Who were the Melitians and where did they primarily operate?

The Melitians were an early Christian sect that originated in Egypt. They were founded around 306 AD by Bishop Melitius of Lycopolis and persisted as a distinct group into the eighth century.

What alternative name is associated with the Melitians, and what is its origin?

The Melitians were also known as the Church of the Martyrs. This name was initially chosen by their founder, Melitius, though other rigorist sects in the early church also used this designation.

What was the core theological or disciplinary issue that led to the Melitian schism?

The primary point of division between the Melitians and the larger catholic church was the differing views on the readmission of Christians who had lapsed (renounced their faith) during periods of official persecution. The Melitians found the terms for readmission offered by the mainstream church to be too lenient.

How does the Melitian schism in Egypt compare to the Donatist movement in North Africa?

The Melitian schism in Egypt shared a fundamental point of contention with the Donatist movement in the province of Africa: both schisms arose from disagreements over the ease with which lapsed Christians were readmitted into church communion.

What is the historical term for the division within the Egyptian church caused by Melitius?

The division that resulted from Melitius's actions and his dispute with the Patriarch of Alexandria is historically known as the Melitian schism.

What was Bishop Melitius of Lycopolis's approach to Christian practice during times of persecution?

During periods of official persecution, Melitius advocated for the open practice of Christianity. He encouraged believers to continue celebrating the liturgy and urged them not to go into hiding from authorities.

When and under what circumstances was Melitius imprisoned?

Melitius was imprisoned around 305/306 AD during the Diocletianic Persecution. He was incarcerated alongside Patriarch Peter I of Alexandria.

What led to Melitius being excommunicated by Peter I of Alexandria?

After both Melitius and Peter I were released during a lull in persecutions, Peter established terms for readmitting lapsed Christians. Melitius considered these terms too lenient and, in the ensuing dispute, ordained some of his followers, which led to his excommunication by Peter.

What fate befell Peter I of Alexandria and Melitius as persecutions resumed?

As the persecutions intensified, Peter I of Alexandria was killed in 311 AD. Melitius, on the other hand, was condemned to labor in the mines.

What imperial edicts played a role in the end of Melitius's imprisonment and the broader persecutions?

Melitius was released following the Edict of Serdica in 311 AD. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD brought a permanent end to the widespread persecutions of Christians.

What did Melitius establish upon his return to Egypt after his release?

Upon returning to Egypt, Melitius founded what he termed the Church of the Martyrs. This new church was established with clergy whom he himself had ordained.

How did the name Melitians originate and evolve?

Initially, the term Melitians was used by the sect's opponents, including the imperial chancery, to label them as heretics and distinguish them from true Christians. Over time, the name lost its negative connotations and was eventually adopted by the sect itself.

Who succeeded Peter I of Alexandria, and what was their impact on the schism?

Achillas succeeded Peter I as patriarch but was unsuccessful in resolving the growing crisis of the Melitian schism during his brief tenure.

What was the goal of Alexander I, Peter I's successor, regarding the Melitian schism?

Alexander I, who became patriarch in 313 AD, aimed to heal the schism within the Egyptian church. His motivation was to strengthen the church's position against the rising threat of Arianism, as he considered the Melitians' Christology to be theologically sound.

What significant church council addressed the Melitian schism in 325 AD?

The First Council of Nicaea, convened under Emperor Constantine I in 325 AD, attempted to reconcile the Melitians with the now-legalized church.

What were the terms offered by the Council of Nicaea for the incorporation of Melitians into the Catholic Church?

The Council of Nicaea agreed to grant Melitian priests full clerical privileges if they renounced their schism and acknowledged the authority of the Patriarch of Alexandria. Melitius himself was allowed to remain a bishop but without a specific see, and he was not reinstated in his former position at Lycopolis.

What document did Melitius submit to the Council of Nicaea, and what did it reveal?

Melitius submitted a list of his bishops and clergy, known as the Breviarium Melitii, to the Council of Nicaea. This document indicated a Melitian presence throughout Egypt, challenging the idea that their strength was concentrated solely in Upper Egypt.

How many Melitian bishops were recognized at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD?

There were 28 Melitian bishops present or accounted for at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.

What observation was made about the names of some Melitian bishops in 325 AD?

It was noted that several of the 28 Melitian bishops listed at the Council of Nicaea had Coptic names, suggesting a significant presence of native Egyptian speakers within the movement.

What happened to the reconciliation efforts between the Melitians and the Catholic Church after the Council of Nicaea?

The period of concord established after the Council of Nicaea lasted for only three years. Melitius died in 327 AD, and his successor, John Archaph, was involved in renewed conflict.

Who was elected Patriarch of Alexandria in 328 AD, and how did this affect the Melitian schism?

Athanasius was elected Patriarch of Alexandria in 328 AD. His election was followed by the Melitians re-entering schism, reportedly encouraged by Eusebius of Nicomedia, and electing a rival patriarch named Theonas with Arian support.

What role did Eusebius of Nicomedia allegedly play in the renewed Melitian schism?

Eusebius of Nicomedia is said to have encouraged the Melitians to break the reconciliation after Nicaea. According to Richard Hanson, Eusebius promised the Melitians an audience with the emperor if they supported Arius, leading to a fusion of their causes.

What accusations did the Melitians level against Athanasius?

The Melitians accused Athanasius of serious misconduct, including physically assaulting their bishops, allegedly murdering one of them, and desecrating Melitian liturgical vessels.

What was the outcome for Athanasius following the accusations made at the Council of Tyre in 335 AD?

As a consequence of the accusations brought forth at the First Synod of Tyre in 335 AD, Athanasius was condemned, excommunicated, deposed from his patriarchal office, and forced into exile.

How did Athanasius counter the Melitian accusations and the decisions of the Council of Tyre?

In his writings, such as the Apologia contra Arianos and Historia Arianorum, Athanasius refuted the Melitians' claims. He accused them of fabricating lies and conspiring with the Arians to undermine his authority and position.

What was Emperor Constantine I's reaction to the Council of Tyre's decisions?

Emperor Constantine I responded to the Council of Tyre by ordering the exile of Melitian clergy, including John Arkaph, who had been appointed as John Archaph's successor.

What is known about the leaders of the Melitian sect after John Archaph?

The names of the leaders who succeeded John Archaph are not known, and he himself is not mentioned after 335 AD.

How did Athanasius characterize the Melitians in his writings from the 350s and 360s?

In his writings during the 350s and 360s, Athanasius continued to refer to the Melitians as an ongoing threat. He also claimed in his biography of Anthony the Great that the Melitians asserted the desert saint Anthony was one of their own.

What was the general trajectory of the Melitian sect's influence after 400 AD?

Although the Melitians declined in overall importance by the year 400 AD, they did not disappear. They continued to exist as a small monastic sect, with mentions found in the writings of later church figures.

Into which century did the Melitians persist as a distinct group?

The Melitians persisted as a small monastic sect into the eighth century, surviving even after the Arab conquest of Egypt.

Which prominent church figures mentioned the Melitians in their writings after 400 AD?

Cyril of Alexandria (died 444 AD) and Shenoute (died c. 465 AD) are among the church figures whose writings mention the continued existence of the Melitians.

What evidence exists for Melitian monasticism in the 4th century?

Numerous papyri discovered in the Egyptian desert provide evidence of a flourishing Melitian monasticism during the 4th century.

What is uncertain regarding the structure of Melitian monastic communities?

While it is clear that Melitian monks lived in communities, it remains uncertain whether these were highly organized coenobia, similar to those of the Pachomians, or more loosely structured, quasi-eremitic groups like those found in Nitria and Scetis.

What was Timothy of Constantinople's view on the Melitians' theological standing for reunion?

Timothy of Constantinople, writing around 600 AD, stated that the Melitians did not hold any theological errors. However, he stipulated that they must formally condemn their schism (pronounce it anathema) for reunion with the church.

According to the History of the Patriarchs of Alexandria, who facilitated the reconciliation of some Melitians?

The History of the Patriarchs of Alexandria attributes the reconciliation of some Melitians to Bishop Moses of Letopolis.

When did the reconciliation efforts by Bishop Moses of Letopolis take place?

The reconciliation efforts by Bishop Moses of Letopolis occurred late in the reign of Patriarch Michael I, who died in 767 AD.

What unique worship practices are attributed to the Melitians by Theodoret?

Theodoret, writing around 460 AD, noted that the Melitians developed distinctive forms of worship that included practices such as hand clapping and the use of music.

What argument suggests that the Melitian movement was predominantly composed of native Egyptian speakers?

It has been argued that the Melitian movement was largely dominated by Copts, who were native Egyptian speakers. This view is supported by the discovery of Coptic papyri related to the sect and mentions of them in the writings of figures like the Pachomians and Shenoute.

What is the significance of the spelling Melitian versus Meletian?

The spelling Melitian is derived from contemporary Greek and Syriac sources and correctly refers to the schism initiated by Melitius of Lycopolis in Egypt. The spelling Meletian is often used for a schism involving Meletius of Antioch, which occurred a generation later.

What was the primary reason Alexander I of Alexandria sought to resolve the Melitian schism?

Alexander I sought to resolve the Melitian schism primarily to strengthen the united Egyptian church's ability to combat the theological challenges posed by Arianism, as he believed the Melitians' Christology was aligned with orthodox views.

What was the nature of the Melitian schism in relation to the Donatist schism?

The Melitian schism in Egypt mirrored the Donatist schism in North Africa in its core issue: the dispute over the leniency shown to Christians who had renounced their faith during periods of persecution.

What was the significance of Melitius's ordination of his own clergy?

Melitius's ordination of his own clergy was a key act that solidified the schism, as it created a separate ecclesiastical structure that directly challenged the authority of the Patriarch of Alexandria and led to his excommunication.

How did the Council of Nicaea attempt to reintegrate the Melitians into the broader church?

The Council of Nicaea attempted reintegration by offering Melitian clergy full clerical status and privileges, provided they renounced their schismatic stance and submitted to the authority of the Patriarch of Alexandria.

What does the Breviarium Melitii suggest about the geographical distribution of the Melitian movement?

The Breviarium Melitii, a list of Melitian bishops and clergy, suggests that the Melitian movement had a presence across the entire length of Egypt, not just in the southern region of Upper Egypt, which was sometimes considered its primary center.

What was the alleged pact between the Arians and the Melitians?

The alleged pact involved Eusebius of Nicomedia promising the Melitians an audience with the Emperor if they supported Arius. This alliance was reportedly formed after the Melitians had unsuccessfully sought imperial protection against Athanasius.

What impact did the Council of Tyre in 335 AD have on Athanasius?

The Council of Tyre in 335 AD resulted in Athanasius being condemned, excommunicated, deposed from his patriarchal office, and subsequently exiled.

What evidence suggests that the Melitian movement had a significant Coptic-speaking component?

Evidence such as Coptic names among Melitian bishops listed at the Council of Nicaea, the discovery of Coptic papyri related to their monasticism, and mentions in the writings of Coptic figures like Shenoute all support the view that the movement was dominated by native Egyptian speakers.

What was the ultimate fate of the Melitian sect?

The Melitian sect, though declining in prominence by 400 AD, persisted as a small monastic group into the eighth century, eventually being reconciled with the Coptic Patriarchate of Alexandria in the late 8th century.

What specific accusation did Athanasius make against the Melitians in his writings?

Athanasius accused the Melitians of fabricating accusations against him, specifically claiming they lied about him assaulting and murdering their bishops and desecrating their liturgical vessels, and that they conspired with Arians to depose him.

What does the persistence of the Melitians into the eighth century signify about their resilience?

The Melitians' survival as a distinct group into the eighth century, even after the Arab conquest of Egypt, demonstrates their resilience and ability to maintain their identity and practices for several centuries despite schism and persecution.

What was the role of the Edict of Milan in the context of the Melitian schism?

The Edict of Milan, issued in 313 AD, brought a permanent end to the widespread persecutions of Christians, creating a new environment in which the Melitian schism continued to play out, particularly in the attempts at reconciliation.

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Origins and Identity

Founding Figure: Melitius of Lycopolis

The Melitians were an early Christian sect that emerged in Roman Egypt around 306 AD. They were founded by Bishop Melitius of Lycopolis. Melitius advocated for Christians to practice their faith openly, even during periods of official persecution, rather than seeking to hide. This stance placed him in opposition to more cautious approaches within the broader church.

The Core Disagreement: Lapsed Christians

The primary point of contention that led to the Melitian schism was the readmission of Christians who had renounced their faith under persecution (known as "lapsed" or "traditores"). Melitius considered the terms for their readmission into communion, as set by Patriarch Peter I of Alexandria, to be too lenient. This rigorist stance mirrored that of the Donatists in North Africa.

The Schism Emerges

Following disagreements over the readmission of the lapsed, Melitius ordained several of his supporters, leading Patriarch Peter I to excommunicate him. Despite this, Melitius continued to lead his followers. After Peter's martyrdom in 311 and Melitius's own subsequent condemnation to the mines, he was eventually released. Upon his return, he established what he termed the "Church of the Martyrs," with clergy ordained by himself, formalizing the division known as the Melitian schism.

Theological Disputes and Excommunication

Rigorist Tenets

Melitius's adherence to a strict interpretation of Christian discipline, particularly concerning apostasy during persecution, set his movement apart. While the Great Church sought reconciliation and reintegration, Melitius maintained a more uncompromising position, emphasizing purity and steadfastness in the face of severe trials.

Conflict with Alexandria

The dispute between Melitius and the Patriarchate of Alexandria escalated significantly. Melitius's ordinations of his own clergy were seen as a challenge to the established hierarchy. This conflict was further complicated by the ongoing persecutions and the eventual rise of theological controversies within the wider Church.

Imperial Edicts and Context

The Melitian schism unfolded against the backdrop of the Diocletianic Persecution (303-311/313 AD). The Edict of Serdica in 311 offered some relief, and the Edict of Milan in 313 permanently ended widespread persecution. These imperial decrees significantly altered the religious landscape, influencing how internal church disputes, like the Melitian schism, were managed and perceived.

Nicaea and Reconciliation Attempts

The Council of Nicaea (325 AD)

In an effort to unify the Egyptian church and present a united front against emerging heresies like Arianism, the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD addressed the Melitian schism. The council proposed terms for reconciliation, allowing Melitian clergy to retain their positions and privileges within the larger church, provided they renounced the schism and acknowledged the authority of the Patriarch of Alexandria.

The Breviarium Melitii

As part of the Nicaean deliberations, Melitius submitted a list of his bishops, known as the Breviarium Melitii. This document provided evidence of the Melitian sect's presence across various regions of Egypt, suggesting it was not confined solely to Upper Egypt as some theories proposed, and indicating a significant following.

Fragile Concord

The period of attempted reconciliation following the Council of Nicaea proved to be short-lived. Melitius died in 327 AD, appointing John Archaph as his successor. However, the underlying tensions remained, and the schism would soon reignite, particularly with the rise of new theological disputes and political maneuvering within the Church.

Arianism and Renewed Conflict

Alliance with Arians

Following Melitius's death, the Melitians, reportedly encouraged by Eusebius of Nicomedia, a prominent supporter of Arianism, entered into a new phase of schism. They elected a rival patriarch, Theonas, aligning themselves with the Arian faction, which was challenging the orthodox Christology defined at Nicaea.

Accusations Against Athanasius

The Melitians leveled serious accusations against Athanasius, who had been elected Patriarch of Alexandria in 328 AD. These claims included physical violence against their bishops and even the desecration of liturgical vessels. These accusations were instrumental in the proceedings against Athanasius.

Synod of Tyre and Exile

In 335 AD, based on the accusations brought forth by the Melitians and their allies, Athanasius was condemned at the First Synod of Tyre, excommunicated, and exiled. Athanasius, in turn, vehemently denounced the Melitians, accusing them of falsehood and conspiracy with the Arians to undermine his position. Emperor Constantine I subsequently exiled John Arkaph, the Melitian leader.

Monasticism and Persistence

Desert Monastic Communities

While the Melitian sect's prominence waned by the end of the 4th century, it did not disappear entirely. Evidence from papyri discovered in the Egyptian desert suggests that Melitian monasticism flourished during the 4th century. These monks likely lived in communities, though the precise structure—whether tightly organized coenobia or looser eremitic groupings—remains a subject of scholarly discussion.

Coptic Influence and Worship

Scholarly arguments suggest that the Melitian movement may have been significantly influenced by or dominated by native Egyptian speakers (Copts). This is supported by the discovery of Coptic papyri and mentions of the Melitians in the writings of prominent Coptic figures like Shenoute. Theodoret of Cyrrhus noted that the Melitians developed unique liturgical practices, including hand clapping and the use of music.

Continued Existence

The Melitians were referenced by later Church Fathers such as Cyril of Alexandria and Shenoute. They persisted as a distinct, albeit small, monastic sect well into the 8th century, surviving the Arab conquest of Egypt. This longevity indicates a resilient community structure and distinct identity.

Legacy and Reconciliation

Broader Historical Context

The Melitian schism occurred during a pivotal period in early Christianity, marked by intense persecution, the establishment of imperial favor for the Church, and profound theological debates, most notably the Arian controversy. The Melitians' story is intertwined with these larger historical currents, influencing and being influenced by them.

Eventual Reconciliation

Although the Melitians maintained their distinct identity for centuries, efforts were made towards reconciliation. According to historical accounts, some Melitians were eventually reconciled with the Coptic Patriarchate of Alexandria in the late 8th century, during the reign of Patriarch Michael I, through the efforts of Bishop Moses of Letopolis.

Scholarly Understanding

The study of the Melitians relies on a range of historical sources, including the writings of their opponents like Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria, as well as contemporary critics and later historians. Modern scholarship continues to analyze archaeological evidence, such as papyri, and textual sources to reconstruct the history and significance of this early Christian movement.

Scholarly References

Key Sources

The following scholarly works provide foundational research and analysis of the Melitians and the associated schism:

Barkman, Heather (2014). "The Church of the Martyrs in Egypt and North Africa: A Comparison of the Melitian and Donatist Schisms". Journal of the Canadian Society for Coptic Studies. 6 (1): 41–58.
Barnard, L. W. (1973). "Athanasius and the Meletian Schism in Egypt". Journal of Egyptian Archaeology. 59: 281–289.
Barnard, L. W. (1975). "Some Notes on the Meletian Schism in Egypt". Studia Patristica. 12 (1): 399–405.
Barnes, T. D. (1981). Constantine and Eusebius. Harvard University Press.
Bell, H. I.; Crum, W. E., eds. (1972) [1924]. Jews and Christians in Egypt: The Jewish Troubles in Alexandria and the Athanasian Controversy. Greenwood.
Carroll, Scott T. (1989). The Melitian Schism: Coptic Christianity and the Egyptian Church (Ph.D. thesis). Miami University.
Cross, F. L.; Livingstone, E. A., eds. (2009) [2005]. "Melitian Schisms". The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3rd rev. ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780192802903.
Davis, Stephen J. (2004). The Early Coptic Papacy: The Egyptian Church and Its Leadership in Late Antiquity. American University in Cairo Press.
Gregory, Timothy E. (1991). "Meletian Schism in Egypt". In Kazhdan, Alexander (ed.). The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-504652-8.
Gwynn, David M. (2007). The Eusebians: The Polemic of Athanasius of Alexandria and the Construction of the 'Arian Controversy'. Oxford University Press.
Gwynn, David M. (2012). "Meletian Schism". In Bagnall, Roger S.; Brodersen, Kai; Champion, Craige B.; Erskine, Andrew; Huebner, Sabine R. (eds.). The Encyclopedia of Ancient History. Wiley. pp. 4420–4421.
Gwynn, David M. (2018). "Meletius and Meletians". In Nicholson, Oliver (ed.). The Oxford Dictionary of Late Antiquity. Vol. 2. Oxford University Press. pp. 1000–1001.
Hanson, R. P. C. (1988). The Search for the Christian Doctrine of God: The Arian Controversy, 318–381. T&T Clark.
Hauben, Hans (1998). "The Melitian 'Church of the Martyrs': Christian Dissenters in Ancient Egypt". In Hillard, T.; Kearsley, R.; Nixon, C.; Nobbs, A. (eds.). Ancient History in a Modern University, Vol. 2: Early Christianity, Late Antiquity and Beyond. Eerdmans. pp. 329–349.
Hauben, Hans (2012). Peter Van Nuffelen (ed.). Studies on the Melitian Schism in Egypt (AD 306–335). Variorum Collected Studies. Ashgate.
McGuckin, John Anthony (2004). The Westminster Handbook to Patristic Theology. Westminster John Knox Press.
Migne, Jacques Paul, ed. (1865). "Timotheus Constantinopolitanus Presbyter". Patrologia Graeca. Vol. 86. Paris.
Mikhail, Maged S. A. (2014). From Byzantine to Islamic Egypt: Religion, Identity and Politics after the Arab Conquest. I. B. Tauris.
Schwartz, Édouard (1905). "Zur Geschichte des Athanasius, V". Nachrichten von der k. Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften zu Göttingen (Philologisch-historische Klasse). Weidmannsche Buchhandlung. pp. 164–256.
Telfer, William (1955). "Meletius of Lycopolis and Episcopal Succession in Egypt". Harvard Theological Review. 48 (4): 227–237.
Timbie, Janet (1991). "Melitian Schism". In Atiya, Aziz Suryal (ed.). The Coptic Encyclopedia. Vol. 5. New York: Macmillan Publishers. pp. 1584a – 1585a.
Van Nuffelen, Peter (2012). "The Melitian Schism: Development, Sources, and Interpretation". In van Nuffelen, Peter (ed.). Studies on the Melitian Schism in Egypt (AD 306–335). Variorum Collected Studies. Ashgate. pp. xi–xxxvi.

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References

Hanson 1988, p. 249: "Athanasius was indeed elected, but not by an immediate and unanimous acclamation and not without suspicion of sharp practice."

A full list of references for this article are available at the Melitians Wikipedia page

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Echoes of the Desert

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Origins and Identity 🏛️

👤 Founding Figure: Melitius of Lycopolis

⚖️ The Core Disagreement: Lapsed Christians

🕊️ The Schism Emerges

Theological Disputes and Excommunication ⚖️

📜 Rigorist Tenets

⚔️ Conflict with Alexandria

📜 Imperial Edicts and Context

Nicaea and Reconciliation Attempts 🕊️

⛪ The Council of Nicaea (325 AD)

🗺️ The Breviarium Melitii

⏳ Fragile Concord

Arianism and Renewed Conflict 🔥

🤝 Alliance with Arians

⚖️ Accusations Against Athanasius

🏛️ Synod of Tyre and Exile

Monasticism and Persistence 🧘

🏜️ Desert Monastic Communities

🗣️ Coptic Influence and Worship

➡️ Continued Existence

Legacy and Reconciliation 📜

🌍 Broader Historical Context

🤝 Eventual Reconciliation

📚 Scholarly Understanding

Scholarly References 📚

📖 Key Sources

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Origins and Identity

Founding Figure: Melitius of Lycopolis

The Core Disagreement: Lapsed Christians

The Schism Emerges

Theological Disputes and Excommunication

Rigorist Tenets

Conflict with Alexandria

Imperial Edicts and Context

Nicaea and Reconciliation Attempts

The Council of Nicaea (325 AD)

The Breviarium Melitii

Fragile Concord

Arianism and Renewed Conflict

Alliance with Arians

Accusations Against Athanasius

Synod of Tyre and Exile

Monasticism and Persistence

Desert Monastic Communities

Coptic Influence and Worship

Continued Existence

Legacy and Reconciliation

Broader Historical Context

Eventual Reconciliation

Scholarly Understanding

Scholarly References

Key Sources

Teacher's Corner

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Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice