Saint Ignatius of Antioch

Saint Ignatius was bishop of Antioch and an early Christian martyr. While being taken to Rome for execution, he wrote seven letters to churches and fellow bishop Polycarp. These letters stress the real humanity and divinity of Christ, unity around the bishop, the Eucharist, resistance to schism, and willingness to suffer for Christ. They are among the most important witnesses to the structure and theology of the Church shortly after the apostolic age.