# Ignatius of Antioch

Context and Significance: Ignatius wrote these letters while being transported to Rome for martyrdom, addressing Christian communities to strengthen their faith and counter false teachings. His teachings on the Eucharist reflect a very early Christian understanding of the sacrament as both a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice and a real participation in His body and blood, aligning with later Catholic and Orthodox doctrines.

They [heretics] abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they confess not the Eucharist to be the flesh of our Saviour Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins, and which the Father, of His goodness, raised up again.

Breaking one bread, which is the medicine of immortality, and the antidote which prevents us from dying, but [enables us to] live forever in Jesus Christ.

Take heed, then, to have but one Eucharist. For there is one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one cup to [show forth] the unity of His blood; one altar; as there is one bishop, along with the presbytery and deacons.

Come together in common, one and all without exception in charity, in one faith and in one Jesus Christ... to the end that you may obey the bishop and presbytery without distraction of spirit; breaking one Bread, which is the medicine of immortality.