Aristides

Aristides of Athens, also known as Saint Aristides or Marcianus Aristides, was a 2nd-century Greek author and philosopher. Little is known about his life, primarily from accounts by Eusebius of Caesarea and Saint Jerome, who state he practiced philosophy in Athens before and after his conversion to Christianity. He is most famous for his "Apology of Aristides," an early defense of Christianity addressed to Emperor Hadrian. This work is considered the oldest extant Christian apologetic text. The Apology details his views on God, the four races of people (Barbarians, Greeks, Jews, and Christians), and criticizes pagan religions while commending the Christian way of life. His feast day is celebrated on August 31 in the Catholic Church and September 13 in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Some scholars suggest he may also be the author of the "Epistle to Diognetus."