Apollinaris of Laodicea

Apollinaris was a learned friend of Athanasius and a strong defender of the Nicene faith against the Arians. He also wrote poetry and biblical paraphrases for Christian schools. His christology, which denied Christ a human rational soul, was rejected by the church, and most of his writings were lost or circulated under the names of others.

Dates

ca. 310 – ca. 390 (approximate)

See or city

Laodicea in Syria

Region

Syria

Also known as

Apollinarius; Apollinaris the Younger

Notes

Bishop of Laodicea in Syria from about 360. His teaching that the divine Word took the place of the human mind in Christ was condemned at Rome (377) and at the Council of Constantinople (381). His followers formed a separate church for some decades. Much of his work survives only in fragments or under other names.

Works

• Paraphrase of the PsalmsMetaphrasis Psalmorum · uncertain (fourth to sixth century) · CPG (number not yet checked)