author
Saint of Alexandria Dionysius
d. 265
A third-century bishop remembered for steady leadership in hard times, he guided the church in Alexandria through persecution, exile, and fierce theological disputes. His surviving letters make him one of the clearest voices from early Christianity in Roman Egypt.
1 Audiobook
St. Dionysius of Alexandria: Letters and Treatises
by Saint of Alexandria Dionysius
About the author
Born around 190, Dionysius of Alexandria was a convert to Christianity who studied under Origen and later led Alexandria’s catechetical school. He became bishop of Alexandria in 248, at a time when the city was one of the most important centers of Christian thought.
His years as bishop were anything but quiet. During the Decian persecution he was forced into hiding, and later he faced exile under Emperor Valerian. He also took part in major debates of the early church, especially over how to receive Christians who had lapsed under pressure and how to speak rightly about the relationship between the Father and the Son.
Much of what is known about him comes from letters quoted by later writers, especially Eusebius. Even in fragments, they show a pastor who was practical, thoughtful, and calm under pressure. Later generations called him “the Great,” and he is honored as a saint for both his leadership and his witness.