Achillas of Alexandria
Achillas was the 18th Patriarch of Alexandria, serving from 312 to 313 AD. Renowned for his knowledge and piety, he was appointed head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria and later enthroned as patriarch. He is remembered for his brief but significant tenure and his interaction with Arius.
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Egypt
Key Facts
- ›Achillas served as the 18th Patriarch of Alexandria from 312 to 313 AD.
- ›He was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and was known for his knowledge and piety.
- ›Pope Theonas ordained him priest and appointed him head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria.
- ›He was recommended by Pope Peter for the patriarchal throne.
- ›Achillas allowed Arius to return to his former position as priest and preacher.
- ›He died six months after becoming patriarch.
Achillas the Great
About Achillas of Alexandria
Achillas served as the 18th Patriarch of Alexandria, holding the office for a brief but significant period from 312 to 313 AD. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, he was highly regarded for his profound knowledge and exceptional piety. These qualities led Pope Theonas to ordain him as a priest and subsequently appoint him as the head of the esteemed Catechetical School of Alexandria, following the departure of Pierius.
His intellectual prowess in Greek philosophy and theological science was so considerable that Pope Athanasius later bestowed upon him the honorific title "Achillas the Great." As recommended by Pope Peter, Achillas was enthroned as patriarch in December (Kiahk) 312 AD, shortly after Peter's martyrdom during the Diocletianic Persecution.
A notable event during his short tenure was his decision to grant the request of Arius, who had previously been condemned by Peter. Achillas allowed Arius to return to his former role as a priest and preacher. Achillas died approximately six months after his enthronement, on the 19th of Paoni in 313 AD. Following his death, Arius attempted to secure the position of Bishop of Alexandria, but the clergy and populace favored Alexander for the succession.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Achillas of Alexandria?
Achillas was the 18th Patriarch of Alexandria, serving from 312 to 313 AD. He was known for his deep knowledge and piety, and was highly regarded for his work in Greek philosophy and theological science.
What was Achillas's role before becoming Patriarch?
Before becoming patriarch, Achillas was ordained priest and appointed head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria by Pope Theonas, due to his renowned knowledge and piety.
What significant event occurred during Achillas's patriarchate concerning Arius?
During his patriarchate, Achillas yielded to the request of Arius, who had previously been condemned by Peter, to return to his former position as priest and preacher.
How long did Achillas reign as Patriarch?
Achillas reigned as Patriarch of Alexandria for a short period, approximately six months. He was enthroned in December 312 AD and died on the 19th of Paoni in 313 AD.
Related Saints
Theonas
Theonas was the 16th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria, serving from 282 to 300 AD. He is remembered as a scholar who established a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and gently converted many to Christianity. He is also noted for his wise handling of theological disputes and for ordaining his successor, St. Peter.
Didymus of Alexandria
Didymus the Blind was a prominent Christian theologian in 4th-century Alexandria, known for his exceptional memory and scholarship despite his blindness from a young age. He was a devoted follower of Origen and a respected teacher who influenced many students, though his works were later condemned alongside Origen's.
Dionysius of Alexandria
Dionysius the Great was the 14th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria, serving from 248 to 264. He is remembered as a capable administrator, particularly during times of persecution and plague, and for his extensive correspondence that provides insight into the early Church. His writings, though largely lost, influenced later theologians and are preserved in excerpts.