The Church Fathers, Early Church Fathers, or Fathers of the Church are the early and influential theologians and writers in the Christian Church, particularly those of the first five centuries of Christian history. The term is used of writers and teachers of the Church, not necessarily saints. Teachers particularly are also known as doctors of the Church.

* 1 Apostolic Fathers ** 1.1 Clement of Rome ** 1.2 Ignatius of Antioch ** 1.3 Polycarp of Smyrna * 2 Greek Fathers ** 2.1 Irenaeus of Lyons ** 2.2 Clement of Alexandria ** 2.3 Origen of Alexandria ** 2.4 Athanasius of Alexandria ** 2.5 Cyril of Alexandria ** 2.6 John Chrysostom ** 2.7 Cappadocian Fathers * 3 Latin Fathers ** 3.1 Tertullian ** 3.2 Cyprian of Carthage ** 3.3 Ambrose of Milan ** 3.4 Jerome of Stridonium ** 3.5 Augustine of Hippo ** 3.6 Gregory the Great