Dionysius of Alexandria

Holy Hierarch Dionysius of Alexandria was bishop of Alexandria in the third century, a disciple of Origen, head of the catechetical school of Alexandria and a defender of the faith in the persecutions of Decius and Valerian.

He was brought to Christianity by the great teacher Origen, at a mature age, and became his most distinguished disciple. Around the year 232 he headed the catechetical school of Alexandria, and in 247 he was raised bishop of Alexandria. He lived in the time of the persecutions of the emperors Decius (249-251) and Valerian (253-259). He wrote a large correspondence, preserved in good part through Eusebius of Caesarea: he was the author of a paschal letter, supported the teaching of Cyprian and the African synod on the rebaptism of heretics, sent letters to the bishops of Rome and Antioch, among other matters on the fallen and on repentance, and engaged in polemic with heretics, among them the followers of Nepos, writing two books against him. His letter to the Church of Alexandria on exile and his letter on the persecution of Decius are also recalled.

He died around 264-265, at an advanced age (other lists give approximately 260). The Church commemorates him on 5 October.