Select Works of Origen

Origen lived from 185 - 254 AD. He was born in Alexandria, Egypt in a Christian family. His father was martyred when Origen was quite young, and the event left a deep impression on him. Origen decided to dedicate himself to ascetical struggles and the study of Scripture.

While still young he became associated with the Catechetical School of Alexandria, where the great St. Clement of Alexandria taught. He quickly rose to become the principle of the school. There he wrote many works on the Christian faith. He was widely thought to be the most brilliant mind of his time. However his works generated controversy, most particularly after his death. Some of teachings were condemned and most of his writings (6,000 by some estimates) were destroyed.

In this selection of his works we include the following books and letters:

1. De Principiis

2. Africanus to Origen

3. Origen to Africanus

4. Origen to Gregory

5. Against Celsus

6. Letter of Origen to Gregory

7. Commentary on the Gospel of John

8. Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew