# Pope Theophilus of Alexandria > Patriarch of Alexandria from 384 to 412 **Wikidata**: [Q365941](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q365941) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theophilus_I_of_Alexandria) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pope-theophilus-of-alexandria ## Summary Pope Theophilus of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 384 to 412 CE, serving as the highest-ranking bishop in one of the most influential Christian centers of the ancient world. As the leader of the Alexandrian Church, he held a position of significant religious and ecclesiastical authority in Egypt during late antiquity. ## Biography - **Born**: Date and place not specified in source material - **Nationality**: Egyptian (based on role as Patriarch of Alexandria, Egypt) - **Education**: Not available in source material - **Known for**: Serving as Patriarch of Alexandria from 384 to 412 CE - **Employer(s)**: The Church of Alexandria (Patriarchate of Alexandria) - **Field(s)**: Religious leadership; Christianity; Eastern Orthodox Church ## Contributions The source material does not provide specific details on concrete contributions such as publications, projects, or specific achievements beyond his role as Patriarch. His primary contribution was his service as the leader of the Alexandrian Christian community from 384 to 412 CE. ## FAQs **What was Pope Theophilus of Alexandria's primary role?** He served as the Patriarch of Alexandria, the highest-ranking bishop in one of the most important Christian cities in the ancient world, from 384 to 412 CE. **Where was Pope Theophilus of Alexandria based?** He led the Church of Alexandria, which was located in Egypt—a country in Northeast Africa with significant historical and religious importance. **What religious tradition did Pope Theophilus of Alexandria belong to?** He was a leader in Christianity, specifically within the context of the Eastern Orthodox tradition, as evidenced by his role as Patriarch. **Is Pope Theophilus of Alexandria related to any other notable entities?** Yes, there is a lunar crater named Theophilus, indicating his historical significance extends to astronomical naming conventions. **How is Pope Theophilus of Alexandria connected to the concept of patriarchy in Christianity?** As Patriarch, he held the highest-ranking bishop position in Christianity, representing the apex of ecclesiastical authority in his region. ## Why They Matter Pope Theophilus of Alexandria matters as a historical figure who held one of the most prestigious positions in early Christianity. As Patriarch of Alexandria from 384 to 412 CE, he led what was arguably one of the most important Christian communities in the ancient world. Alexandria was not only a major center of learning and commerce but also a critical hub for Christian theology and ecclesiastical organization. The fact that a lunar crater bears his name (Theophilus) demonstrates that his legacy has been recognized beyond religious contexts, entering scientific and astronomical nomenclature. Without figures like Pope Theophilus, the development of Christian ecclesiastical structure and the history of one of Christianity's most influential sees would be less understood. ## Notable For - Serving as Patriarch of Alexandria from 384 to 412 CE - Holding the position of highest-ranking bishop in Christianity within the Alexandrian tradition - Being the leader of the Church in Alexandria, Egypt—a major center of early Christianity - Having a lunar crater named after him (Theophilus crater) - Representing the patriarchal tradition in one of the oldest Christian communities ## Body ### Early Life and Background The source material does not provide specific details about Pope Theophilus of Alexandria's birth, family background, or early life. What is known is that he rose to become one of the most senior figures in Christianity by assuming the patriarchal throne of Alexandria in 384 CE. ### Role as Patriarch of Alexandria Pope Theophilus of Alexandria served as Patriarch from 384 to 412 CE, a period of approximately 28 years. In this capacity, he held the highest-ranking bishop position within Christianity for the Alexandrian region. The Patriarchate of Alexandria was one of the most prestigious and influential positions in the Christian world during late antiquity, alongside Rome, Constantinople, and Jerusalem. ### Ecclesiastical Position As a Patriarch, Pope Theophilus of Alexandria was the leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church in his jurisdiction. The role of a patriarch in Christianity represents the highest tier of ecclesiastical hierarchy, with authority over multiple dioceses and churches within a specific region. This position would have involved significant responsibilities in theological leadership, church administration, and pastoral care for the Christian community in Alexandria and throughout Egypt. ### Geographic and Historical Context Alexandria, located in Egypt, was one of the most significant cities in the ancient world. Egypt itself is described in the source material as a country in Northeast Africa and Southwest Asia, with its modern independent status established in 1922. The city of Alexandria was a major center of early Christianity, known for its theological schools, scholarly traditions, and influential church leadership. ### Legacy and Recognition The lasting recognition of Pope Theophilus of Alexandria is evidenced by the naming of a lunar crater after him—the Theophilus crater on the Moon. This astronomical honor indicates that his historical significance has been acknowledged beyond religious contexts, placing him among the figures whose names grace celestial bodies. The sitelink count of 38 associated with his entry suggests moderate recognition in digital knowledge repositories. ### Connection to Related Entities Pope Theophilus of Alexandria is connected to several key concepts and entities: the broader category of humans (as a member of Homo sapiens), the institutional role of patriarch within Christianity, the tradition of Eastern Orthodox priesthood, the geographic entity of Egypt, and the astronomical feature named Theophilus. These connections illustrate his multifaceted significance across religious, historical, and scientific domains. ## References 1. Czech National Authority Database 2. Catholic-Hierarchy.org 3. CiNii Research 4. Catalogue of the Library of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross 5. Virtual International Authority File 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. IdRef 8. CERL Thesaurus 9. [Source](https://www.vjf.cnrs.fr/clt/ciris/noticeauteur.php?id=2147) 10. LIBRIS. 2009 11. HMML Authority File