A Significant Period of Time, History of Christianity 251-451 AD

[Mary Naeem]

H.H. Pope Tawadros II

“A Significant Period of Time, History of Christianity 251-451 AD





Editorial Article by H.H. Pope Tawadros II in Kiraza Magazine: A Significant Period of Time, History of Christianity 251-451 AD


These are important historical events that took place over two centuries, from 251 AD (third century) to 451 AD (fifth century). They had a profound impact on the history of Christians both in the East and the West. It is essential to be aware of these events and their chronological sequence, both internally in Egypt and externally in the world at large. The movement of history and its events revolve entirely around God, who holds everything together, and thus we believe, trust, and acknowledge the unfolding of these events with all their positives and achievements, as well as their negatives and failures.

251 AD

The birth of St. Anthony, the father of all monks in Egypt and the world. He was a young Egyptian (born in Qimn al-Arus, Beni Suef Governorate), who established monasticism and the monastic life in Egypt, which then spread to the entire world.

256 AD

The birth of Arius the heretic in Libya. He was educated in Alexandria, became a priest there, and fell into the Arian heresy. He died in 336 AD.

264 AD

The birth of Eusebius of Caesarea, one of the most important and prominent historians of the early Middle Ages. He was the bishop of Caesarea in Palestine during the period (313-340 AD) and wrote the book “Ecclesiastical History,” earning him the title “Father of Church History.”

284 AD

Emperor Diocletian ascends to the throne of the Roman Empire, and his reign becomes one of the most severe periods of persecution against Christians. This year marks the beginning of the Coptic calendar – the Calendar of the Martyrs (Anno Martyrum).

291 AD

The birth of St. Pachomius, known as the Father of Koinonia, one of the founders of monasticism under the communal system. He was Egyptian and established monastic canons that are applied in most monasteries worldwide.

301 AD

Pope Peter becomes the seventeenth patriarch of Alexandria. He suffered greatly from persecution and received the crown of martyrdom in 311 AD by being beheaded. The Church gave him the title “Seal of the Martyrs.”

303 AD

The issuance of the edict of severe persecution against Christians throughout the Roman Empire, with Egypt receiving the largest share of Coptic martyrs who defended the faith and purity.

313 AD

The Edict of Milan is issued, establishing religious tolerance and recognizing Christianity as one of the religions of the Roman Empire, known for its promotion of freedom of conscience and worship.

313 AD

The birth of St. Didymus the Blind, who became the dean of the Catechetical School of Alexandria after being appointed by Pope Athanasius the Apostolic. He became the greatest dean of the school in the fourth century AD and departed in 398 AD.

320 AD

St. Pachomius, the Father of Koinonia, establishes a monastic community in the South Valley area in Egypt, which becomes the seed for all communal monasteries worldwide.

324 AD

Emperor Constantine assumes control of the unified empire after a series of wars (he was born in 280 AD in Serbia) and reunites the empire, East and West. His reign was one of peace and tolerance.

325 AD

The First Ecumenical Council is held in the coastal city of Nicaea, Turkey, with 318 bishops in attendance, the majority of whom were Eastern bishops (only 8 or 9 from the West). The council was convened to discuss and examine the heresy of Arius, the priest who had emerged in Alexandria. The council condemned and excommunicated him, marking a significant event in Christian history that preserved the unity of the Church, East and West.

326 AD

The discovery of the holy Cross in Jerusalem by Queen Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. It is said that she took the nails of the Cross, melted them into the metal of her son’s helmet and horse’s bridle, so he would always be victorious in his battles.

328 AD

Pope Athanasius becomes the twentieth patriarch of Alexandria at the age of 30, after the departure of his predecessor, Pope Alexander, the nineteenth patriarch, with whom he served as a deacon during the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.

330 AD

St. Ammon the Egyptian heads the monastic community of Nitria, while St. Macarius the Great (the Egyptian) establishes the monastic community of Scetis, also known as Wadi El-Natrun, in Egypt.

337 AD

The death of Emperor Constantine the Great, after receiving baptism and becoming a Christian in his final days. He founded the city of Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey today) and built the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

340 AD

The establishment and growth of monasticism in the Nitria and Kellia regions (near Dilingat, Beheira Governorate).

346 AD

The departure of St. Pachomius, the Father of Koinonia, and the selection of his disciple Theodore to lead the monastic communities after his mentor’s departure.

356 AD

The departure of St. Anthony, the father of all monks, at the age of 105. He enjoyed good health, and even at his advanced age, his teeth had not fallen out.

357 AD

Pope Athanasius the Apostolic, during his exile in the German border city of Trier, writes The Life of St. Anthony the Great. Through this book, monasticism spreads in the West.

370 AD

St. Basil the Great becomes the bishop of Caesarea and writes Church canons. He also organized social services in his monasteries, including educational, medical, and economic services.

373 AD

The departure of Pope Athanasius the Apostolic at the age of 75, after serving 47 years as the patriarch of Alexandria. During his papacy, he was exiled five times.

379 AD

The departure of St. Basil the Great.

381 AD

The Second Ecumenical Council of Constantinople is held, attended by 150 bishops. It was convened to discuss the heresy of Macedonius, who denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit. The council expanded the Nicene Creed by adding a doctrinal statement regarding the Holy Spirit’s role in our faith.

389 AD

The departure of St. Gregory of Nyssa.

407 AD

The first barbarian raid on the monasteries of Scetis (Wadi El-Natrun).

412 AD

Pope Cyril I becomes the twenty-fourth patriarch of Alexandria. He is known as “The Pillar of Faith” and was one of the monks of the Monastery of St. Macarius.

431 AD

The Third Ecumenical Council of Ephesus is convened, affirming the status of the Virgin Mary as “Theotokos” (Mother of God).

433 AD

The second barbarian raid on the monasteries of Scetis (Wadi El Natrun).

444 AD

The departure of Pope Cyril I, the Pillar of Faith, who is considered one of the most prominent theologians in the history of the Coptic Church and is revered by churches worldwide.

451 AD

The tragic Council of Chalcedon, which caused the division in the Christian church into East and West after it had been one united Church of Christ for four and a half centuries. With this division, the terms Orthodox and Catholic emerged, and subsequent schisms followed throughout the centuries.