The Epistles of Dionysius of Alexandria

Dionysius was born in Alexandria around A.D. 230 to heathen parents of substantial means and honorable rank. He was converted following a vision exhorting him to “prove all things, and hold fast that which is good.” Staying in Alexandria, he first became a disciple of Origen, then was ordained as a presbyter, and in 232 took over his teacher’s Catechetical School. In 246 he succeeded Heraclas as bishop of Alexandria, where for a while the Church enjoyed relative peace.

Unfortunately, the Decian persecution did not spare Alexandria and Dionysius was arrested. A localized uprising saved him from any significant consequences at this point, but in 257 when persecution again broke out under Valerian he was banished until Gallienus allowed Christians to return from exile. As though this wasn't enough, much like Cyprian Dionysius had to contend with the Novatian controversy, questions regarding the lapsed, plague, heresy, and other pastoral matters.

Dionysius is quoted by many later Church writers, such as Eusebius and Athanasius, and was distinguished for his faithfulness, patience, and intelligence. An avid learner, he did not shy away from heresy and pagan literature but rather read with the goal of refuting error and bringing many to the Church. Sadly, quotes are all that remain of his work, as nothing has survived in its entirety to today. As such, this episode contains many of the various fragments of his epistles that we only have because this bishop of Alexandria had such a profound influence on future generations of the Church.

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