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Saint Dionysius of Alexandria
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Saint Dionysius of Alexandria

Third-century bishop of Alexandria, pupil of Origen, who survived two persecutions

Rank
Saint
Kind
Bishop
Life
d. ~264
Era
3rd century
Feast
17 November
Countries
Egypt
Egypt

Life story

Dionysius was born in Alexandria around the end of the second century into a distinguished family. After studying various schools of thought he became a Christian and studied under Origen and Heraclas. Around 232 he succeeded Heraclas as head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria; he was later made bishop of the city around 247–248.

During the Decian persecution (250–251) he was arrested and taken toward Taposiris, but villagers attending a wedding feast freed him; he then stayed in the Libyan desert until the persecution ended. Later, in Valerian's persecution of 257, he confessed his faith before the prefect Aemilianus and was banished to Cephro, a desert district of Libya. He returned after Gallienus's edict of toleration in 260. Most of what we know of him comes from letters quoted by Eusebius in his Church History.

In the Novatianist dispute he sided with Pope Cornelius against Novatian. He also opposed Nepos's millenarianism in his work On the Promises, and, too old and infirm to attend the synod at Antioch about Paul of Samosata, he sent his opinion in a letter. He died in 264 or 265, after about seventeen years as bishop. Most of his writings are lost, surviving only in fragments.

Works and witness

  • Headed the Catechetical School of Alexandria after Heraclas, around 232
  • Became bishop of Alexandria around 247–248
  • Escaped capture under Decius; was exiled to Cephro under Valerian
  • Opposed the Novatianist party and the millenarianism of Nepos
  • Called “Dionysius the Great” by Eusebius

Saints from the same country

Saint Anthony of Egypt, Saint Athanasius, Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Saint Catherine of Alexandria

References

  • Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent), “Dionysius of Alexandria” (cathen/05011a), read in full – episcopate 247–8 to 264–5, Taposiris and the wedding party, Kephro, Gallienus 260, Novatian, Nepos, Paul of Samosata, feast 17 November
  • Britannica, “Saint Dionysius of Alexandria” – 'the Great'; seen via search excerpt
  • Eusebius, Church History, books VI–VII (newadvent.org/fathers) – main ancient source

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.