DOCSLIB.ORG

Q1. Describe the Main Theological and Liturgical Contributions of the Apostolic Fathers and Other Documents of the Early Church ?

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Q1. Describe the Main Theological and Liturgical Contributions of the Apostolic Fathers and Other Documents of the Early Church ? Q1. Describe the main theological and liturgical contributions of the Apostolic Fathers and other documents of the early Church ? The early period of Christianity was primarily preached. Due to various circumstances the New Testament was compiled from many apostolic letters, followed by oral preaching. St Severus of Antioch was the first to use the term “Apostolic Fathers” and was applied to newly discovered writings of Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, Barnabas, Hermas and other writings of that time, such as, The Apostolic Creed, Didache and the fragments of Papias - being the first witnesses to the early faith and an immediate echo of the Apostles‟ teaching. 1.The Apostles‟ Creed: This is a profession of faith, considered Apostolic in that it has the truths taught and preached by the Apostles and believed by the early Christians, as an important and official document. The first authority being Bishop Marcellus‟ (of Ancyra) letter to Pope Julius I (of Rome) in 337/338 A.D. This was a profession of faith before baptism – without which one could not become a Christian – to counter Gnosticism and other heresies. 2.The Didache (Teaching of the Twelve Apostles): An abstract of Christ‟s teaching as presented to the Gentiles by the Apostles. This document was probably written around A.D 95-120, in Syria/Palestine – undoubtedly the oldest documents of Christian antiquity. Clement of Alexandria used it as Scripture, likewise Eusebius of Caesarea and St Athanasius held them in high esteem. It consists of two parts – Part I [Ch 1-6] describes the two ways of life, for those who keep the O.T & N.T commandments, and death, for those persisting in wrong-doing, warnings against Paganism, dissension & factionalism, and exhortation to love one another. Part II [Ch 7-16] contains instruction of administration of Sacraments and Church discipline. Instructions about Baptism, Fasting, Prayer, Agape meal, Eucharist, The Lord‟s Prayer, Wed & Fri – obligatory fasts, Holy Communion on The Lord‟s day, only the baptized should commune, treatment of prophets, preachers & false prophets etc are mentioned. Ch 9 gives specific advice on The Eucharist – the spiritual food & drink, and is closely connected with that of Baptism. Mandatory confession, spiritual preparation and reconciliation are described in Ch 14. 3.The Epistle of Barnabas: Clement, Origen, Eusebius and Jerome ascribed this writing to The Son of Exhortation, a companion of Paul, and Modern Theologians negate that claim saying Barnabas did not survive past the fall of Jerusalem in A.D 70. This epistle primarily addresses a Church, comforting his sons and daughters – to abstain from all Jewish observances and that God‟s Covenant is not with the Jews, but with Christians. This has 21 chapters and calls Jesus “The Lord of the World” , stating God asks for a contrite heart and not sacrifice. 4.Clement of Rome: Martyr St Clement was the 4th bishop of Rome and from a Jewish family. He was a man of authority, moderation and generosity. His letter to the Corinthians was a strong appeal against division(due to envy and jealously) and a request to re-establish peace, order and unity – with humility, obedience & faith, in the Church of Corinth. The second part deals with ecclesiastical hierarchy and the necessity to be subject to the legitimate ecclesiastical authorities. The 2nd letter to the Corinthians is a homily asking Christians to lead a life worthy of his calling. The two letters to the virgins are addressed to unmarried men & women, for a holy life. 5. Ignatius (Theophorus) of Antioch: A martyr for the faith, very little is known of his childhood. Some say, he was the child that Jesus caressed. As the 3rd bishop of Antioch, he was arrested during the reign of Emperor Trajon , brought to Rome and thrown to the wild beasts. On the way he wrote 7 letters to the Christians of Ephesus, Magnesia,Tralles, Rome, Philadelphia, Smyrna and a personal one to the bishop Polycarp of Smyrna. He warns communities to beware of heretics and to submit to ecclesiastical authority. He stresses the importance of unity in the Church, in view of heresy and persecution. He emphasized the birth of Christ from the Virgin, the reality & necessity of the real suffering, Crucifixion, death and the Resurrection of our Lord. St Ignatius clearly mentions of three orders of the Church – Bishops, Presbyters and Deacons. He seems to be the first to use the term „Catholic‟ in the Church- as the whole body of the faithful. He mentions the „medicines of immortality‟ are the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, and the antidote for death and Life forever in Jesus Christ. He refers to the Holy Eucharist as Flesh of the Lord, Blood of Jesus Christ, Living water, Bread of God, incorruptible Love etc. He says the Eucharist is the unifying force in the Church. He calls the Church – the place of sacrifice. He admonishes the faithful in Smyrna with regard to partaking in the Holy Eucharist. 6.Polycarp of Smyrna: Polycarp is said to have had relations with John, the Apostle and others who have seen the Lord, according to Irenaeus. As bishop of Smyrna, he visited Rome, hoping to bring an agreement on the controversy concerning the date of Easter – though without success. Polycarp died a martyr at the age of eighty-six, during the reign of Antonius Pius. He was burned to death and his ashes were gathered, to celebrate the memory on his anniversary. He wrote a letter to the Philippians. Irenaeus calls it “the very excellent letter of Polycarp” – where he defends the Christological doctrine of the Incarnation and of Christ‟s death upon the cross. He exhorts the Philippian community to alms-giving, pray for civil authorities, constancy and stresses certain duties of married people, deacons, youths, virgins and clergy. 7.Papias of Hierapolis: Born in A.D 60, he was a disciple to St John the Apostle and a friend of Polycarp of Smyrna. He was bishop of Hierapolis in Phrygia and martyred during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. He collected a number of traditions of our Lord from different sources and made them into a book which he called “Explanations of the sayings of the Lord”. Papias states the origin of the Gospels of Sts Mathew and Mark and of the witnesses on whom he depends. 8.The Sheperd of Hermas: This is the longest and the most remarkable of the Apostolic writings. Some believe he is the brother of Pius, bishop of Rome. His work contains five visions, twelve commandments and ten similitudes. The visions concern the Church, Communion of Saints etc. The twelve commandments represent an abridgement of Christian morals. The main subjects treated are a) Faith in God and fear of God b) single heartedness and innocence c) simplicity in speech d) alms-giving and good works e) Truthfulness f) Chastity g) Patience h) discernment i) temperance j) long suffering k) temptation, doubts and double mindedness, false prophets and evil desires l) Purity. The similitudes warns against worldliness, gluttony, deceit, charity, chastity, Fasting, penance, tribulations etc. The third part treats of the parables and closes with a further reference to the Tower which is interpreted by our Lord. The Shepherd admits forgiveness of sins by penance, the earliest witness to the degrees of Penitential Satisfaction. Q3. Explain the background of patristic literature from A.D 300 to A,D 431 ? This period is otherwise called “The Golden Age” of Patristic Literature, since it produced the most talented and prolific writers, or otherwise known as the time of the triumph of Christianity. 1. The Persecution Ended – Christianity Legalized: Until this time the Church was struggling for her existence against persecution, and were concerned with the defense of the Church. Christianity was prohibited and its profession was punishable with torture and death. Following the abdication of the cruel Emperor Diocletian, Maxentiuus and Constantine came out for the throne. Constantine saw a vision of the cross of light above the Sun with the words “ by the sign thou shall conquer”. Thus he adopted cross as the standard of his army and was victorious in the battle of Milvian Bridge (312 A.D). Following that Constantine issued and Edict of Toleration, to end Christian persecution and provide unrestricted liberty. Christians were no longer criminals and their Churches were restored and re-opened everywhere, becoming a lawful religion. To overthrow Paganism, Constantine Moved the Roman capital to Constantinople in 330 A.D. After his baptism, his sons were hostile to heathenism and Christianity became the State religion. 2. Mass Conversion To Christianity: Many people, especially the highly educated pagans became Christians, thus many eminent scholars, orators and civilized men arose. They presented Christian truth in a classical style, combining findings of philosophy with the faith, thereby producing brilliant exegesis, apologetics, polemics, dogmatic & moral theology, asceticism, poetry etc. 3. Special Privileges to The Clergy: The Clergy received special positions and privileges in the State. Prelates received significant political privileges. Church councils were held frequently with great solemnity. Obligatory public commitments were not required of the clergy, including paying taxes. Accused clergy were tried in Church courts, thus becoming a privileged class. Sunday was proclaimed as an official day of rest and worship, including the military chores. 4. Monasticism Emerged: After Christianity flourished, worldliness crept into the Church and prevailed. Many believers were dissatisfied and retired alone or in groups, in seclusion seeking better spiritual life by meditation, prayer and asceticism. St Antony of Egypt is considered to be the founder of Monasticism. St Pachomis is reputed to be the first legislator of the monks and the founder of of the Coenobitic life in its proper way.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Emperor Constantine Was the First Pope!! Page 1 of 9
    Emperor Constantine was the first Pope!! Page 1 of 9 Emperor Constantine Was the First Pope!! This exposé is under Click on images to enlarge. construction. Caesar is Pope!! And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. (Revelation 6:2-3). This is a description of the 1st of the 4 deadly horseman of the Apocalypse. It is a description of Emperor Constantine going forth to conquer the entire Roman world. All the great prophecies in the Book of Revelation began to be fulfilled with the reign of Emperor Constantine. Before the battle of the Milvian Bridge outside Rome in 312 A.D., Constantine claimed to have seen a cross in the sky with this inscription: IN HOC SIGNO VINCES or IN THIS SIGN CONQUER. He immediately had the Roman eagle replaced by the cross on his battle standards. Constantine claimed to have seen a cross in the sky with the words: IN HOC SIGNO VINCES or IN THIS SIGN CONQUER. The cross and the words IN HOC SIGNO VINCES or IHS became the battle standard of the Papal Roman Empire. Constantine's division of the Empire into 2 halves was the fulfillment of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel chapter 2. IN HOC SIGNO VINCES The cross is the one or IN THIS SIGN indispensable MARK of the CONQUER.
    [Show full text]
  • Christopher White Table of Contents
    Christopher White Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 4 Peter the “rock”? ...................................................................................................................................... 4 Churches change over time ...................................................................................................................... 6 The Church and her earthly pilgrimage .................................................................................................... 7 Chapter 1 The Apostle Peter (d. 64?) : First Bishop and Pope of Rome? .................................................. 11 Peter in Rome ......................................................................................................................................... 12 Yes and No .............................................................................................................................................. 13 The death of Peter .................................................................................................................................. 15 Chapter 2 Pope Sylvester (314-335): Constantine’s Pope ......................................................................... 16 Constantine and his imprint .................................................................................................................... 17 “Remembering” Sylvester ......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • THE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS of the INQUIRER LIFESTYLE SERIES: FITNESS FASHION with SAMSUNG July 9, 2014 FASHION SHOW]
    1 The Humble Beginnings of “Inquirer Lifestyle Series: Fitness and Fashion with Samsung Show” Contents Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines ................................................................ 8 Vice-Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines ....................................................... 9 Popes .................................................................................................................................. 9 Board Members .............................................................................................................. 15 Inquirer Fitness and Fashion Board ........................................................................... 15 July 1, 2013 - present ............................................................................................... 15 Philippine Daily Inquirer Executives .......................................................................... 16 Fitness.Fashion Show Project Directors ..................................................................... 16 Metro Manila Council................................................................................................. 16 June 30, 2010 to June 30, 2016 .............................................................................. 16 June 30, 2013 to present ........................................................................................ 17 Days to Remember (January 1, AD 1 to June 30, 2013) ........................................... 17 The Philippines under Spain ......................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church
    The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church A History Joseph F. Kelly A Michael Glazier Book LITURGICAL PRESS Collegeville, Minnesota www.litpress.org A Michael Glazier Book published by Liturgical Press Cover design by David Manahan, OSB. Painting in Kiev, Sofia. Photo by Sasha Martynchuk. © Sasha Martynchuk and iStockphoto. Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament and Revised Psalms © 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner. © 2009 by Order of Saint Benedict, Collegeville, Minnesota. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by print, microfilm, microfiche, mechanical recording, photocopying, translation, or by any other means, known or yet unknown, for any purpose except brief quotations in reviews, without the previ- ous written permission of Liturgical Press, Saint John’s Abbey, PO Box 7500, Col- legeville, Minnesota 56321-7500. Printed in the United States of America. 123456789 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Kelly, Joseph F. (Joseph Francis), 1945– The ecumenical councils of the Catholic Church : a history / Joseph F. Kelly. p. cm. “A Michael Glazier book”—T.p. verso. Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index. ISBN 978-0-8146-5376-0 (pbk.) 1. Councils
    [Show full text]
  • The Petrine Ministry at the Time of the First Four Ecumenical Councils
    The Petrine ministry at the time of the first four ecumenical councils: relations between the Bishop of Rome and the Eastern Bishops as revealed in the canons, process, and reception of the councils Author: Pierluigi De Lucia Persistent link: http://hdl.handle.net/2345/1852 This work is posted on eScholarship@BC, Boston College University Libraries. Boston College Electronic Thesis or Dissertation, 2010 Copyright is held by the author, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise noted. BOSTON COLLEGE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY WESTON JESUIT DEPARTEMENT The Petrine ministry at the Time of the First Four Ecumenical Councils Relations between the Bishop of Rome and the Eastern Bishops as revealed in the canons, process, and reception of the councils A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the S.T.L. Degree Of the School of Theology and Ministry By: Pierluigi De Lucia, S.J. Directed by: Francine Cardman Second Reader: Francis A. Sullivan, S.J. May 2010 © Copyright by Pierluigi DE LUCIA, S.J. 2010 Abstract The Petrine ministry of the bishops of Rome and relations with the eastern bishops at the time of the first four ecumenical councils are the focus of this thesis. It places the Church in the complex historical context marked by the public recognition of Christianity under Constantine (312) and the great novelty of the close interactions of the emperors with the bishops of the major sees in the period, Rome, Alexandria, Antioch and Constantinople. The study examines the structures of the church (local and regional synods and ecumenical councils) and the roles of bishops and emperors in the ecumenical councils of Nicaea (325), Constantinople I (381), Ephesus (431), and Chalcedon (451), including the “robber” council of 449.
    [Show full text]
  • The Basilica of St. Mary in Trastevere Is Known As the Jewel in the Crown of Many Churches Found in This Popul
    From Fr. Melvin: The Basilica of St. Mary in Trastevere is known as the jewel in the crown of many churches found in this popular district owing in part to its cultural background of an immigrant populace in- cluding merchants, sailors, and workers along the shoreline. Interestingly, in July, there is an ancient Marian devotion where the locals attend the Nountri (Our Feast), which includes a huge statue of Mary in Proces- sion [Roman Pilgrimage. 131]. With history enveloped in this basilica, I will share four photos pointing out particular details of statues and paintings. As one visits these churches and basilicas in Rome, one reads about what kind of renovation took place such as changes in masonry, and at St. Mary, the move from mosa- ic artwork to frescoes. Notably, Pope Innocent II, who grew up in this district, set about a broader rebuilding in 1140. Pope Francis takes up a Mass here on the Lenten Stations—Thursday, Second Week of Lent. In the first of two exterior photos, we see a large fountain with flowing water in all di- rections as steps lead up to it. Young peo- ple take occasion to sit and chat; music could be heard at times allowing one to pause and be at peace near the basilica. The huge brick bell tower rises just to the right of St. Mary Basilica which is undergoing a renovation on the upper façade. A closer look at the tower reveals the time as 3:10 in the afternoon (7:10am Caldwell time!), as free periods from 2:00 to 6:30 afforded me these excursions.
    [Show full text]
  • Timeline1800 18001600
    TIMELINE1800 18001600 Date York Date Britain Date Rest of World 8000BCE Sharpened stone heads used as axes, spears and arrows. 7000BCE Walls in Jericho built. 6100BCE North Atlantic Ocean – Tsunami. 6000BCE Dry farming developed in Mesopotamian hills. - 4000BCE Tigris-Euphrates planes colonized. - 3000BCE Farming communities spread from south-east to northwest Europe. 5000BCE 4000BCE 3900BCE 3800BCE 3760BCE Dynastic conflicts in Upper and Lower Egypt. The first metal tools commonly used in agriculture (rakes, digging blades and ploughs) used as weapons by slaves and peasant ‘infantry’ – first mass usage of expendable foot soldiers. 3700BCE 3600BCE © PastSearch2012 - T i m e l i n e Page 1 Date York Date Britain Date Rest of World 3500BCE King Menes the Fighter is victorious in Nile conflicts, establishes ruling dynasties. Blast furnace used for smelting bronze used in Bohemia. Sumerian civilization developed in south-east of Tigris-Euphrates river area, Akkadian civilization developed in north-west area – continual warfare. 3400BCE 3300BCE 3200BCE 3100BCE 3000BCE Bronze Age begins in Greece and China. Egyptian military civilization developed. Composite re-curved bows being used. In Mesopotamia, helmets made of copper-arsenic bronze with padded linings. Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, first to use iron for weapons. Sage Kings in China refine use of bamboo weaponry. 2900BCE 2800BCE Sumer city-states unite for first time. 2700BCE Palestine invaded and occupied by Egyptian infantry and cavalry after Palestinian attacks on trade caravans in Sinai. 2600BCE 2500BCE Harrapan civilization developed in Indian valley. Copper, used for mace heads, found in Mesopotamia, Syria, Palestine and Egypt. Sumerians make helmets, spearheads and axe blades from bronze.
    [Show full text]
  • Renaissance History Through His Humanist Accomplishments
    3-79 A / /vO.7Y HUMANISM AND THE ARTIST RAPHAEL: A VIEW OF RENAISSANCE HISTORY THROUGH HIS HUMANIST ACCOMPLISHMENTS THESIS Presented to the Graduate Council of the University of North Texas in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Science By Douglas W. Miller, B.A., M.S. Denton, Texas August, 1991 Miller, Douglas W., Humanism and the Artist Raphael: A View of Renaissance History Through His Humanist Accomplishments. Master of Science (History), August, 1991, 217 pp., 56 illustrations, bibliography, 43 titles. This thesis advances the name of Raphael Santi, the High Renaissance artist, to be included among the famous and highly esteemed Humanists of the Renaissance period. While the artistic creativity of the Renaissance is widely recognized, the creators have traditionally been viewed as mere craftsmen. In the case of Raphael Santi, his skills as a painter have proven to be a timeless medium for the immortalizing of the elevated thinking and turbulent challenges of the time period. His interests outside of painting, including archaeology and architecture, also offer strong testimony of his Humanist background and pursuits. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to gratefully acknowledge the kind and loving support (and patience) that I have received from my wife and my entire family. Thank you for everything, and I dedicate this thesis to all of you, but especially to the person that most embodies all those humanist qualities this thesis attempts to celebrate and honor. That person is my father. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.. ... .. v INTRODUCTION................. CHAPTER I. HUMANISM: THE ESSENCE OF THE RENAISSANCE.
    [Show full text]
  • 33 - 400S) Middle Ages (500S – 1400S) Reformation (1500S - 1600S) Modern (1700S - Today) the Church
    The Church: Early Middle Ages Reformation Modern The Church: Early (33 - 400s) Middle Ages (500s – 1400s) Reformation (1500s - 1600s) Modern (1700s - Today) The Church: Early (33 - 400s) Middle Ages (500s – 1400s) Reformation (1500s - 1600s) Modern (1700s - Today) Early (33 - 400s) 33ad – Pentecost Acts 2:8-11 Acts 2:41 – – “we hear them “there were telling in our added that own tongues day about the mighty 3,000 souls.” works of God.” Early (33 - 400s) 35ad – Stephen is stoned Later Acts 8:1 – - Jude -- Armenia “that day.. Thomas -- India they were Matthew -- Ethiopia all Andrew -- Asia Min John -- Ephesus scattered..” Peter --Syria Early (33 - 400s) 35ad – Conversion of Paul 50ad.. 46ad.. – – 13 (+) Three Epistles in Missionary New Journeys Testament Early (33 - 400s) 64ad – Nero and Fire in Rome 67ad 67ad – – DEATH DEATH of of Paul Peter (upside down (beheading) crucifixion) Early (33 - 400s) 70s-90s ad – Early Heresies Ebionism Docetism – – “JESUS is “JESUS is human, not divine, not divine.” human.” Early (33 - 400s) -100+ ad – Apostolic Fathers Clemente ‘Didache’ Ignatius ‘Shepherd Polycarp of Hermas’ Phil. 4:3 - “..together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers.” Early (33 - 400s) 81-117ad –Persecution Domitian Trajan (81-96) (98-117) – – Demanded Sanctioned worship of self, persecutions, persecuted Martyred Apostle John Ignatius in (boiling oil, Colosseum Patmos) with 2 lions. Early (33 - 400s) 125ad – Gnosticism Spreads Salvation ‘Gnosis’ Those with Knowledge; secret Hidden, Secret knowledge are Wisdom. saved. Early (33 - 400s) 100-202ad –Justin and Ireneaus Justin Ireneaus – – 1st Christian Wrote ‘Against Apologist, used Heresies’ Greek philosophy (eg, Gnosticism), attacked Spiritual Gnosticism, grandson of Called ‘the Apostle John Martyr’ Early (33 - 400s) 213,225ad – Tertullian & Origen 213ad 225ad Wrote in Latin, Wrote the first the common Systematic language.
    [Show full text]
  • Thesis (PDF, 534.29KB)
    Passions of the Pope: Analysing emotional rhetoric in Pope Gregory VII’s letters Kieryn Mascarenhas 2020 Illustration of Pope Gregory VII from Paul of Bernried’s Vita Gregorii VII (c. 1128), Heiligenkreuz Abbey, Austria A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of BA (Hons) in History, University of Sydney ABSTRACT In recent years, emotions have become a popular lens for historical analysis. Building on existing scholarship, this thesis explores the emotions of Pope Gregory VII, an eleventh- century pope notable for his reform efforts and role in the Investiture Controversy. Focusing on Gregory’s papal letters, this study will analyse the displays of three key emotions: anger, love, and sorrow, to determine how and why Gregory used these displays to achieve his political and religious objectives. Gregory wielded emotional rhetoric in his papal letters to solidify his papal authority, construct and maintain key relationships, and garner support for his reform agenda. 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am deeply indebted to Dr Hélène Sirantoine and Dr John Gagné. I could not have asked for better supervisors. I would like to thank them both for all their insightful recommendations and feedback, as well as their tremendous help in allaying the worst of my anxieties. I would also like to express my appreciation of the help and direction given to me in the wake of my prospectus by the Honours programme coordinator, Dr Andres Rodriguez. I want to thank my family for their patience and encouragement throughout this past year. My gratitude is also due to all the friends that I’ve grumbled about this project to.
    [Show full text]
  • The General Councils of the Catholic Church an E-Book Sharing the Plaques Displayed in St
    The General Councils of the Catholic Church An E-Book sharing the Plaques displayed in St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Ames, Iowa Robert Coruemius, Principal Investigator and Member Knights of Columbus Council #13 160 Project Completed, 2010 Table of Contents Since ebooks have flexible formatting the items, but not page numbers, are listed. Explanation of the Project Description of the Councils Map of the Councils'Locations Dates Councils' Locations or Titles 49 Jerusalem 325 Nicaea I 381 Constantinople I 43r Ephesus 451 Chalcedon 553 Constantinople II 680 Constantinople III 787 Nicaea II 869 Constantinople IV IT23 Lateran I 1 139 Lateran II tt79 Lateran III T2T5 Lateran IV 1245 Lyons I 1274 Lyons II 1311 Vienne t4t4 Constance I43t Basel Florence t4r2 Lateran V I 545 Trent 1 869 Vatican I 1962 Vatican II Bibliography Project Explanation This project had a humble beginning. It began as a request for the Knights of Columbus Council to "put something" on the walls of the finished but bare hall outside the St. Thomas Aquinas "Lower Lounge," the parish's basement dining area. Whatever it was to be, it should be "educational." Suggestions included plaques representing the prophets of the Old Testament, the four authors of the Gospels, or the early "Fathers of the Church." A set of plaques depicting the 22 general councils of the Catholic Church was chosen. Like the decisions of the United States' Supreme Court, the general councils of the Catholic Church have shaped what Catholics should and should not believe about their faith. The plaques would depict the major controversies each council dealt with and the leaders of the church who dealt with those issues.
    [Show full text]
  • Athanasius of Alexandria
    Athanasius of Alexandria “Athanasius” redirects here. For other uses, see by the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Ro- Athanasius (disambiguation). man Catholic Church, the Lutherans, and the Anglican For the Italian bishop, see Athanasius I (bishop of Communion. Naples). For other people named Athanasius of Alexan- dria, see Patriarch Athanasius of Alexandria and Pope Athanasius. 1 Biography Saint Athanasius of Alexandria (/ˌæθəˈneɪʃəs/; Greek: Ἀθανάσιος Ἀλεξανδρείας, Athanásios Alexandrías; c. 296–298 – 2 May 373), also called Athanasius the Great, Athanasius the Confessor or, primarily in the Coptic Orthodox Church, Athanasius the Apostolic, was the twentieth bishop of Alexandria (as Athanasius I). His episcopate lasted 45 years (c. 8 June 328 – 2 May 373), of which over 17 were spent in five exiles ordered by four different Roman emperors. Athanasius was a Christian theologian, a Church Father, the chief defender of Trinitarianism against Arianism, and a noted Egyptian leader of the fourth century. Conflict with Arius and Arianism as well as successive Roman emperors shaped Athanasius’s career. In 325, at the age of 27, Athanasius began his leading role against the Arians as a deacon and assistant to Bishop Alexander of Alexandria during the First Council of Nicaea. Roman emperor Constantine the Great had convened the council in May–August 325 to address the Arian position that the Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth, is of a distinct substance from the Father.[2] Three years after that council, Athana- sius succeeded his mentor as archbishop of Alexandria. In addition to the conflict with the Arians (including pow- erful and influential Arian churchmen led by Eusebius of Nicomedia), he struggled against the Emperors Constan- Statue in Catania, Sicily.
    [Show full text]