Ignatius of Antioch
Ignatius of Antioch | |
|---|---|
Fresco of Saint Ignatius on the south west chapel of the Hosios Loukas monastery. | |
| Patriarch of Antioch, Theophoros | |
| Born | Province of Syria, Roman Empire |
| Died | Eusebius: c. 108
Pervo: 135–140 Barnes: AD 140sRome, Roman Empire |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church Oriental Orthodoxy Church of the East Anglican Communion Lutheranism |
| Canonized | Pre-congregation by John the Apostle (said in later writings) |
| Major shrine | Basilica of San Clemente, Rome, Italy |
| Feast | 20 December (Eastern Orthodox Church) 24 Koiak (martyrdom – Coptic Christianity) 7 Epip (commemoration - Coptic Christianity) 17 October (Catholic Church, Church of England, Lutheran Churches and Syriac Christianity) 1 February (General Roman Calendar, 12th century–1969) Monday after 4th Sunday of Advent (Armenian Apostolic Church) |
| Attributes | Surrounded by lions or in chains |
| Patronage | Church in eastern Mediterranean; Church in North Africa |
Ignatius of Antioch (/ɪɡˈneɪʃəs/; Ancient Greek: Ἰγνάτιος Ἀντιοχείας, romanized: Ignátios Antiokheías; died c. 108/140), also known as Ignatius Theophorus (Ἰγνάτιος ὁ Θεοφόρος, Ignátios ho Theophóros, 'the God-bearing'), was an early Christian writer and the Patriarch of Antioch. While en route to Rome, where he was to be killed, Ignatius wrote a series of letters. This correspondence forms a central part of a later collection of works by the Apostolic Fathers. He is considered one of the three most important of these, together with Clement of Rome and Polycarp. Although the authenticity of his letters has been questioned, they continue to serve as an example of early Christian theology, and address important topics including ecclesiology, the sacraments, and the role of bishops.