Who was Saint Ignatius of Antioch?
Q: Who was Saint Ignatius of Antioch?
A: Saint Ignatius of Antioch (also known as Theophorus) was the third Bishop or Patriarch of Antioch and a student of the Apostle John.
Q: When did he live?
A: He lived from AD 35-107.
Q: What is important about his letters?
A: His letters are an example of the theology of the earliest Christians and address important topics such as ecclesiology, sacraments, and the role of bishops.
Q: What is his feast day?
A: His feast day is observed on 17 October in Western Christianity and 20 December in Eastern Christianity.
Q: Who were some people that knew him?
A: He wrote a letter to Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, who had also known John. Additionally, Jesus took him in His arms and blessed him when he was a child. He was most likely a disciple of the Apostle John as well.
Q: How did Ignatius base his authority?
A: Ignatius based his authority on living his life in imitation of Christ.