Writings from Alexandria

This episode contains selections from two other Christians influenced by the Alexandrian Church, Anatolius and Theonas. While not particularly verbose writers, their surviving words speak to the substantial influence of the Church in this city.

Anatolius was born in Alexandria around A.D. 230 and was lauded by Eusebius as an eminent man of learning and science. His fellow Alexandrians requested he open a school to teach Aristotelian philosophy, and his wisdom saved many citizens during the Roman siege of his city in 262. After this, he traveled to Syria where he was ordained in Caesarea, attended the synod against Paul of Samosata in Antioch, and finally, and quite unexpectedly, was appointed bishop of Laodicea as he was passing through the town.

While he wrote few books, and few of those survived, what is presented here is his Paschal Canon. This document demonstrates how physics, orbital mechanics, and scripture can inform worship, as Anatolius draws upon his great knowledge to help the Church celebrate the Passover at the appropriate time of the year.

Very little is known about Theonas of Alexandria, other than that he succeeded Maximus as Bishop at Alexandria and held office there for nineteen years, placing him in the city between A.D. 282 and 300. Unfortunately, the only writing we have of his is a letter to Lucianus, the chief chamberlain for the Emperor. The point of the letter is fairly straightforward, as Theonas exhorts Lucianus to exercise his duties in accordance with his faith. It serves as a reminder to all Christians today who hold public office, many in regimes hostile to Christianity, that by managing the public trust with skill, virtue, and diligence we can bring glory to God and demonstrate in some small way the Lordship of Christ.

If you would like to read more of the writings of the Early Christian Fathers, please visit ccel.org to view the full collection.