Database
Church Fathers
Bishops, apologists, teachers, and martyrs whose witness shaped the early and unified Church.
- Clement of Romed. c. 99 · Rome
Early bishop of Rome traditionally counted among the Apostolic Fathers.
- Ignatius of Antiochc. 35 – c. 108 · Syria
Bishop of Antioch martyred in Rome; wrote seven letters en route to his death.
- Polycarp of Smyrnac. 69 – c. 155 · Asia Minor
Disciple of John the Apostle and bishop of Smyrna; martyred at extreme old age.
- Justin Martyrc. 100 – c. 165 · Rome
Philosopher-convert and Christian apologist beheaded in Rome.
- Irenaeus of Lyonsc. 130 – c. 202 · Gaul
Bishop of Lyons, disciple of Polycarp; chief opponent of Gnosticism.
- Augustine of Hippo354 – 430 · North Africa
Bishop of Hippo Regius; the towering theologian of the Latin West.