Early Roman Church Fathers

         In the following essay we will review three of the early Roman church fathers and how they were persecuted for their faith in God but in the end how they never withdrew from their beliefs.

         “Polycarp was a second century Christian Bishop of Smyrna.”(1) He was the second Apostolic father, born in 69 AD and was mentored by John the Apostle. Polycarp is known for his letter to the Philippians composed around 110 AD. He died in 155 AD after he refused to withdraw from his Christianity and before he died he gave the famous quote “eighty and six years I have served Jesus and he has done me no wrong, how then can I blaspheme my king and savior bring fourth what thou wilt.”(2) then he was to be burned but the fire did not touch him so they stabbed him and he died.

         Origen was a scholar and early Christian theologian who was born in 184/5 AD in the city of Alexandria and spent half of his career there. “He was a profile writer in multiple branches of theology, preaching, and spirituality written in Greek. He was anathematized at the second Council of Constantinople. He was one of the most influential figures in early Christian asceticism.”(3) Origen died in 253/4 AD.

         Ambrose was born to a Christian family in 340 AD and served as Bishop of Milan who became one of the most influential ecclesiastical figures in the fourth century. “He was Consular Prefect of Liguria and Emilia headquartered in Milan, before being made Bishop of Milan by popular acclamation in 374 AD. Ambrose was a staunch opponent of Arianism, and has been accused of fostering persecutions of Arians, Jews, and Pagans.

         Traditionally, Ambrose is credited with promoting “antiphonal chant”, a style of chant in which one half of the chore responds alternately to the other, as well as with composing Veni Redemptor Gentium, an advent hymn.

Ambrose was one of the four original doctors of the church, and is the patron saint of Milan. He is notable for his influence on St. Augustine.”(4) Ambrose is sometimes represented by bees and honey because when he was young a swarm of bees landed on his face and left a drop of honey and it symbolized that he would be a smooth sweet speaker.

All of these men were strong Christian believers and they were rewarded for their commitment to their beliefs.

 Bibliography:

(1) Wikipedia Saint Polycarp

(2) Ron Paul Curriculum

(3) Wikipedia Origen

(4) Wikipedia Ambrose