Way of the Fathers

As a theological poet, he is peerless but for Dante. Yet Ephrem’s fame rests not only on his words, but also on his heroic deeds. He lived almost his entire life in a war zone. He helped invent the hospital and the women’s choir. He served tirelessly in times of famine and natural disaster—and he died caring for the sick during a pandemic. More than 500 of his hymns have survived into our time. Links Free audiobook readings of St. Ephrem’s hymns https://www.catholicculture.org/search/search.cfm?searchgoals=6&andsearch=Ephrem%20audiobooks Ephraim the Syrian, The Nisibene Hymns https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=2224 Ephraim the Syrian, Nineteen Hymns on the Nativity of Christ in the Flesh https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=2225 Sozomen, Ecclesiastical History (Ephraim’s story is at Book III, Chapter XVI) https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=2885 Robert Murray, S.J., Symbols of Church and Kingdom: A Study in Early Syriac Tradition https://www.amazon.com/Symbols-Church-Kingdom-Syriac-Tradition/dp/0567030822/ More works by the Fathers https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/ Mike Aquilina’s website https://fathersofthechurch.com Mike Aquilina's books https://catholicbooksdirect.com/writer/mike-aquilina/ Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed http://www.ccwatershed.org Donate today! https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio

Aphrahat is known in the tradition as "the Persian Sage." He is the first Father in our series to live, geographically and culturally, outside the Roman Empire. Born in the late third century in the Persian Empire, he flourished amid persecution. Aphrahat is the earliest prominent witness to Syriac Christianity. He wrote in a dialect of Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus. He maintained close contact with Judaism and demonstrated a profound knowledge of Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish customs. He wrote in prose that reads like poetry. His is a most unusual voice. The modern rabbi Jacob Neusner called Aphrahat a model of Jewish-Christian dialogue — “an enduring voice of civility and rationality amid the cacophony of mutual disesteem.” Links Aphrahat the Persian Sage, Select Demonstrations https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=2231 Aphrahat the Persian Sage, Demonstration 2 http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/aphrahat_dem2.htm Aphrahat the Persian Sage, Demonstration 7 http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/aphrahat_dem7.htm Jacob Neusner, Aphrahat and Judaism: The Christian-Jewish Argument in Fourth-Century Iran https://www.amazon.com/Aphrahat-Judaism-Christian-Jewish-Fourth-Century-Supplements/dp/9004021507/ More works by the Fathers https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/ Mike Aquilina's website https://fathersofthechurch.com Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed http://www.ccwatershed.org Donate today! https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio

He is often called the Athanasius of the West, and the two men had much in common. They defended the Council of Nicaea and opposed the emperor ... and suffered exile for their trouble. But Hilary's approach to controversy differed from that of Athanasius. He listened to his opponents, read their works, and found common ground when he could. When he couldn't, he was able to address their concerns clearly and directly. He was even willing to work with heretics as they opposed more radical heresies. He composed the first systematic treatise on the Trinity and was perhaps the first to introduce hymns into Western worship. His own hymns are still sung today. Links Hilary of Poitiers, On the Councils, or the Faith of the Easterns https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=2850 Hilary of Poitiers, On the Trinity (first 3 books) https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=2851 Hilary of Poitiers, hymns https://hymnary.org/person/Poitiers_Ho A hymn by Hilary in English translation https://youtu.be/bf51fVfV0VE More works by the Fathers https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/ Mike Aquilina's website https://fathersofthechurch.com Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed http://www.ccwatershed.org Donate today! https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio

Every Christian historian or history buff is dependent upon the work of Eusebius of Caesarea. He didn’t invent Church history, but his writings made it a serious discipline. He was the first to attempt a comprehensive, universal history of Christianity. He wanted his account to be the official story. Yet in his own lifetime he showed the perils and ironies of living within history. He did this by aiding and abetting true villains and assisting in the persecution of saints and heroes. Links Eusebius of Caesarea, Oration in Praise of Constantine, on his 30th Anniversary https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=2883 Eusebius of Caesarea, Church History https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=2880 Eusebius of Caesarea, Chronicon https://www.amazon.com/Athanasius-Introduction-Thomas-Weinandy-Cap-dp-0813231140/dp/0813231140/ Eusebius of Caesarea, The Proof of the Gospel http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/eusebius_de_03_book1.htm Eusebius of Caesarea, Preparation for the Gospel http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/eusebius_pe_01_book1.htm Eusebius of Caesarea, Theophany http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/eusebius_theophania_02book1.htm More works by the Fathers https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/ Mike Aquilina's website https://fathersofthechurch.com Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed http://www.ccwatershed.org Donate today! https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio

Discover the thrilling life of Athanasius, a formidable figure who stood against the tide of Arianism and championed the Nicene Creed. His 45-year ministry was marked by relentless struggles, including five exiles ordered by emperors. Despite being accused of various crimes, he remained unwavering in his devotion to orthodox Christianity. Athanasius's journey is one of adventure, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to unity in the face of monumental challenges.

Alexander can’t say he wasn’t warned. His predecessor as bishop of Alexandria, Peter, had told him not to trust Arius. But Alexander ignored the advice. Then Arius went into open rebellion, and then his heresy spread throughout the world. And then Alexander had to act decisively, arguing strongly against the Arian heresy and prevailing at the Council of Nicaea in 325. Links St. Alexander of Alexandria, Letter to the Bishop of Constantinople https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1823 St. Alexander of Alexandria, Encyclical Letter https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1824 More works by the Fathers https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/ Mike Aquilina's website https://fathersofthechurch.com Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed http://www.ccwatershed.org. Donate today! https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio

Through one man’s witness, monasticism took the world by storm. Anthony of Egypt became history’s least probable celebrity. He gave up his money and possessions. He couldn’t read or write. He fled to the desert to be alone with God. Yet he drew disciples wherever he went. His desert became a city populated by monks and hermits. Philosophers and emperors sought his sage advice. In the course of his life he exercised a profound influence on the history of religion. Links St. Athanasius, Life of St. Anthony (audio) https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/audiobook_authors_titles.cfm Episode on the Temptation of St. Anthony in art history https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/90-temptation-st-anthony-elizabeth-lev/ St. Athanasius, Life of St. Anthony (text) https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=3080 Palladius, The Lausiac History - a fifth-century history of monasticism http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/palladius_lausiac_02_text.htm Peter H. Gorg, The Desert Fathers, a recent introduction to the lives of the solitaries https://www.ignatius.com/The-Desert-Fathers-P545.aspx More works by the Fathers https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/ Mike Aquilina's website https://fathersofthechurch.com Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed http://www.ccwatershed.org. Donate today! https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio

He was the greatest rhetorician in the Latin-speaking world. Born in North Africa, Lactantius was summoned to serve at the imperial court. He converted to Christianity and, with the persecution of Diocletian, lost his job and lived in poverty. He continued writing to strengthen the faithful. With the rise of Constantine and the legalization of Christianity, he was restored to glory. In his writings we have a unique eyewitness account of one of history’s most important transitional moments. Links Lactantius, Of the Manner in which the Persecutors Died https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1885 Lactantius, On the Workmanship of God https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1884 Lactantius, The Epitome of the Divine Institutes https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1882 Lactantius, The Phoenix https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1856 More works by the Fathers https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/ Mike Aquilina's website https://fathersofthechurch.com Donate today! https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed http://www.ccwatershed.org.  

It’s hard to be an intelligent Christian without somehow handling Origen’s ideas. He set the ground rules for scientific study of the Bible. He wrote foundational works in spirituality, apologetics, and fundamental theology. In this episode, we look at those big accomplishments, but also examine the ideas that got him into trouble. Do souls exist before they get bodies? Does Satan get saved in the end? Does allegory trump history when we read the Bible? And did Origen really say all these things anyway? Find out why the Man of Steel is just as controversial today as he was almost two millennia ago. Links St. Methodius of Olympus, Against Origen (fragment) https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1833 St. Jerome, Letter 84 to Pammachius https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=2379 Thomas Mirus on Origen’s theology https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/church-fathers-origens-theology/ Pope Benedict XVI on Origen’s thought https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=7548 Catholic Culture Audiobooks reading of Origen homily on Genesis: https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/origen-alexandria-homily-i-on-genesis/ More works by the Fathers https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/ Mike Aquilina's website https://fathersofthechurch.com Donate today! https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed http://www.ccwatershed.org.  

Origen of Alexandria was one of the most important figures in Christian antiquity—most brilliant and most productive—yet also one of the most complicated. He was widely influential and widely despised. He was praised for his accomplishments and blamed for disasters. He wrote thousands of books and invented several academic disciplines, including scientific biblical studies, fundamental theology, and spiritual theology. Toward the end of life he endured tortures rather than deny the faith; and he died a hero’s death. This is the first of two episodes on his life and work. Links Gregory of Pontus, The Oration and Panegyric Addressed to Origen https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1849 Eusebius of Caesarea, Church History: Book VI https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1999 A Letter from Origen to Africanus https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1693 Origen, On Prayer http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/origen_on_prayer_02_text.htm More works by the Fathers https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/ Catholic Culture Audiobooks reading of Origen homily on Genesis: https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/origen-alexandria-homily-i-on-genesis/ Mike Aquilina's website https://fathersofthechurch.com Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed http://www.ccwatershed.org. Origen of Alexandria was one of the most important figures in Christian antiquity—most brilliant and most productive—yet also one of the most complicated. He was widely influential and widely despised. He was praised for his accomplishments and blamed for disasters. He wrote thousands of books and invented several academic disciplines, including scientific biblical studies, fundamental theology, and spiritual theology. Toward the end of life he endured tortures rather than deny the faith; and he died a hero’s death. This is the first of two episodes on his life and work. Links Gregory of Pontus, The Oration and Panegyric Addressed to Origen https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1849 Eusebius of Caesarea, Church History: Book VI https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1999 A Letter from Origen to Africanus https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/view.cfm?recnum=1693 Origen, On Prayer http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/origen_on_prayer_02_text.htm More works by the Fathers https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/fathers/ Mike Aquilina's website https://fathersofthechurch.com Donate today! https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed http://www.ccwatershed.org.