AriusArticle Free Pass Arius, (born c. 250, Libya—died 336,
Constantinople [now Istanbul, Tur.]), Christian priest of
Alexandria, Egypt, whose teachings gave rise to a theological
doctrine known as Arianism, which, in affirming the created,
finite nature of Christ, was denounced by the early church as a
major heresy. An ascetical, moral leader of a Christian
community in the area of Alexandria, Arius attracted a large
following through a message integrating Neoplatonism, which
accented the absolute oneness of the divinity as the highest
perfection, with a literal, rationalist approach to the New
Testament texts. This point of view was publicized about 323
through the poetic verse of his major work, Thalia (“Banquet”),
and was widely spread by popular songs written for labourers and
travelers. The Council of Nicaea, in May 325, declared Arius a
heretic after he refused to sign the formula of faith stating
that Christ was of the same divine nature as God. Influential
support from colleagues in Asia Minor and fr