Hieromartyr Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria

Life

Born in Alexandria of distinguished pagan parents and educated in Greek philosophy, and then under Origen. As a young man he read the epistles of the Apostle Paul, came to believe in Christ, and was baptized by Demetrius, then bishop of Alexandria. In the year 247 he became bishop of the same city and served God and the people of God as a true shepherd, and that under very difficult circumstances. From without, the Church was persecuted by the pagans, and from within it was torn asunder by heretics. In addition a plague struck, which decimated the people for several years. Three years he spent outside Alexandria, hidden by the faithful, so that he would not perish before his time. During those three years he wrote many epistles and other compositions to his flock, instructing it and strengthening it in holding to the Orthodox faith. Among his writings are also found several canons which the Church has accepted. Likewise his letter against Novatian is considered a canonical letter. He governed the Church for seventeen years and reposed in the year 265.