How did St. Ignatius of Antioch Congtribute to the Sacred Traditon of the Church?

St. Ignatius of Antioch, dying in martyrdom... fed to the lions at the Coliseum of Rome during the Roman Persecutions of the Catholic Church.

Anonymous said...

how did St.ignatius of antioch contribute to sacred tradition?

October 25, 2010 3:44 AM

Fr. Abe, CRS said...

He contributed by giving witness to the Sacred Tradition and the Catholic Faith until death when he showed courage and fidelity to the Church until he was being fed to the lions in public martyrdom in the Coliseum of the pagan Rome.

St. Ignatius of Antioch didn't add anything to the Sacred Tradition. Instead, he proclaimed it courage and preserved it with his life. His testimony for the faith is very important. Because Antioch is one of the most ancient and largest center of Christian Faith since the Apostolic Age. In his epistle to the Romans he explained that the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul both wrote to the Roman Church:

"I do not, as Peter and Paul, issue commandments unto you." Ignatius of Antioch, Epistle to the Romans, 4 (c. A.D. 110).

This statement dispelled any doubt that the Babylon referred by St. Peter in 1 Peter 5:13 is no other than the City of Rome and St. Peter greets on behalf of the Roman Christians. Not only that, the Letter of Paul to the Romans is very clear and his stay in Rome is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. That of Peter was not as categorically narrated in Scriptures but St. Ignatius of Antioch provide the historical testimony of Peter's leadership in the Church of Rome by ranking him ahead of St. Paul in giving commands to the Roman Church.

Being founded by St. Peter and St. Paul, the Church of Rome according to St. Ignatius is the greatest in honor and dignity among all the See or local churches of the Christian Faith:

"Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the Church which has obtained mercy, through the majesty of the Mast High God the Father, and of Jesus Christ, His only-begotten Son; the Church which is sanctified and enlightened by the will of God, who farmed all things that are according to the faith and love of Jesus Christ, our God and Saviour; the Church which presides in the place of the region of the Romans, and which is worthy of God, worthy of honour, worthy of the highest happiness, worthy of praise, worthy of credit, worthy of being deemed holy, and which presides over love..." Ignatius of Antioch, Epistle to the Romans, Prologue (A.D. 110).

Also, as a Bishop personally ordained by St. Peter and a disciple of the Apostles he is a direct link in the Apostolic Succession and a proof that the Catholic Church is the true Church founded by Jesus. In fact, second to the Sacred Scriptures he is the first among the Fathers to refer to the Church as 'The Catholic Church'

"See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Christ Jesus does the Father, and the presbytery as ye would the apostles. Do ye also reverence the deacons, as those that carry out the appointment of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude also be; by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church." Ignatius of Antioch, Epistle to the Smyrneans, 8:2 (c. A.D. 110).

AS THE CHURCH IS FIRST CALLED CHRISTIANS IN ANTIOCH, IT IS ALSO IN ANTIOCH THAT THE NAME THE CATHOLIC CHURCH GAINED ITS WIDESPREAD USE.

October 25, 2010 5:41 AM