Saint Pantaenus the Philosopher was a Greek theologian and a significant figure in the Catechetical School of Alexandria from AD 180. He was converted to the Christian faith, and sought to reconcile his new faith with Greek philosophy. His most famous student, Clement, who was his successor as head of the Catechetical School, described Pantaenus as "the Sicilian bee".
It was under the disciples of the Apostles that he studied Holy Scripture, before his thirst for sacred learning brought him to Alexandria in Egypt, where the disciples of Saint Mark had instituted a celebrated school of Christian doctrine.
Although no writings by Pantaenus are extant, his legacy is known by the influence of the Catechetical School on the development of Christian theology, in particular in the early debates on the interpretation of the Bible, the Trinity, and Christology. He was the main supporter of Serapion of Antioch for acting against the influence of Gnosticism.
Pantaenus was a missionary as well, and travelled as far as India where he found the Christians possessing the Gospel of St. Matthew in Hebrew, which they had received from St. Bartholomew. He brought it back with him to Alexandria, after he had zealously employed several years in India, teaching the Indians Christian faith.
Saint Pantaenus continued to teach in private, till about the year 216, when his noble and excellent life ended by a peaceful death.
Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Ampelius
2. Saint Apollonius
3. Saint Bonitus
4. Saint Ethelburga
5. Saint Odo of Urgell
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