Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatius of Antioch (/ɪɡˈneɪʃəs/; Greek: Ἰγνάτιος Ἀντιοχείας, Ignátios Antiokheías; died c. 108/140 AD),[3][4][8][9][10] also known as Ignatius Theophorus (Ἰγνάτιος ὁ Θεοφόρος, Ignátios ho Theophóros, lit. "the God-bearing"), was an early Christian writer and Patriarch of Antioch. While en route to Rome, where he met his martyrdom, 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. His letters also serve as an example of early Christian theology, and address important topics including ecclesiology, the sacraments, and the role of bishops.

Quick facts: Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop, martyr, Bo... ▼

Saint Ignatius of Antioch
Fresco of Saint Ignatius on the south west chapel of the Hosios Loukas monastery.
Bishop, martyr
Born	Province of Syria, Roman Empire
Died	Eusebius: c. AD 108 [1][2] Pervo: AD 135–140 [3] Barnes: 140s AD[4] Rome, 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[5]) 7 Epip (commemoration - Coptic Christianity[6]) 17 October (Catholic Church, Church of England and Syriac Christianity) 1 February (General Roman Calendar, 12th century–1969) Monday after 4th Sunday of Advent (Armenian Apostolic Church)[7]
Attributes	surrounded by lions or in chains
Patronage	Church in eastern Mediterranean; Church in North Africa