Pope Achillas of Alexandria

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Bishop

Achillas the Great
Coptic Christianity)
Venerated inOriental 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.
Titles of the Great Christian Church
Preceded by
Peter I
Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria
312—313
Succeeded by