Meletians
Encyclopedia
The Meletians were one of a large group of denominations in early Christian history
. The point with which they broke with the larger church was about the ease with which lapsed Christians reentered the church. They were named after Meletius of Lycopolis
.
In 325 the Council of Nicaea
, at which Constantine was present, attempted to incorporate the Meletians into a unified church. The council agreed to grant Meletian priests 'full clerical privileges' if they were willing to forswear schism and 'acknowledge the authority of the Alexander of Alexandria'.
Early Christianity
Early Christianity is generally considered as Christianity before 325. The New Testament's Book of Acts and Epistle to the Galatians records that the first Christian community was centered in Jerusalem and its leaders included James, Peter and John....
. The point with which they broke with the larger church was about the ease with which lapsed Christians reentered the church. They were named after Meletius of Lycopolis
Meletius of Lycopolis
Meletius was bishop of Lycopolis in Egypt. He is known to us mainly as the founder and namesake of the Melitians , one of several scismatic sects in early church history which were concerned about the ease with which lapsed Christians reentered the Church. See also DonatismThe details of his life...
.
In 325 the Council of Nicaea
First Council of Nicaea
The First Council of Nicaea was a council of Christian bishops convened in Nicaea in Bithynia by the Roman Emperor Constantine I in AD 325...
, at which Constantine was present, attempted to incorporate the Meletians into a unified church. The council agreed to grant Meletian priests 'full clerical privileges' if they were willing to forswear schism and 'acknowledge the authority of the Alexander of Alexandria'.