CHURCH HISTORYCHURCH HISTORY

100 A. D. – 500 A. D.100 A. D. – 500 A. D.

Journey from 100 – 500Journey from 100 – 500

The Church spread rapidly and her The Church spread rapidly and her doctrine continued to develop. doctrine continued to develop.

The seeds of the gospel were sown in The seeds of the gospel were sown in much of Europe, Northern Africa, and the much of Europe, Northern Africa, and the

Middle East. Christianity flourished in Middle East. Christianity flourished in these areas.these areas.

Journey from 100 – 500Journey from 100 – 500

Christians continue to pray together and to Christians continue to pray together and to celebrate the Eucharist motivated by their celebrate the Eucharist motivated by their

profound love of Jesus. They were also profound love of Jesus. They were also known for their love of service to others. known for their love of service to others.

They reached out to the poor, the They reached out to the poor, the homeless, and the unwanted. homeless, and the unwanted.

They welcomed all races and nations to They welcomed all races and nations to their midst.their midst.

Journey from 100 – 500Journey from 100 – 500

It is important to remember that while the It is important to remember that while the Church is always guided by the Holy Spirit, Church is always guided by the Holy Spirit, it is made up of imperfect human beings it is made up of imperfect human beings

who can make mistakes and are capable of who can make mistakes and are capable of sinning. sinning.

Therefore, conflicts and controversies, Therefore, conflicts and controversies, corruption and even wars are found corruption and even wars are found

throughout the history of the Church.throughout the history of the Church.

Journey from 100 – 500Journey from 100 – 500

During this era, many During this era, many HERESIESHERESIES arose. arose. Church councils were held especially to Church councils were held especially to correct these false teachings concerning correct these false teachings concerning

Christian beliefs.Christian beliefs.

Church Councils 100 - 500Church Councils 100 - 500

• Council of Nicea (325 AD)Council of Nicea (325 AD)

• Council of Ephesus (431 AD)Council of Ephesus (431 AD)

• Council of Chalcedon (451 AD)Council of Chalcedon (451 AD)

Saints to KnowSaints to Know•St. Ignatius of AntiochSt. Ignatius of Antioch

•Sts. Perpetua and FelicitySts. Perpetua and Felicity

•St. JeromeSt. Jerome

•St. MonicaSt. Monica

•St. AugustineSt. Augustine

•St. PatrickSt. Patrick

Sermon: Church is founded on Rock

"I say to thee, thou art Peter, and on this

rock I will build My Church; and the gates

of hell shall not prevail against it.“

-Matthew 16:18

Struggles and UpheavalStruggles and UpheavalPersecutions continued because Christians would not Persecutions continued because Christians would not

worship false gods or obey unjust laws. Many worship false gods or obey unjust laws. Many Christians were martyred or sent into exile during the Christians were martyred or sent into exile during the

reign ofreign of

Emperor Diocletion.Emperor Diocletion.

The first emperor to become a Christian was The first emperor to become a Christian was

Constantine.Constantine.

After his conversion he issued the After his conversion he issued the

EDICT OF MILANEDICT OF MILAN in 313 AD in 313 AD

This edict ended persecution of the Church in the This edict ended persecution of the Church in the Roman empire and recognized the right of Christians Roman empire and recognized the right of Christians to worship in accordance with their faith. As a result to worship in accordance with their faith. As a result of the new freedom, Christianity spread throughout of the new freedom, Christianity spread throughout

the Roman Empirethe Roman Empire

EDICT OF MILAN – 313 A.D.EDICT OF MILAN – 313 A.D.