See Also: Arius(encyclopedia)

Arius (sh)




born งใ 250, Libya
died 336, Constantinople, Byzantine Empire

Christian priest and heretic whose teachings gave rise to the doctrine of Arianism.

He was leader of a Christian community near Alexandria, Egypt, where he preached doctrines that combined Neoplatonism with a literal, rationalist interpretation of biblical texts. By asserting the absolute oneness and immutability of God, he called into question the divinity of Christ. His views were publicized through his major work, Thalia (งใ 323). In 325 the Council of Nicaea declared him a heretic. He was striving to compromise his views and win readmission to the church when he died suddenly in Constantinople. The Arian heresy posed a threat to Christian orthodoxy for several centuries.