His Holiness Pope Shenouda III presents a historical and theological study of the 4th century AD, showing that it was one of the greatest centuries in Church history after the Apostolic Age — a period of transformation from persecution to peace, from heresy to doctrinal strength, and from martyrdom to monastic and theological glory.

1. The Beginning of the 4th Century and the Age of Martyrs

The century began with severe persecution known as “the Era of Martyrs” until AD 313. The Church was filled with the blood of those who died for their faith.
In AD 313, the Edict of Milan granted freedom of religion, ending the persecutions and allowing Christians to live in peace.

2. Pre-Nicene Councils and the Return of the Lapsed

After the persecutions, the Church debated how to accept those who denied their faith out of fear or temptation.
Local councils such as Caesarea and Ancyra set canons for repentance, distinguishing between those who fell under torture and those who willingly renounced Christ.

3. The Rise of Heresies, Especially Arianism

With religious freedom came doctrinal confusion. Arius denied the divinity of Christ.
Pope Peter the Seal of the Martyrs and his successors Achillas and Alexander opposed him.
Pope Alexander convened a local synod in Alexandria with 100 bishops to excommunicate Arius.
His teachings led to the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (AD 325), attended by 318 bishops, which produced the Nicene Creed, affirming that the Son is consubstantial with the Father.

4. Saint Athanasius the Apostolic, Hero of Faith

As a young deacon, Athanasius wrote On the Incarnation and Against the Heathen, later becoming Patriarch and championing Orthodoxy against Arianism.
He endured five exiles and was known as “Athanasius Contra Mundum” (“Athanasius against the world”) for standing alone in truth.
He became the teacher of the whole Orthodox Church.

5. The Fathers of the 4th Century

This century produced the Cappadocian Fathers — Basil the Great, Gregory Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa — along with Ambrose of Milan and Hilary of Poitiers (“the Western Athanasius”), all defenders of the true faith.

6. The Golden Age of Monasticism

The 4th century was the golden age of monasticism, marked by great saints: Anthony the Great, Pachomius, Macarius, and Shenouda the Archimandrite.
It united deep spirituality with theological intellect, creating a perfect model of Orthodox life.

7. The Council of Constantinople (AD 381)

This Second Ecumenical Council confronted Macedonius, who denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit.
It affirmed that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and completed the Nicene Creed.
Pope Timothy of Alexandria (22nd Patriarch) participated, confirming the true doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

8. The Fruits of the Fourth Century

The century was decisive for defining Orthodox faith, church order, and monastic life.
It transformed the Church from an age of blood to an age of building, from persecution to peace, and from weakness to spiritual and doctrinal strength.

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