Discover the extraordinary story of the Church’s beginnings—a time of courageous saints, brilliant philosophers, eloquent theologians, ruthless emperors, and heroic martyrs. St. John Paul II said, “Christ is the foundation and center of history; he is its meaning and ultimate goal.” Epic: The Early Church encourages you to grow closer to Christ through a deeper understanding of his Church. Here you will get to know the people and events that shaped its first five hundred years. You will see how the Church Fathers boldly confronted early challenges to the Faith—challenges similar to the ones we face today. You will learn the stories behind the first ecumenical councils and the Roman persecutions and meet many of the men and women who gave their lives to defend the Faith. The heroic stories of the early leaders and martyrs of the Church will strengthen and affirm your own walk of faith.