Anianus of Alexandria
Anianus of Alexandria was the second Patriarch of Alexandria, ordained by Saint Mark the Evangelist. He is remembered as the first convert Mark won to Christianity in the region and for his significant role in growing the early church in Alexandria. Anianus served as patriarch for over seventeen and a half years, ordaining new clergy and overseeing the church's expansion.
- Feast Day
- 20 Hathor
- Century
- 1st century
- Country Or Region
- Egypt
Key Facts
- ›Anianus was ordained by Saint Mark the Evangelist and was the first convert Mark made in Alexandria.
- ›He became the second Patriarch of Alexandria after the martyrdom of Saint Mark.
- ›Anianus served as patriarch for over seventeen and a half years.
- ›During his tenure, the number of Christians in Alexandria grew significantly, and he ordained new priests and deacons.
- ›He died in bed and was buried next to Mark at the church in Baucalis.
- ›There is a dispute about whether he was the first or second patriarch, with the Coptic Orthodox Church holding he was second.
Pope Anianus
About Anianus of Alexandria
Anianus of Alexandria, also referred to as Pope Anianus, holds a significant place in the early history of Christianity in Egypt as the second Patriarch of Alexandria. His life and ministry are intrinsically linked to Saint Mark the Evangelist, the founder of the Church of Alexandria.
Life and Ministry
Tradition recounts that Anianus was a cobbler in Alexandria who encountered Saint Mark after the strap of his sandal broke. While mending the sandal, Anianus injured his hand with an awl and cried out "Heis ho Theos" ("God is one"). This exclamation prompted Mark to share the Gospel of Christianity with him, reportedly healing Anianus of his wound miraculously. Anianus is noted as the very first convert Mark won to Christianity in the region.
Mark subsequently preached the Gospel to Anianus's family, baptized them, and was invited into Anianus's home. The evangelistic efforts of Mark and his followers led to a significant number of conversions in Alexandria, which in turn caused some of the local pagan population to feel compelled to defend their traditional gods.
Ordination and Patriarchate
Recognizing the need for local leadership, Saint Mark ordained Anianus as a bishop in his absence. He also ordained three presbyters and seven deacons to assist Anianus in leading the church. After Mark's departure and subsequent return following a period of ministry in other regions, he found that the church in Alexandria had grown considerably.
Following the martyrdom of Saint Mark, Anianus assumed the role of patriarch of the church in Alexandria. He served in this capacity for over seventeen and one-half years, during which time the Christian population continued to grow significantly. Anianus actively ordained new priests and deacons to minister to the expanding church. Despite the hostility demonstrated by the pagan population towards the new faith, the evangelization efforts continued, though possibly with some degree of discretion.
Anianus died peacefully in his bed and was buried next to Saint Mark at the church in Baucalis.
Dispute and Veneration
There is a matter of historical dispute regarding Anianus's precise position in the patriarchal succession. The Catholic Church and some other traditions consider Anianus to be the first patriarch of Alexandria. However, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria asserts that Saint Mark himself was the first patriarch, which would make Anianus the second.
Regardless of this distinction, Anianus is regarded as a saint. His feast day is celebrated on 20 Hathor in the Coptic Orthodox Church and on April 25 in the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church. The church of St. Anianus in Monroe Township, New Jersey, is noted as the first Coptic Orthodox Church in the world dedicated in his name.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Anianus of Alexandria?
Anianus of Alexandria was the second Patriarch of Alexandria, ordained by Saint Mark the Evangelist. He was also the first convert Mark won to Christianity in the region.
How did Anianus become a Christian?
According to tradition, Saint Mark enlisted Anianus, a cobbler, to repair his sandal. During the repair, an awl slipped and wounded Anianus, who cried out "Heis ho Theos" ("God is one"). Mark used this opportunity to preach the Gospel and reportedly healed Anianus's wound.
What was Anianus's role in the early church?
Anianus was ordained as a bishop by Saint Mark and charged with watching over the church in Alexandria during Mark's absence. After Mark's martyrdom, Anianus became the patriarch and led the church for over seventeen and a half years, ordaining new clergy and overseeing its significant growth.
Is there any dispute about Anianus's position as patriarch?
Yes, there is a dispute. The Catholic Church and some others consider Anianus the first patriarch. However, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria holds that Saint Mark was the first patriarch, making Anianus the second.
When is Anianus's feast day?
Anianus is venerated as a saint with a feast day of 20 Hathor in the Coptic Orthodox Church. In the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church, his feast day is observed on April 25.
Related Saints
Avilius of Alexandria
Avilius of Alexandria, also known as Abilius, was the third Patriarch of Alexandria. He is remembered for his piety, chastity, and his role in strengthening the Christian faith in Egypt and surrounding provinces during a period of peace for the church.
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.
Peter
Saint Peter, born Shimon bar Yonah, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and a foundational leader of the early Christian Church. He is prominently featured in the New Testament Gospels and Acts, and is traditionally regarded as the first bishop of Rome and Antioch. Peter is chiefly remembered for his confession of Jesus as the Messiah, his role as a witness to the resurrected Christ, and his crucifixion in Rome.