Achillas of Alexandria

Saint Achillas was the eighteenth pope and patriarch of Alexandria, between 312 and 313. He was born at Alexandria, in Egypt, and was known for learning and piety; for this reason Pope Theonas ordained him priest and placed him at the head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria, after the departure of Pierius, with whom he had been ordained. He was apparently highly thought of for his work in Greek philosophy and theological science, since Saint Athanasius later called him Achillas the Great. He was also renowned for his ascetic life.

On the advice of Pope Peter he was enthroned patriarch in December 312 (the month Kiahk), after the martyrdom of Peter in the persecution of Diocletian (in other sources, 311). He inherited the troubles of the Church of that time, among them the Melitian heresy, which he opposed. He granted the request of Arius, condemned by Peter, to return to his former priesthood and preaching, though he did not share his views. He died six months later, on 19 Paoni (13 or 26 June) 313. After his death, Arius put himself forward as bishop of Alexandria, but the clergy and people chose Alexander. The Eastern Churches commemorate him on 3 June; the Catholic Church, on 7 November.