Orthodox Forge

The Fathers

Dionysius of Corinth

ca. 171

Who he was

  • Bishop of Corinth, probably the successor of Primus.
  • An outstanding writer among the non-Roman bishops.
  • Eusebius (H. E. 4:23) gives a description of his eight letters to different Christian communities.
  • The heretics to whom he refers, must be thedisciples of Marcion and Montanus.
  • Eusebius praises him for having given a share in his “inspired industry” to those in foreign lands.
  • All his letters, including that of Rome, were addressed to the Churches and not to the bishops. His letters were held in universal esteem.

What he wrote

  • Seven Catholic Letters to Lacedemon, Athens, Nicomedia, Gortyna (and Crete), Amastris, (and Pontus), Gnossus and Rome.
  • To Chrysophora, a most faithful Christian, probably his sister.
  • Sending letters to bishoprics other than his own proves not only the reputation of the bishop, but also indicates the unity of the Christian community.
  • In his letter to Rome he mentions to a custom of Rome to send supplies to other Churches to help those who were condemned to work in the mines.

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