Who are these guys?
An introduction to the Church Fathers
PAUL OF TARSUS (2-66 AD) Saint, Apostle. Originally a Pharisee and persecutor 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). Click here for Catholic Encyclopedia entry
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 (a.k.a. “1st Epistle”), was written during the Apostolic Era and is the earliest existent 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. Click here for Catholic Encyclopedia entry
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 Smyrneans, the Romans and to Polycarp of Smryna. Martyred at Rome. Feast Day: February 1st. Click here for Catholic Encyclopedia entry
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.” Click here for Catholic Encyclopedia entry
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. Click here for Catholic Encyclopedia entry
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. Click here for Catholic Encyclopedia entry
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). Click here for Catholic Encyclopedia entry
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. Click here for Catholic Encyclopedia entry
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. Click here for Catholic Encyclopedia entry
MELITO OF SARDIS (?-190 AD) Bishop. His known works are: the Paschal Homily and the Fragments, a collection of quotations from lost texts. Click here for Catholic Encyclopedia entry
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 appeal 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” Click here for Catholic Encyclopedia entry
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. Click here for Catholic Encyclopedia entry
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.”