Alexander

bishop of Alexandria

Also known as: Alexander of Alexandria

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June 18, 2026

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Alexander, bishop of Alexandria, was a key figure in the early Christian church, particularly during the Arian controversy. He served as bishop from 313 to 328 CE and was instrumental in opposing the teachings of Arius. Arius, a priest from Alexandria, proposed that Jesus Christ was a created being, subordinate to God the Father, rather than fully divine and of the same substance as the Father.12345

This theological dispute led to the convening of the First Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. The council, with Emperor Constantine I's involvement, condemned Arianism as heresy and affirmed the divinity of Christ, stating he was "of one substance with the Father". Alexander's stance, alongside theologians like Athanasius, was crucial in shaping orthodox Christian doctrine during this period. The controversy, however, continued to impact the church for centuries.4653

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Eusebius of Caesarea
…fully support either Arius or Alexander, bishop of Alexandria from 313 to 328, whose views appeared to tend toward Sabellianism (a heresy that taught that God was manifested in progressive modes). Eusebius wrote to Alexander, claiming that Arius had been misrepresented, and he also urged Arius to return to communion…
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…fully support either Arius or Alexander, bishop of Alexandria from 313 to 328, whose views appeared to tend toward Sabellianism (a heresy that taught that God was manifested in progressive modes). Eusebius wrote to Alexander, claiming that Arius had been misrepresented, and he also urged Arius to return to communion…
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patristic literature
The Nicene Fathers
…present at the council, defending Alexander, the theologian-bishop of Alexandria from 313 to 328, who had exposed Arius, and, after succeeding Alexander in 328, he spent the rest of his stormy life defending, expounding, and drawing out the implications of the Nicene theology. His most thorough and effective exposition of…
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…present at the council, defending Alexander, the theologian-bishop of Alexandria from 313 to 328, who had exposed Arius, and, after succeeding Alexander in 328, he spent the rest of his stormy life defending, expounding, and drawing out the implications of the Nicene theology. His most thorough and effective exposition of…
Read More