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Saints & Church Fathers

St. Irenaeus of Lyon (c. 130-202)

St. Irenaeus of Lyon (c. 130-202), by Unknown author, 21st century
Saints Irenaeus of Lyons, Ambrose of Milan, Athanasius the Great, Martin the Merciful, Germanus, Gaudentius and… Unknown author, 21st century CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Bishop of Lyon, disciple of St. Polycarp (who knew the Apostle John). His 'Against Heresies' is the most important early anti-Gnostic work. Developed the theology of 'recapitulation' (anakephalaiosis): Christ reverses the effects of Adam's fall by passing through every stage of human life. Feast: August 23.

Sources

  • St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies ANF
  • St. Irenaeus, Proof of the Apostolic Preaching

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