Ignatius of Antioch
BIOGRAPHY
Ignatius of Antioch (Greek: Ἰγνάτιος Ἀντιοχείας, Ignátios Antiokheías; died c. 108/140), also known as Ignatius Theophorus (Greek: Ἰγνάτιος ὁ Θεοφόρος, Ignátios ho Theophóros, "the God-bearer"), was an early Christian writer and Patriarch of Antioch.
On his journey to Rome, where he ultimately met his martyrdom, Ignatius wrote a series of letters that have become central to the collection of works by the Apostolic Fathers. These letters offer valuable insight into early Christian theology, addressing key topics such as ecclesiology, the sacraments, and the role of bishops. Ignatius is considered one of the three most significant Apostolic Fathers, alongside Clement of Rome and Polycarp.
His writings not only highlight the doctrinal development of the early Church but also emphasize the importance of the unity and authority of the bishop, as well as the central role of the Eucharist in Christian worship. Ignatius’s correspondence remains a cornerstone for understanding the formation of Christian doctrine in the early centuries.