Irenaeus, Bishop

Irenaeus was born in Asia Minor, became a priest in early adulthood, and was considered the first great theologian in the Church. He was a disciple of Polycarp, who was a disciple of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist. Polycarp sent Irenaeus to work with the Bishop in Gaul to quell the false interpretation of Sacred Scripture spread by Mantanus and his followers. Irenaeus was known for evangelization and his defense of Christianity against the Gnostic heresy as well. He is credited for eliminating the thread of Gnosticism to Christianity. Irenaeus restored peace between the Eastern and Western Church, which was resolved permanently following the Council of Nicea, when both conformed to the western calendar.