The Early Church Fathers

PATR 100

Introduction to Patristics

2 lessons

Foundational

1. 1 Introduction to PatristicsTheology, being a study of God, encompasses many different types of studies. One of which is the study of the early Fathers, Patrology. ‘Patr’ in latin means Father. However, the study of… 19 min · 5 q
2. 2 The Apostolic FathersThe Apostolic Fathers were prominent theologians of the early Christian Church who lived during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. They are contemporaries of the Twelve Apostles and have been deeply influenced… 16 min · 5 q

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PATR 200

The Cappadocian Fathers

3 lessons

Intermediate

1. 1 Cappadocian Fathers: Introduction & St BasilThe Cappadocian Fathers, also traditionally known as the three Cappadocians, were a group of influential Christian theologians who lived in the 4th century AD. They were St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory… 18 min · 10 q
2. 2 Cappadocian Fathers: St Gregory of NyssaSt. Gregory, a remarkable figure in the history of Christianity, was the sibling of the esteemed St. Basil the Great. Their familial bond extended beyond mere bloodline, as the two brothers shared… 16 min · 9 q
3. 3 Cappadocian Fathers: St Gregory the TheologianSt. Gregory the Theologian, also revered as St. Gregory of Nazianzus and St. Gregory the Younger, stands as a towering figure in the history of the Christian Church. Born in the 4th… 19 min · 5 q

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PATR 201

Fathers of the East & West

3 lessons

Intermediate

1. 1 Writings of St IgnatiusSt. Ignatius was known as a friend of St. Polycarp and, along with him, were disciples of St. John the Beloved. He traveled with St. John and the Apostles consecrated him bishop… 15 min · 5 q
2. 2 St Cyril on the IncarnationChristology is part of theology that is concerned with the nature and work of Jesus, including such matters as the Incarnation, the Resurrection, and His human and divine nature and their relationship.… 16 min · 8 q
3. 3 St Augustine & St AmbroseSt. Augustine, a prominent figure in Christian history, was born in Tagaste, near Carthage, in 354 AD. His father, Patricius, adhered to pagan beliefs, while in stark contrast, his mother, St. Monica,… 19 min · 10 q

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PATR 301

Letters

2 lessons

Advanced

1. 1 Letter to MarcellinusThe Letter to Marcellinus, written by St. Athanasius to his disciple Marcellinus, stands as the earliest known handbook for using the Psalms in personal devotional meditation, distinct from the communal singing of… 22 min · 5 q
2. 2 Letter to DiognetusThe author of this letter to Diognetus, a disciple to the Apostles, remains unknown. The letter, written in an epistle format, was addressed to a man named Diognetus, who some scholars believe… 19 min · 5 q

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