1. Course Agenda 1

2.  Pope (91-96).  He settled controversies by writing letters, showing the recognized authority of the papacy.

3.  He won the battle of ‘Saxa Rubra’ after he saw the sign: ‘in hoc signo vinces’.  He issued the Edict of Milan (313) legalizing Christianity.  He called the Council of Nicaea.  He was finally baptized a Christian in 337, shortly before his death.  His mother was St. Helen.

4.  Forced to become bishop.  After difficulty with Christians guilty of apostasy, he called a council to settle the dispute.  He wrote On the Unity of the Church, declaring, “No salvation outside the Church.” Although his words meant well (to fight heresies), his words haunt the Church for 1500 years.

5.  First to use the term “Catholic Church.”  He fought for the primacy of the pope.

6.  He defended the Church by combating heresies, especially Gnosticism.  He emphasized the episcopacy, Sacred Scripture, and Apostolic Tradition.  He wrote Against the Heresies (against Gnosticism).  He created the first creed, “Rule of Faith.”  He created an early version of the New Testament canon.

7.  In July 64, he blamed Rome’s great fire on the Christians.  First to truly persecute Christians, including Peter and Paul.  He tortured Christians and declared Christianity unlawful.

8.  He was the head of the first Catechetical School and university in Alexandria.  He was respected and admired for his “great mind.”  He was tortured during the reign of Emperor Decius.  We credit him with inventing the homily.

9.  Born Saul of Tarsus.  Pious Jew who persecuted Christians until his conversion on the road to Damascus.  Became a leader of the Christians, traveling and spreading the Good News to Jews and Gentiles alike.  Opponent to James at the Council of Jerusalem (49), and became the Apostle to the Gentiles.  Wrote many New Testament Epistles.  Beheaded under the rule of Caesar Nero in Rome.

10.  Apostle who ends up in Rome as the first Bishop of Rome (hence first Pope).  Founder of the Church.  Crucified upside-down under Caesar Nero.  Led the Council of Jerusalem.