Commemoration of St. Irenaeus

From the Treasury and Synod's Website:

June 28
Irenaeus of Lyons, Pastor

Irenaeus (ca. A.D. 130-200), believed to be a native of Smyrna (modern Izmir, Turkey), studied in Rome and later became pastor in Lyons, France. Around 177, while Irenaeus was away from Lyons, a fierce persecution of Christians led to the martyrdom of his bishop. Upon Irenaeus' return, he became bishop of Lyons. Among his most famous writings is a work condemning heresies, especially Gnosticism, which denied the goodness of creation. In opposition, Irenaeus confessed that God has redeemed his creation through the incarnation of the Son. Irenaeus also affirmed the teachings of the Scriptures handed down to and through him as being normative for the Church.

In the writing assigned to today (from his work against heresies):

"We have learned from none others the plan of our salvation, than from those through whom the Gospel has come down to us, which they did at one time proclaim in public, and, at a later period, by the will of God, handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith."

Striking that what the Scriptures describe as the Church (1 Tim 3:15), St. Irenaeus describes as the role of the Gospel, enshrined in Scripture, within the Church!

"Almighty God, You upheld Your servant Irenaeus with strength to confess the truth against every blast of vain doctrine.... keep us steadfast in the true faith..."

For your servant St. Ireaneus, O Lord Jesus, and for his witness to You and Your Gospel, glory to You! Glory to You forever!