The Ante-Nicene Church · AD 180–313

Aurelius the Lector

twice-confessor AD 250; lector under Cyprian · Confessor · Lector of Carthage · Carthage

The Ante-Nicene Church

Who Aurelius the Lector was

A youth who confessed Christ twice — in exile and under torture — whom Cyprian ordained reader ahead of the church's consent, 'for it was not fitting that such a one should stand below the platform from which he had already preached by his wounds.'

Verified single attestation

Cyprian's correspondence only (Epp. 27, 38).

Common questions

When did Aurelius live?

Aurelius the Lector is dated twice-confessor AD 250; lector under Cyprian in the archive, which places Aurelius in the Ante-Nicene Church (AD 180–313).

Which early sources mention Aurelius?

Aurelius the Lector is named in 1 primary-source passage catalogued here, drawn from Cyprian of Carthage. Every passage is quoted from a named public-domain translation, earliest first.

Where was Aurelius from?

The archive associates Aurelius the Lector with Carthage.

Who were Aurelius’ contemporaries?

The archive links Aurelius the Lector to 2 other figures, including Cyprian of Carthage and Celerinus of Carthage. Each connection is drawn from a source that places them together, not from inference.

Primary-source mentions (1)

Every passage below is quoted from a named public-domain translation, earliest first.

Epistle 32 (Oxford 38), to the clergy and people

c. AD 253
Aurelius, a young man illustrious in our sight, has already twice confessed his name… In merit he deserved the higher grades of clerical ordination; but meanwhile it seemed fit that he should begin with the office of reader — for nothing better befits the voice which has confessed the Lord than to sound Him forth in the solemn reading.
Cyprian of Carthage · source text

Connected in the archive

People

Events in this lifetime

Place

Places served

The one place the sources put Aurelius.

  1. 1Carthage

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