Aristides of Athens
Christian philosopher of the 2nd century, he was one of the first Christian apologists, having presented an Apology of the Christian faith to Emperor Hadrian.
- Antiquity
- Greece
- Feast day August 31
- Confessor
Saint Aristides of Athens was a renowned philosopher before his conversion to Christianity. He is famous for his Apology, a foundational text addressed to Emperor Hadrian (according to Eusebius) or Antoninus Pius (according to other sources), defending the rationality and morality of the Christian faith against pagan accusations. His work is one of the oldest surviving Christian apologies and provides a valuable insight into early Christian arguments and thought.