Heraclas, Saint

Heraclas, Saint patriarch of Alexandria, was a brother of Plutarch, who was martyred about A.D. 204, under Septimius Severus. They had both been heathen, but were converted by Origen, who was then teaching at Alexandria. After escaping from the persecution to which his brother fell victim, Heraclas became an ascetic, but still continued to study Greek philosophy under Ammonius Saccas. He was next associated with Origen as a catechist, and when the latter was compelled to leave Egypt on account of his difficulty with Demetrius of Alexandria, Heraclas remained alone in charge of the theological school of that city. He retained this position until he became himself patriarch. He died in 246. The Roman martyrology commemorates him on the 14th of July. See Eusebius, Hist. Eccles. 6, 15; Tillemont, Memoires Eccles. vol. 3; Baillet, Vies des Saints, July 14th.