An Apologetical Explanation of the

Fathers of the Church

Who are the “Fathers of the Church”?

Though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers.  For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.  (1 Cor 4:15)

Brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.  (2 Thes 2:15)

The early Church Fathers, or Fathers of the Church, form the bedrock of the Church’s Tradition.  They were great Christian writers who taught and clarified the teachings of the Church from the first through the eighth centuries.  “The Church, in her teaching, life and worship, perpetuates and hands on to all generations all that she herself is, all that she believes…. The words of the holy fathers witness to the presence of this living tradition, whose wealth is poured into the practice and life of the believing and praying Church” (DV 8).

Although there is no official title or list of the “Fathers of the Church,” these teachers and theologians are recognized universally for their holiness, orthodoxy, contributions toward Christian theology (Cf. CCC 11, 236, 250), and piety (Cf. CCC 1177, 2687).  Throughout history, their teachings have been cited in support for the doctrines and pious practices of the Church.  Even today, the Fathers of the Church are called upon for their wisdom, sanctity, and witness to the beauty of Sacred Tradition under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  (Cf. CCC 688)

Some of the Church Fathers (Cf. CCC 8):

  • Pope St. Clement of Rome (d. 97) and St. Ignatius of Antioch (d. 110) wrote letters and teachings that were widely influential in the early Church.
  • St. Justin Martyr (d. 165) was a pagan philosopher who became a fervent Christian apologist.
  • St. Irenæus (d. 202), St. Athanasius (d. 373), St. Gregory of Nazianzen (d. 389), and St. John Chrysostom (d. 407) were among Fathers who helped defeat early heresies concerning the natures of Christ and the equality of Persons in the Blessed Trinity.
  • St. Jerome (d. 420) translated the Bible into Latin, which was then the language of the people.
  • St. John Damascene (d. 749) defended the practice of venerating images of Christ and the saints against those who considered it idolatry.

The Catechism addresses this question in paragraphs 78 and 1094.

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