The Saints of Africa form the early church.

The early church in Africa was made up of a diverse group of saints who played important roles in spreading Christianity throughout the continent. These saints came from different backgrounds and regions, but all shared a deep faith and commitment to sharing the gospel with others.

1. Saint Mark the Evangelist

Saint Mark is believed to be the founder of the church in Alexandria, Egypt. He was a disciple of Saint Peter and is credited with writing the Gospel of Mark, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament. He is also believed to have established the Coptic Orthodox Church, which is still a major Christian denomination in Egypt and other parts of Africa.

2. Saint Augustine of Hippo

Saint Augustine is one of the most influential figures in the early church. He was born in present-day Algeria and is known for his theological writings and teachings. He played a key role in shaping Christian doctrine and is considered a Doctor of the Church by the Catholic Church. His writings, including "Confessions" and "City of God," continue to be studied and revered by Christians around the world.

3. Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity

Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity were martyrs who were killed for their faith in Carthage, present-day Tunisia. Perpetua was a noblewoman and Felicity was her slave. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment, they remained steadfast in their faith and were eventually killed in the arena. Their story is recorded in the "Passion of Saints Perpetua and Felicity," one of the earliest Christian texts written by a woman.

4. Saint Frumentius

Saint Frumentius was a Syrian Christian who was shipwrecked in present-day Ethiopia and taken as a slave to the royal court. He eventually gained his freedom and became a trusted advisor to the king. He also introduced Christianity to the kingdom and is considered the founder of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

5. Saint Moses the Black

Saint Moses the Black, also known as Saint Moses the Ethiopian, was a former slave who became a monk and leader in the early church. He is known for his humility, wisdom, and miraculous abilities. He is also credited with establishing the first monastic community in Africa.

6. Saint Cyprian of Carthage

Saint Cyprian was a bishop and theologian in present-day Tunisia. He played a key role in the early church, particularly in the area of ecclesiastical governance and the relationship between the church and the state. He was also a prolific writer and his works continue to be studied by theologians and scholars.

7. Saint Anthony of Egypt

Saint Anthony is considered the father of monasticism and is credited with establishing the first Christian monastery in the Egyptian desert. He is known for his ascetic lifestyle and teachings on spiritual discipline and prayer. His influence on the early church is still felt today, particularly in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

These are just a few of the many saints who played important roles in the community of the early church in Africa.