Eutychius of Alexandria

Eutychius of Alexandria (877-940 AD), also known as Sa'id ibn Batriq or Al-Batriq, was the Melkite Patriarch of Alexandria from 933 until his death in 940. He is notable for his contributions to the Christian church in Egypt and for his works in medicine, history, and theology. Eutychius is recognized as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, with his feast day celebrated on May 4th.

Life

Eutychius was born in Fustat, near present-day Cairo, Egypt, into a Christian family of Syrian descent. He pursued an education in various fields, including medicine, which he practiced for several years. His scholarly interests also encompassed theology and history, leading him to write several works in these areas.

In 933, Eutychius was elected as the Patriarch of Alexandria, a position he held until his death in 940. His tenure as patriarch was marked by efforts to reconcile differences between various Christian denominations and to defend the Christian community in a predominantly Muslim environment.

Works

Eutychius is best known for his historical work, Annals (Tarikh), which provides a chronicle of the world from the creation according to the Bible up to his own time. This work is significant for its inclusion of information about the early Islamic period and its attempt to integrate Christian and Islamic histories. His writings also include theological treatises and medical texts, reflecting his diverse interests and knowledge.

Legacy

Eutychius of Alexandria is remembered for his scholarly contributions and his leadership of the Christian community in Egypt. His works, particularly his Annals, remain valuable sources for historians studying the early Islamic period and the history of Christian-Muslim relations.