Theology 11 - DK The Church: Christianity in the Roman Empire

St. Irenaeus

This martyr wrote Against Heresies. He was educated by St. Polycarp & became bishop of Lyons after the first bishop was martyred.

Tertullian

This early Christian wrote: "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church."

St. Felicity

This martyr was a young female slave who had a baby just days before she was killed for her refusal to renounce her Christianity.

St. Stephen

This martyr was one of the first deacons of the church. He preached, served the poor, and worked miracles. Eventually, he was stoned to death. He was the first martyr.

St. Polycarp

This martyr became bishop of Smyrna (located in modern-day Turkey) and cared for his flock throughout the difficult period of persecution. He was martyred at age 86 when he refused to renounce Christ.

Constantine

This emperor ruled from about 307-337 AD. He has a vision, puts a symbol for Christ on his soldier's battle gear, and wins an important battle. Eventually, he became the leader of the entire Roman world when he defeated the ruler of the Eastern Empire. He converted to Christianity.

Nero

This emperor ruled from 54-68 AD. He blamed the fire that burned most of Rome on the Christians. Persecution of Christians under his rule escalated, and, during his reign, Peter and Paul were executed.

Decius

This emperor ruled from 249-251 AD. He decreed that every Roman citizen had to publicly worship the Roman gods in order to receive a certificate indicating that they were loyal citizens. Those without the certificate could be tortured.

Diocletian

This emperor rused from 284-305 AD. He is known for bringing order to an empire that had been lacking in stable leadership. He began what is now called the Great Persecution of Christians by bringing back the practice of mandatory emperor worship.

martyr

"Greek for 'witness.' A witness to the truth of the Faith in which a Christian endures suffering and even death in Christ.

Ichthus

The Greek word for fish (ΙΧΘΥΣ). The initials of the word Ichthus are also used as an acronym of the following Greek words:

I=Jesus

Ch=Christ

Th=Theou (God's)

U=Uios (Son)

S=Soter (Savior)

Chi Rho

The first two letters of Christ's name in Greek.

Jerusalem

The Council of ___ declared that Gentiles could convert to Christianity without following all of Mosaic law.

Didache

means 'the teaching;' a catechetical document that included Christian doctrines like the Trinity, moral teachings, & the sacraments.

catacombs

where many of the martyrs of the Roman Empire were buried

Egypt

The country to which Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fled in order to escape persecution at the hands of King Herod; devoted Christians still live here today, despite persecution.

Justin Martyr

A pagan philosopher who converted to Christianity, he wrote the First Apology, a defense of the Christian life against pagan beliefs.

Pax Romana

'Peace of Rome:' a relatively peaceful time that lasted two centuries--from Nero to Decius-- and allowed Christianity to grow.

Milan

The Edict of ___, signed in 313 AD, declared that there would be religious tolerance in the Roman Empire.

St. Perpetua

This martyr left behind a prison diary which recounts her experience leading up to martyrdom; she chose Christ despite her father's opposition and her young baby.