They were Christian. I'll provide answers to you this evening -- my lunch is over.
I have a huge set of the writings of the Fathers, and they all believe in what the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church believe in to this day. James White, an anti-Catholic apologist, has wrenched some texts out of context and tried to "prove" what you seem to be saying. But he failed miserably, especially if you have access to the Fathers writings and can see the proper context, their other writings, etc.
If you don't mind, could you ping me as well?