Fathers of the Church
John Chrysostom
Known as the "Golden Tongue", is also a doctor of the church and has 100's of letters/sermons still in existence.
Augustine
Known for his dramatic conversion (from playboy to priest) after years of prayer by his mother Monica.
Jerome
"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ"
Gregory Nazianzus
"The Theologian" is his nickname. Childhood friend of Basil was constantly being thrust into positions of authority even though he was described as "Affectionate and tender by nature, of highly sensitive temperament, simple and humble, lively and cheerful by disposition, yet liable to despondency and irritability, constitutionally timid, and somewhat deficient, as it seemed, both in decision of character and in self-control, he was very human, very lovable, very gifted."
Ignatius
"Where there is Jesus, there is the Catholic Church."
Augustine
"You made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You." "Late have I loved You, O Beauty - ever ancient, ever new"
Polycarp
Apostolic father ordained by John the Evangelist as Bishop of Smyrna and friend of Ignatius. Died at 86 and is sometimes pictured with a dove because of traditions surrounding his martyrdom. He wrote a letter to the Philippians.
Basil
As Anthony and Benedict are attributed to founding monasticism in the West, this person is famous for establishing this in the East. One might say he added 'flavor' to the east in this way.
Gregory the Great
As a great pope, he reformed the administration of the papacy and priesthood, calling priests and bishops to Gospel humility.
Athanasius
Bishop who was exiled several times because of his stand against Arianism. At 19 years old, he wrote the still famous treatise called "On the Incarnation"
Ignatius
Famous for his quote on the Eucharist "Allow me to be eaten by the beasts, which are my way of reaching to God. I am God's wheat, and I am to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts, so that I may become the pure bread of Christ". — Letter to the Romans
Gregory the Great
Famous for organizing the feasts and music/Gregorian chant still in use today.
Jerome
Had a bad temper and not good at moderation, but he was quick to apologize and seek forgiveness. He was very smart- especially in languages and Scriptures, but not very good socially.
Justin
In order to defend Christians against condemnations of cannibalism, he recorded the order of the Mass, step by step, - which still is what the Mass looks like today.
Augustine
Prolific writer of books, sermons, etc... some of which include : "The Confessions," "The City of God" and "De Trinitiate"
Clement
This pope wrote a letter to the Corinthians was read in the Churches before the canon was determined. His letter is a very early document defending role the hierarchy of the Church and apostolic successions.
Jerome
Translated Bible into Latin - known as the Vulgate
Justin
Was a pagan philosopher who converted to Christianity in the early second century- and used philosophy is his arguments FOR Christianity.
Ambrose
While this Bishop of Milan is a Father and Doctor of the Church in his own right, he is most famous for teaching, baptizing and ordaining Augustine.
Basil
With his friend Gregory of Nazianzus and his brother Gregory of Nyssa, he makes up the trio known as "The Three Cappadocians", far outclassing the other two in practical genius and actual achievement.
