Optatus

Optatus of Milevis

Optatus, sometimes anglicized as Optate, was a fourth-century bishop of Milevis in Numidia (modern-day Algeria). He is principally remembered for his extensive writings against Donatism, a schismatic Christian movement prevalent in North Africa during the late Roman Empire. His theological contributions were crucial in shaping early Christian understanding of the Church's nature and the efficacy of sacraments.

Life and Historical Context

Little is definitively known about Optatus's early life, though Augustine of Hippo suggests he may have been a convert. His significant work, an untitled treatise against the Donatists, was written in response to Parmenianus, the successor of Donatus in the primatial see of Carthage. According to Jerome, the work was initially in six books and written during the reign of Emperors Valens and Valentinian I (364–75). The extant text now comprises seven books, and its content indicates it was updated, with references extending to Pope Siricius (384–98) and a list of Donatist antipopes around 380.

The dating of Optatus's work is based on internal evidence. A statement in Book I suggests that over sixty years had passed since the persecution of Diocletian (303–5), placing the original publication around 366–70. A second edition, with additions, likely appeared between 385–90. Optatus is believed to have died around 387.

Major Contributions and Doctrine

Optatus's writings are distinguished by his relatively mild approach to schismatics compared to other Church Fathers. He differentiated between schismatics, who rejected unity but retained true doctrine and sacraments, and heretics. A central theme of his work is the nature of the Church's unity, which he argued must be universal, extending throughout the world, rather than confined to a localized group.

He addressed the Donatist claim to the true Church by examining the concept of the "cathedra" or episcopal chair. Optatus asserted that the chair of unity was first conferred upon Peter in Rome, and that this apostolic succession, maintained through the popes, defined the legitimate Church. He then challenged the Donatists to trace the origin of their own episcopal succession.

Optatus also strongly defended the objective efficacy of sacraments, famously stating, "Sacramenta per se esse sancta, non per homines" (Sacraments are holy in themselves, not through men). He argued that the grace of baptism comes from God, irrespective of the minister's personal faith. His work also includes strong condemnations of the Donatists' sacrilegious treatment of altars and sacred objects.

Legacy

Optatus's treatise against the Donatists remains a vital historical and theological document, offering crucial insights into the Donatist controversy and the development of ecclesiology in the fourth century. His theological arguments concerning the universality of the Church and the objective efficacy of the sacraments have had a lasting impact on Christian thought. While he has not received widespread formal ecclesiastical cultus, his name was included in the Roman Martyrology on June 4, and he is venerated on the same date in the Eastern Orthodox Church.