CH I Lesson 6

Perpetua

Christian martyr from well-to-do household in Carthage, challenge to Roman society and patriarchal roles
Along with slave Felicitas, executed during reign of Septimius Severus
New convert to Christianity
Inspired growth within Christian church by prophecy

Decius

Emperor who began persecution in AD 249 - first systematic, empire-wide in contrast to Septimius Severus' edict which outlawed conversions to Christianity or Judaism
Sought to restore the glory of the Roman Empire, believed gods' divine favor had abandone

Confessors

Those who continued to confess their Christian faith under torture during persecution under Decius' reign
Some given authority to readmit lapsed to the church, authority denied by Cyprian, bishop of Carthage
Would lead to split into Donatists

Cyprian

Bishop of Carthage during and following Decius' reign, himself in exile for part of the persecution
Understood Eucharist as sacrifice (such as those of altars in pagan temples)
Contested confessors' right to readmit lapsed
Convened synod to decide how chu

Diocletian

Emperor from AD 284-305 who initiated the "great persecution", the most cruel the ancient church had to endure
Political restructuring into the Tetrarchy
Massive military buildup which resulted in Christians being expelled from military
Promotion of imper

Battle of Milvian Bridge

AD 312
Constantine achieved victory over Maxentius (both members of the previous Tetrarchy)
Something happened on way to battle which caused Constantine to put cross symbol on his military regalia
Attributed victory to Christian God, led to Constantine's

Edict of Milan

Issued in AD 312 by co-emperors Licinius and Constantine
Religious freedom provided throughout the empire to gain favor of whatever deities existed

Catechism

Essential doctrines of the faith
Process whereby new believers would learn the doctrines and then undergo rite of baptism
Anointing of oil (Spirit and "royal priesthood") followed by robes, milk, and honey
Baptismal candidates assisted by deacons during t

Armenia (Christianization)

Beginning of 4th c.
First documented conversion to the Christian faith of an entire royal household and kingdom
Gregory the Illuminator came during the time of King Tiridates III, brought from pit to pray for healing

Shah Varahran II

One of his wives was the daughter of Roman captives, refused to abandon her faith
Shah tortured and publicly ridiculed her prior to execution
Rising number of Christians within Persian world but also threat looming

David, Bishop of Basra

On the Persian Gulf, left episcopal see to begin mission work in India
Prior to AD 300 left for missionary work to India says "The Chronicle of Seert