Alexander Of Lycopolis
Alexander of Lycopolis
The writer of a short treatise, in twenty-six chapters, against the Manichæans (PG., XVIII, 409-448). He must have flourished early in the fourth century, as he says in the second chapter of this work that he derived his knowledge of Manes’ teaching apo ton gnorimon (from the man’s friend). Despite its brevity and occasional obscurity, the work is valuable as a specimen of Greek analytical genius in the service of Christian theology, “a calm but vigorous protest of the trained scientific intellect against the vague dogmatism of the Oriental theosophies”. It has been questioned whether Alexander was a Christian when he wrote this work, or ever became one afterwards. Photius says (Contra Manichæos, i, 11) that he was Bishop of Lycopolis (in the Egyptian Thebaid), but Bardenhewer opines (Patrologie, 234) that he was a pagan and a platonist.
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COWELL in Dict. of Christ. Biogr., I, 86. A good separate edition is that of A. BRINKMANN (Leipzig, 1895).
JOHN J. A’BECKET Transcribed by Vivek Gilbert John Fernandez Dedicated to my old school, De La Salle College Ashfield, Sydney Australia.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume ICopyright © 1907 by Robert Appleton CompanyOnline Edition Copyright © 2003 by K. KnightNihil Obstat, March 1, 1907. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., CensorImprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York
Fuente: Catholic Encyclopedia
Alexander Of Lycopolis
wrote a short treatise against the Manichaeans, printed in Galland, Biblioth. Veterumt Patru, 4, 73-87. Its title is , . Photius (Contra Man. i, 11) calls him the archbishop of Lycopolis. He must have flourished early in the 4th century, as he says (c. 2) that he derived his knowledge of Manes’ doctrines – . It has been disputed whether he was a Christian when he wrote the book, or even became one afterwards; but the testimony of Photius seems to settle the latter point.