Pope Achillas of Alexandria
Bishop Achillas the Great | |
---|---|
Coptic Christianity) | |
Venerated in | Oriental Orthodox Churches Catholic Church Eastern Orthodoxy |
Achillas was the 18th
Patriarch of Alexandria
, reigning from 312 to 313.
He was born in
Alexandria, Egypt, and was renowned for his knowledge and piety; this was why Pope Theonas had ordained him priest and appointed him head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria upon the departure of Pierius. He was apparently very highly thought of for his work in Greek philosophy and theological science, as Pope Athanasius later described him by the honorific "Achillas the Great".[1]
As recommended by
Pope Peter, he was enthroned patriarch in December (Kiahk) 312 AD, after the martyrdom of Peter during the Diocletianic Persecution.[2] He yielded to the request of Arius
, who had been condemned by Peter, to return to his former position as priest and preacher.
Achillas died six months later on the 19 Paoni 313.
After his death, Arius nominated himself to become Bishop of Alexandria, but the clergy and the people chose Alexander instead.[1]
References
Sources
- "Achillas (311–313)". Official web site of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. Archived from the original on 2011-08-12. Retrieved 2011-02-08.