d.247. Alexandrian scholar and bishop. He had a pagan background, and with his brother Plutarch met Origen* at the lectures of the philosopher [[Ammonius Saccas]], and they became Origen's disciples. Heraclas was appointed Origen's colleague in the catechetical school, took over from him the training of catechumens, and succeeded him as head when Origen went to Caesarea. He became bishop of Alexandria in succession to Demetrius in 232. During his episcopate the number of bishops in Egypt increased from four to twenty-four. Eusebius called him “an outstanding exponent of philosophy and other secular studies.” He was succeeded as head of the catechetical school and later as bishop by Dionysius, another of Origen's pupils.