The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
Irenaeus
Also known as Saint Irenaeus, Irenaeus of Lyons, Count Irenaeus
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 55
There's a weight of authority in his bearing, the kind that comes from years spent defending what he believes to be true. His presence suggests both the scholar's careful precision and the shepherd's protective instinct.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Adult bishop
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 55
- Books
- 1
Irenaeus began as a bishop of Lyons who witnessed the early church's struggles against competing doctrines. He became one of the most influential church fathers, cataloguing Gnostic sects and affirming the reality of contemporary miracles including raising the dead. His writings on apostolic succession and the divine obligation of tithes became foundational texts for understanding early Christian doctrine. As an accuser of Dioscorus, he demonstrated the courage to confront powerful figures when defending his faith.
Description
A middle-aged man of scholarly bearing with episcopal authority, wearing the ornate robes of a bishop. His features suggest both intellectual rigor and pastoral care, with short dark hair showing signs of graying at the temples. He carries himself with the commanding presence of a church father and theologian, marked by his role as Bishop of Lyons and his anti-heretical stance.
Story so far
BOOK 1The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire / Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes)
Appearances
Meet Irenaeus in Bookworm
Meet Irenaeus in your EPUB — spoiler-safe to the book you're on.