings lack precision, which led to him being censured at one time, but are doctrinally sound. Writings include: "Exhortation to the Greeks," "Stromata," & "the Tutor."
ORIGEN (185-254 AD) Father. A student of Clement of Alexandria, he succeeded him as head of the catechetical school. He wrote prolifically and preached widely and was possibly the most accomplished scriptural scholar of his day. He produced the "Hexapla", the Old Testament with Hebrew and Greek in parallel. At times his theology tended to be too speculative, and certain propositions held by his followers were challenged after his death. This does not detract from his stature as a towering intellect and first-degree scholar who very ably defended the faith against false charges by pagan writers (i.e. Celsus). His works include: "Contra Celsus", and "De Principiis" as well as more than 100 of his discourses preserved by his students.
CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE (200-258 AD) Saint, Bishop, Father. Converting to Christianity late in life, he became Bishop of Carthage during the persecution by Decius. He became entangled in the dispute over readmitting to the Church those who had denounced the Faith during persecution. At first opposing this, he later upheld their readmission. He was martyred by beheading. His works include: "On the Unity of the Catholic Church". Feast Day: September 16. FIRMILIAN (?-268 AD) Bishop. A student of Origen, Firmilian is remembered for the support he gave to Cyprian during the latters contest with Pope Stephen over the Baptism of heretics. His works include: Letter to Cyprian [his only work still existant].
DIONYSIUS OF ROME (?-268 AD) Saint, Pope. During the Decian persecution, the Seat of Peter was vacant for a year. After the Edict of Gallienus ended the persecution, Dionysius was elected. He called a council in Rome to settle doctrinal disputes. His major work: a Letter condemning the Sabellian Heresy. Feast Day: December 30.
ARNOBIUS (?-327 AD) A successful teacher of rhetoric at Sicca, in Africa, Arnobius was converted to Christianity by a dream. To prove his sincerity to the local bishop who doubted his conversion he wrote a long polemic against various pagan beliefs. Works include: "Adversus Nationes", a seven-volume defense of Christianity and refutation of paganism.
PETER OF ALEXANDRIA (?-311 AD) Saint, Bishop. Peter assumed the role of Headmaster at the catechetical school at Alexandria which Origen founded. He and his flock suffered greatly during the Decian persecution and the Church in Alexandria was also subject to great heresy. Peter was instrumental in initiating the attack on the Arian heresy. He was martyred by order of Maximus Daja. Feast Day: November 26.
LACTANTIUS (250-310 AD) Called "the most eloquent man of his time" by Jerome, Lactantius was an apologist who specialized in attacking pagan beliefs. Very learned in Greek and Latin literature, Constantine chose him to tutor his son. His works include: "De Opificio Deo", "Divinae Institutiones" as well as histories of the persecutions and an allegorical poem on the Phoenix.
EUSIBIUS OF CAESAREA (263-339 AD) Bishop. Eusibius adopted the name of his mentor when that man was beheaded and is also known as Eusibius Pamphili. It distiguishes him from the several others with the same name and is also testament to his love of books and learning. Eusibius gave the opening address at the Council of Nicea, but leaned toward compromise rather than condemnation on some heresies. He is mostly important as a historian and left a wealth of information and quotations. Works include: "Church Chronicles" and "History of the Church" as well as biblical commentaries, dogmatic writings and sermons. His "History of the Church" is still the standard.
CYRIL OF JERUSALEM (313-386 AD) Saint, Bishop, Doctor. He was deposed as Bishop of Jerusalem twice by Arian-inspired synods and also exiled by Emperor Valens. Cyril assisted at the Council of Constantinople. His works include: 23 Catechetial Lectures, a rich source of understanding that bear witness to the Real Presence and the sacrifice of the Mass. Feast day: March 18.
OPTATUS (?367? AD) Saint, Bishop, Confessor. Optatus was a rhetorician who converted to Christianity. He served as deacon and catechist under Cyprian and is mentioned in Cyprian's "Letter to My Clergy". Optatus wrote denouncing the Donatist heresy. Feast day: June 4.
AMBROSE OF MILAN (390 AD) Saint, Bishop, Doctor. Ambrose was born to high civil rank, his father being Prefect of Gaul. He distinguished himself in law and became a consular governor. While striving to hold an orderly election for Bishop in Milan, the people proclaimed *him* bishop, though he was still not baptized. Upon this Ambrose sold his possessions and distributed his wealth among the poor of his diocese. He worked and wrote extensively against the Arian heresy. His, immense in his day, is felt still. It was he that brought Augustine into the Church. His works are extensive, including: "On Faith" a work on Christ's divinity, "On the Sacraments" an exegetical treatise, and "On the Holy Spirit" as well as numerous dogmatic and moral works, sermons, letters and hymns. Feast day: January 7.
ATHANASIUS (300-373 AD) Saint, Bishop, Doctor. Athanasius is sometimes referred to as the "Father of Orthodoxy" because of his strong defense of the divinity of Christ against the Arians. He attended the Council of Nicea as secretary to the Bishop of Alexandria and was raised to that seat upon the bishop's death. He spent 17 of the 46 years of his episcopate in exile because of his opposition to Arius and his champion, Eusebius of Nicomedia. He worked tirelessly supporting the Nicene Creed. Among his works are: "History of the Arians" and "On the Incarnation" as well as a biography of his mentor, St. Anthony the Hermit. Feast day: May 2.
EPIPHANIUS (315-402 AD) Born of Christian parents in Palestine, Epiphanius showed an early aptitude for language. He mastered Greek, Syriac, Hebrew, Aramaic, Coptic and Latin. He founded a monastary and lead a life of asceticism. He was a fiery opponent of some of Origen's teachings. He died at sea in 402 AD while on a journey to Cyprus. Among his works are: "Anchoratus" [the well-anchored man], "Panarion" treatise against eighty heresies.
DAMASUS I (304-382 AD) Saint, Pope. Damasus was a native of Rome. His election to the Seat of Peter was not without controversy. He was violently opposed by supporters of another candidate and his troubles with them continued throughout his years as Pope. He also had to contend with the ungoing Arian heresy. Damasus is credited with winning the civil power of the emporer over to the orthodox teaching and against Arianism. He also commissioned the milestone Latin Bible of Saint Jerome. His writings were sparse by comparison and include letters, epitaphs, martyrologies and poems. Feast day: December 11.
ANTONY of EGYPT (251-356 AD) Saint. Born in/near Memphis, Antony sought solitude with God. He eventually fled into the desert to live an ascetic life. His life of holiness became well-known and he attracted many disciples who followed him into the desert. He organized these monks into loose communites for self-protection, and so is looked on as the father of Christian monasticism. His teachings and sayings are recorded in a _Life of Anthony_ by Athanasius. Feast day: January 17.
BASIL THE GREAT (329-379 AD) Saint, Bishop, Doctor. Basil was born to a Christian family of distinction. His grandmother, father, mother, elder sister and two brothers [one was Gregory of Nyssa] are all canonized! He was a priest who lived for a while in a monastic community and wrote a monastic Rule still in use in the East. As Bishop his interest was in orthodoxy and caretaking the poor; he established housing, hospitals and endowed doctors. His works include "Against Eunomius" a attack on the Arian leader, "On the Holy Spirit" on orthodox trinitarianism, "the Moralia" a selection of verses from the NT, and is credited with the liturgical reforms now called by his name, the Liturgy of St. Basil. Feast day: June 14.
HILARY OF POITIERS (315-368 AD)
GREGORY of NAZIANZUS (330-389 AD)
JEROME (347-420 AD) Saint, Doctor. Throwing himself to his studies at an early age, Jerome learned the Latin and Greek classics. His life was one of study and, later in life, asceticism. He learned Hebrew ["not without difficulty," as he put it]. It was as secretary to Pope Damasus that he became aware of variants in the many Latin translations of Scripture. Pope Damasus commissioned Jerome to produce an authoritative Latin text of Scripture, a task that he devoted the remaining 35 years of his life to. Works are: the *Vulgate* [a revised and scholarly translation of the Bible into Latin], many commentaries on Scripture, written homilies and volumous correspondence. Feast day: September 30.
EPIPHANIUS OF SALAMIS (d. ca. 403 AD)
AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (354-430 AD)
APHRAATES OF SYRIA (fourth century)
THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA (428 AD)
GREGORY I (540-604 AD) Saint, Pope, Doctor. Gregory was the prefect of Rome before giving up his prestigious civic position and his personal wealth to enter a monastery. After his election as Pope he brought his considerable skills to reforming the Church, it's structure and especially, the liturgy. His efforts extended to the Church's music and hence his name was attached to that musical form which was predominant for the next millenium, Gregorian Chant. His writings include: "Dialogues", "Pastoral Care" and "Moralia", a commentary on Job. Feast Day: March 12.
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