The oldest extant written mention of the term Catholic, as applied to the Church, is found in one of the letters of the holy martyr St. Ignatius, who was a disciple of the Apostles and the Bishop of Rome: Chapter 8. Let nothing be done without the bishop See that you all follow the bishop, evenContinue reading “Why the Church is Called Catholic”
Tag Archives: Papacy
MONEPISCOPACY IN THE EARLY CHURCH
Monepiscopacy, also called monarchical episcopate, refers to a single bishop chosen to preside and rule over the church with a college of presbyters and deacons. The evidence shows that this was an early and widespread practice of the universal church. In fact, a strong case can be made that this structure was already in placeContinue reading “MONEPISCOPACY IN THE EARLY CHURCH”
Chrysostom: St. Ignatius & Peter as the Master of the World
The following is taken from St. John Chrysostom’s Homily on St. Ignatius. All emphasis will be mine. 4. And I will speak of a fourth crown, arising for us out of this episcopate. What then is this? The fact that he was entrusted with our own native city. For it is a laborious thing indeed to haveContinue reading “Chrysostom: St. Ignatius & Peter as the Master of the World”
Irenaeus, Apostolic Succession & the Roman See
The following is taken from St. Irenaeus’ Adversus haereses, Book III. All emphasis will be mine. Chapter 3 A refutation of the heretics, from the fact that, in the various Churches, a perpetual succession of bishops was kept up. 1. It is within the power of all, therefore, in every Church, who may wish to see the truth,Continue reading “Irenaeus, Apostolic Succession & the Roman See”
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