Clément d'Alexandrie
v. 150-v. 215 2nd century
Faith that runs through the ordinary day, down to its plainest gestures.
Who was Clément d'Alexandrie?
Born most likely at Athens of pagan parents, he crossed the Mediterranean looking for teachers and stopped at Alexandria with Pantaenus, whose place he took at the catechetical school. He wrote for cultivated Greeks, but also for baptised people simply trying to live: what to eat, how to dress, when to laugh, how to go to bed. The persecution of Septimius Severus drove him from Egypt in 202; he died in Cappadocia.
In their own words
Bridle of untamed colts, Wing of unwandering birds, sure Helm of babes, Shepherd of royal lambs, assemble Thy simple children to praise holily.
O King of saints, all-subduing Word of the most high Father, Ruler of wisdom, Support of sorrows, that rejoicest in the ages, Jesus, Saviour of the human race.
Prayer is, then, to speak more boldly, converse with God.
[…] the Gnostic [the Christian come to maturity] prays throughout his whole life, endeavouring by prayer to have fellowship with God.