Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, this "bonus" episode sets aside the current readings of the Early Church Fathers to spend time with St. Patrick's Confession. He is believed to have died on March 17th, 465 AD. The "Confession" is an autobiographical account of the events that took him to Ireland to preach the Gospel and convert the pagan Irish to Christianity. This episode ends with St. Patrick's prayer.

Justin Martyr was a Christian philosopher (otherwise known as theologian) who lived in the first half of the 2nd century. Justin Martyr was a learned man deeply familiar with the literary works, religious icons and philosophical arguments of his day. This is especially evident in this episode where he uses the great thinkers and writers of his day to convince his audience that the Christian God is not just superior to the Greek gods, but is actually the only true God.

Justin Martyr was a Christian philosopher (otherwise known as theologian) who lived in the first half of the 2nd century. Justin Martyr was a learned man deeply familiar with the literary works, religious icons and philosophical arguments of his day. This is especially evident in this episode where he seeks to convince his audience of the veracity of a physical resurrection from the dead. 

Justin Martyr was a Christian philosopher (otherwise known as theologians) who lived in the first half of the 2nd century. Justin Martyr was a learned man deeply familiar with the literary works, religious icons and philosophical arguments of his day. This is especially evident in this episode where he attempts to elevate Christian morality in contradistinction to Greek morality as taught in their mythic stories. Justin Martyr contrasts the ethos of Christian teaching with the hypocritical mentalities of the Greeks and invites his audience to engage with the Biblical writings as supernaturally inspired Words of God. 

The Apology of Aristides is an early Christian apology (ancient Greek: apologia, a reasoned argument in defense of something) dated to be somewhere in the 2nd century. It was believed to be mid-to-late 100s AD until recent discoveries changed this. Both the Apology and the church historian Eusebius claim that this apology was delivered to the Emperor Hadrian (possibly in person or in writing). In it, Aristides compares the religions of the known world in contrast to Christianity. He claims that the God of the Christians is logically the only true God and that Christianity, in living out the truth of who their God has revealed himself to be, is the only true religion. 

The Epistle of Diognetus is one of the first Christian apologetic writings. The text is dated to be around the mid-100s AD. The word 'apology' in modern use has deviated from its original definition. In ancient Greek (and subsequently ancient Latin), an apologia was a reasoned argument in defense of something. It is thought that Diognetus was the intended recipient, however, the name for the author - 'Mathetes,' is translated as 'student.' It's likely that this was not the author's name but a self-described title. 

Polycarp was an overseer of the church at Smyrna and an influential second century Christian leader. He died in 155 AD. This letter was written by the Christian eyewitnesses of Polycarp's martyrdom in Smyrna. It was intended to be disseminated throughout the known churches as an encouragement for all those who knew Polycarp and for those who may end up following the same course.

Polycarp was a late first century, early second century Christian and overseer of the church at Smyrna. He is said to have known the Apostle John in his younger years and Irenaeus in his older years. This epistle is written to the church at Philippi where he makes many references to canonical New Testament Scripture and Paul's writings as authoritative. He encourages the Christians at Philippi to study Paul's original letter to them in order to better understand their faith in Christ. 

Igantius of Antioch was an early Church father born shortly after Christ's death and dying shortly into the second century. He was converted to Christianity at a young age and likely discipled by the Apostle John along with his friend, Polycarp. This letter forms one of several written while Ignatius was being transported to Rome by order of Emperor Trajan. Knowing his martyrdom was at hand, he writes, "Now I begin to be a disciple. … Let fire and cross, flocks of beasts, broken bones, dismemberment … come upon me, so long as I attain to Jesus Christ."

Igantius of Antioch was an early Church father born shortly after Christ's death and dying shortly into the second century. He was converted to Christianity at a young age and likely discipled by the Apostle John along with his friend, Polycarp. This letter forms one of several written while Ignatius was being transported to Rome by order of Emperor Trajan. Knowing his martyrdom was at hand, he writes, "Now I begin to be a disciple. … Let fire and cross, flocks of beasts, broken bones, dismemberment … come upon me, so long as I attain to Jesus Christ."