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Story
February 27, 1926
Arizona State Miner
Wickenburg, Maricopa County, Arizona
What is this article about?
The Greek word 'Ichthys,' meaning fish, was used by early Christians as a symbol for Christ, its letters forming an acrostic of his titles. It appeared on ancient artifacts from the fourth century, with references by bishops and theologians like Aptatus, Augustine, and Julius Africanus.
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OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Word of Grecian Origin
The word "Ichthys" is Greek, and means fish. It was frequently used as a symbol of Christ by the early Christians, because its letters form the initials of Christ's name and titles as the Son of God and Savior. The word is found on ancient seals, rings, lamps and tombs, and came into general use in the Fourth century. It is said that Aptatus, bishop of Milesia, was the first to construct the acrostic from which the symbol derived. Baptismal fonts were often ornamented with the figure of a fish, several of which may be found in French cathedrals at the present day. Augustine says that "ichthys" is the mystical name of Christ, "because he descended alive into the depths of this mortal life, into the abyss of waters." Julius Africanus speaks of Christ as "the great fish taken by the fishhook of God, and whose flesh nourishes the whole world."--Exchange.
The word "Ichthys" is Greek, and means fish. It was frequently used as a symbol of Christ by the early Christians, because its letters form the initials of Christ's name and titles as the Son of God and Savior. The word is found on ancient seals, rings, lamps and tombs, and came into general use in the Fourth century. It is said that Aptatus, bishop of Milesia, was the first to construct the acrostic from which the symbol derived. Baptismal fonts were often ornamented with the figure of a fish, several of which may be found in French cathedrals at the present day. Augustine says that "ichthys" is the mystical name of Christ, "because he descended alive into the depths of this mortal life, into the abyss of waters." Julius Africanus speaks of Christ as "the great fish taken by the fishhook of God, and whose flesh nourishes the whole world."--Exchange.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Providence Divine
What keywords are associated?
Ichthys
Christian Symbol
Fish Acrostic
Early Christians
Baptismal Fonts
What entities or persons were involved?
Aptatus
Augustine
Julius Africanus
Where did it happen?
Milesia, French Cathedrals
Story Details
Key Persons
Aptatus
Augustine
Julius Africanus
Location
Milesia, French Cathedrals
Event Date
Fourth Century
Story Details
The word 'Ichthys' means fish in Greek and was used as a Christian symbol because its letters form an acrostic for Christ's titles. It appeared on ancient artifacts, was constructed by Aptatus, and referenced mystically by Augustine and Julius Africanus.