Irenaeus

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2nd-century Greek bishop and saint

Irenaeus
Birth Date	c. 130
Birth Place	Smyrna, Asia Minor
Death Date	c. 202
Death Place	Lugdunum, Gaul
Feast Day	June 28
Venerated In	Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Churches, Anglican Communion, Lutheranism
Titles	Bishop, Martyr, Church Father
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Irenaeus (c. 130 – c. 202) was a Greek bishop noted for his role in guiding and expanding Christianity in the 2nd century. He was a notable early Church Father and apologist, and his writings were formative in the early development of Christian theology. He is best known for his work Against Heresies, a detailed critique of Gnosticism.

Early Life

Irenaeus was born in Smyrna, in Asia Minor (modern-day İzmir, Turkey). He was a student of Polycarp, who in turn was a disciple of John the Apostle. This connection placed Irenaeus in a direct line of apostolic succession, which he emphasized in his theological arguments.

Bishop of Lugdunum

Irenaeus became the bishop of Lugdunum (modern-day Lyon, France) around 177 AD. He succeeded the martyred bishop Pothinus and played a crucial role in the consolidation of the Christian community in the region. His tenure as bishop was marked by efforts to combat heresies and to promote unity within the Church.

Writings

Irenaeus is best known for his five-volume work Against Heresies (Adversus Haereses), written around 180 AD. This work is a comprehensive refutation of Gnosticism, a prominent heretical movement of the time. Irenaeus argued for the orthodox understanding of Christianity and emphasized the importance of apostolic tradition.

Another significant work attributed to Irenaeus is Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching, which outlines the core beliefs of Christianity and serves as a catechetical text.

Theology

Irenaeus' theology was deeply rooted in the apostolic tradition. He emphasized the unity of God and the continuity of the Old Testament and the New Testament. He is also known for his concept of recapitulation, which posits that Christ came to "recapitulate" or "sum up" all of human history, reversing the disobedience of Adam through his own obedience.

Martyrdom and Legacy

Irenaeus is believed to have died around 202 AD, possibly as a martyr during the persecution under the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. His feast day is celebrated on June 28 in the Western Church and on August 23 in the Eastern Church.

Irenaeus' contributions to Christian theology and his efforts to combat heresy have left a lasting impact on the Church. He is venerated as a saint in multiple Christian traditions.

Related Pages

• Church Fathers
• Gnosticism
• Polycarp
• John the Apostle
• Apostolic succession
• Christian theology
• Martyr