Church Father
group of ancient and influential Christian theologians and writers
The Church Fathers are ancient and influential Christian theologians, some of whom were great teachers or bishops. Only early teachers of Christianity are seen as Fathers by the Western Church. However, the Orthodox Church honors many more recent saints as "Fathers".
- Western Church: Ambrose (340-397), Jerome (347-420), Augustine (354-430) and Saint Gregory the Great (540-604)
- Eastern Church: Basil (c.329-379), Athanasius (c.296-373), Gregory of Nazianzus (329-c.389) and John Chrysostom (347-407)
