Saint Ignatius of Antioch

Pope Shenouda III spoke about Saint Ignatius of Antioch, known as “The God-Bearer” or “The Christ-Bearer,” because it is said he was the child whom Christ placed in the midst of the disciples and said, “Unless you become like little children.”

🔹 His Martyrdom and Faith:
Saint Ignatius was martyred during Emperor Trajan’s reign. He was taken from Antioch to Rome to be thrown to the beasts. On his journey, he wrote seven letters to the churches — including to Ephesus, Rome, and Philadelphia — expressing his deep longing to be united with God and his readiness to die for Christ.

🔹 Spirit of Sacrifice and Longing for God:
In his letters, he showed great love for martyrdom, asking not to be prevented from it. He even prayed that the beasts would come quickly so he could complete his journey toward the Lord. For him, physical death meant spiritual life and true union with God.

🔹 Warning Against Earthly Attachment:
He asked believers not to love him physically but spiritually, rejoicing in his salvation, since his true love was to meet Christ rather than to preserve his body on earth.

🔹 Important Ecclesiastical Teachings:
His letters also contained vital teachings on church order, emphasizing the role of the bishop, priest, and deacon, showing that the structure of the Church existed since the end of the first century.

🔹 Overall Spiritual Message:
Saint Ignatius presents a model of living faith, yearning for God, seeing suffering as the path to glory, and death as eternal life. He calls every believer to live in obedience to the Church and in love with Christ, seeking union with Him above all earthly things.

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