Ignatius served as bishop of Antioch, one of the most important early centers of Christianity, and is traditionally held to have been a disciple of the Apostle John. Arrested during a wave of persecution under the Emperor Trajan, he was condemned to be transported to Rome and thrown to wild beasts in the arena as public entertainment.
During the long journey to his execution, Ignatius wrote seven letters to various Christian communities and to Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna, urging unity under the bishops, warning against emerging heresies, and expressing his eagerness to be martyred as a genuine imitation of Christ. These letters, among the earliest surviving Christian writings outside the New Testament, remain essential sources for understanding the theology and church structure of the earliest post-apostolic Church.
Saint Ignatius of Antioch
Bishop and Martyr
An early bishop of Antioch and student of the Apostle John whose letters, written on his way to martyrdom in Rome, remain foundational texts of early Christian theology.
- Born
- 35
- Died
- 108
- Birthplace
- Syria
- Died in
- Rome, Italy
- Country
- Syria
- Century
- 2nd century
Why People Pray to Saint Ignatius of Antioch
Saint Ignatius of Antioch is invoked by those seeking unity in the Church and courage to remain faithful even to the point of great personal cost.
