Our Father among the Saints Achillas, Patriarch of Alexandria
Life
Achillas was Patriarch of Alexandria for a brief period in the early fourth century, succeeding Peter, called the 'Seal of the Martyrs,' and preceding Alexander I. Born in Alexandria, he was ordained a priest by Pope Theonas and, before his episcopate, served as head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria following the departure of Pierius.
His short tenure fell at the outset of the Arian controversy. The single action of his episcopate that the record preserves is his readmission of the presbyter Arius, who had been condemned under his predecessor Peter, to clerical office. Achillas reposed in 313 and was venerated as a saint.
Timeline 4 moments
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early 4th c.Ordained priest at AlexandriaAchillas was ordained a priest by Pope Theonas of Alexandria. He later became head of the Catechetical School of Alexandria, following the departure of Pierius.
312Succeeds Peter as Patriarch of AlexandriaAchillas succeeded Peter, called the 'Seal of the Martyrs,' as Patriarch of Alexandria. His episcopate is dated from late 312 to 313.
312–313Readmission of AriusDuring his brief episcopate Achillas yielded to the request of Arius — who had been condemned under Peter — to return to clerical office. Orthodox sources record that he placed Arius as priest of an Alexandrian church, the only notable act of his episcopate to come down to us.
313ReposeAchillas died in 313 at Alexandria. He was succeeded by Alexander I; the clergy and people chose Alexander after Arius had put himself forward for the see.
Contributions & Legacy
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Episcopate and the Arian controversy
Achillas occupied the see of Alexandria for only a short time, traditionally dated from late 312 to 313. He had been ordained a priest by Pope Theonas and was reckoned among the city's learned clergy, having directed the Catechetical School of Alexandria.
The episode for which he is remembered is his treatment of Arius. Peter, his martyred predecessor, had condemned and excommunicated the presbyter; Achillas, prevailed upon by Arius's supporters, restored him to clerical office and stationed him at an Alexandrian church. Orthodox accounts note that this is essentially the only act of his episcopate that survives in the record. After Achillas's death Arius advanced his own candidacy for the see, but the clergy and people elected Alexander instead, under whom the dispute over Arius's teaching came to a head.
His companions & kin
Predecessor as Patriarch of Alexandria; the 'Seal of the Martyrs' who had condemned Arius.
Peter of Alexandria
Successor as Patriarch of Alexandria, under whom the Arian controversy intensified.
