Hieromartyr Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria (†264–265) — October 5 / October 18 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 5 according to the Julian Calendar (October 18 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Hieromartyr Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria.

The holy hieromartyr Dionysius, Bishop of Alexandria, was born into a wealthy pagan family. He received an excellent education and became a rhetorician. Upon reaching maturity, under the influence of the renowned Church teacher Origen (3rd century), he converted to Christianity and became his disciple. Advancing in the virtues, he was soon ordained a priest. From the year 231 Dionysius became head of the School of Alexandria, and in 247 he was consecrated bishop. He labored greatly to refute and uproot various heretical teachings, above all the heresy of the Sabellians.

During the persecution of the faithful under the emperors Decius (249–251) and Valerian (253–260), the gentle and loving archpastor stood as a faithful guardian of Christian souls, strengthening them in the struggle of confession.

The holy father found ways to help and comfort everyone. During a time of plague he urged his flock to give aid to the sick, Christian and pagan alike, and to bury the dead. Of those spiritual children who perished while carrying out this duty, the blessed shepherd wrote: “Thus the best among our brethren departed this life. Such a death—the fruit of great piety and firm faith—is in no way inferior to martyrdom.”

Saint Dionysius was twice sent into exile. During the reign of the emperor Gallienus (260–268) he returned to his see and reposed in peace in the year 264 or 265. Although Saint Dionysius did not die as a martyr, he endured so many sufferings for God throughout his life that the Holy Church numbered him among the company of martyrs.

Saint Dionysius of Alexandria left us several remarkable works for the interpretation of Holy Scripture and the refutation of heretical teachings. His writings played an important role in the development of Christian thought and had a great influence on the theology of the 4th century.