Irenaeus

Irenaeus (; ; ) was a Greek bishop noted for his role in guiding and expanding Christian communities in the southern regions of present-day France and, more widely, for the development of Christian theology by combating heterodox or Gnostic interpretations of Scripture as heresy and defining proto-orthodoxy. Originating from Smyrna, he had seen and heard the preaching of Polycarp, who in turn was said to have heard John the Evangelist, and thus was the last-known living connection with the Apostles.

Chosen as bishop of Lugdunum, now Lyon, his best-known work is ''Against Heresies'', often cited as ''Adversus Haereses'', a refutation of gnosticism, in particular that of Valentinus. To counter the doctrines of the gnostic sects claiming secret wisdom, he offered three pillars of orthodoxy: the scriptures, the tradition handed down from the apostles, and the teaching of the apostles' successors. He is the earliest surviving witness to regard all four of the now-canonical gospels as essential.

Irenaeus is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and in the ancient Churches of the Christian East: the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Oriental Orthodox Churches, including the Assyrian Church of the East.

The Latin Catholic Church celebrates his memorial on 28 June. Pope Francis declared Irenaeus the 37th Doctor of the Church on 21 January 2022.

The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Irenaeus, the feast being also on 23 August.

Irenaeus is honored in the Church of England and in the Episcopal Church on 28 June. Provided by Wikipedia