Pantaenus

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Saint Pantaenus (d. ca. 216) was a Christian theologian who founded the Catechetical School of Alexandria in AD 190 This school is known as the earliest catechetical school, and influential in the development of Christian theology.

In 185 Pantaenus was a Stoic philosopher teaching in Alexandria. He converted to the Christian faith, and sought to reconcile his new faith with Greek philosophy. His most famous student, and his successor as head of the Catechetical School, Clement described Pantaenus as "the Sicilian bee. Although no writings be Pantanus are extent,his legacy is known by the influence of the Catechetical School on the development of Christian theology, in particular in the early debates on the interpretation of the Bible, the Trinity, and Christology. He was the main supporter of Serapion of Antioch for acting against the influence of Gnosticism.

In addition to his work as a teacher, according to Eusebius, Pantaenus was for a time a missionary preacher, traveling as far as India, where it was reported that he found Christians who were using the Gospel of Matthew.

His feast day is July 7 (June 22 in the Coptic tradition).

References

External links

• Saint Pantaenus in the Catholic Encyclopedia
• Saint Pantaenus in For all the Saints

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