Hosius of Corduba

Lore & Background

Hosius was born in Corduba in Hispania, a province of the Roman Empire. In autumn 324 Hosius was the bearer of Constantine's letter to Bishop Alexander and Arius urging reconciliation. After the Synod in Alexandria, Hosius led another synod in Antioch, probably on the occasion of the election of Eustathius. He probably presided at the First Council of Nicaea, which opened on 20 May 325, and his name appears first on the list of participants. After the council, he returned to his diocese in Spain.

Reader's Guide

Hosius of Corduba was a central figure in early Christian history, particularly during the Arian controversy. For nearly 50 years he was one of the foremost bishops of his time, held in universal esteem and exercising great influence. As the closest Christian advisor to Emperor Constantine the Great, he guided the content of public utterances such as Constantine's Oration to the Saints. His probable presidency at the First Council of Nicaea and his presidency at the Council of Serdica underscore his leadership in shaping orthodox doctrine. Later accounts suggesting he persecuted Nicene Christians or anathemized Arianism on his deathbed are most likely fictious. His lapse is explainable by his frail health and old age without positing a conscious change of faith. His legacy as a confessor of the faith is commemorated on 27 August.

Did You Know?

• Hosius narrowly escaped martyrdom during the persecution of Maximian.
• He was the bearer of Constantine's letter to Bishop Alexander and Arius in autumn 324 urging reconciliation.
• His name appears first on the list of participants at the First Council of Nicaea, suggesting he probably presided.
• From exile in Sirmium, he wrote to Constantius II: 'God gives you the empire; He entrusts ecclesiastical power to us.'

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