medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (8. October) is the feast day of:
Simeon of Jerusalem (1st cent.) Luke's gospel reports that Simeon, when
the infant Jesus was presented in the Temple, took the child in his arms
and made a prayer of thanksgiving that acknowledged Jesus' coming role (the
Nunc Dimittis). His relics reached Constantinople in the sixth century,
and from there were carried to Zara (Dalmatia) in the thirteenth century.
There is still a cult of Simeon in Zara.
Reparata (d. mid-3rd cent.) Reparata is still venerated in several Italian
cities, including Naples and Florence. According to her late passio,
Reparata was a native of Caesarea in Palestine. At the age of twelve she
was martyred by beheading in Decius' persecution.
Pelagia of Antioch (c. 283 or perhaps c. 300) Also commemorated on 9.
June. Pelagia was a fifteen-year-old girl of Antioch, caught up in either
Numerian's or Diocletian's persecution. The prefect sent soldiers to
arrest her, upon which she asked for a few minutes to put on her best
clothes. She then when upstairs and threw herself to her death. John
Chrysostom praised her courage and faith.
Pelagia of Jerusalem (d. 457) Known as the "great penitent," this
Pelagia's cult is attested as early as 530. Tradition reports that P. was
a dancer and actress in Antioch, converted by a sermon of Bishop Nonnus of
Edessa. She gave away all her goods to the poor, went to Jerusalem, and
became a recluse on the Mount of Olives (wearing men's clothing and calling
herself Pelagius).
Pelagia of Tarsus (d. c. 303?) The tale of Pelagia of Tarsus is apparently
purely legendary. According to the legend, Pelagia was betrothed to the
son of Emperor Diocletian. She converted to Christianity and devoted
herself to God, whereupon her betrothed committed suicide. Diocletian,
understandably upset, had Pelagia tortured and finally put inside a red-hot
bronze steer, where she died.
Demetrius of Sirmium (d. early 4th cent.) Demetrius was a soldier,
martyred under Maximian. His cult became extremely popular in the East,
where he was called the "Great Martyr," and spread to the West especially
during the crusades (he is believed to have helped the crusading forces at
Antioch in 1098). He is the patron of Belgrade, and is also especially
invoked for aid against evil spirits. His feast is celebrated in the
eastern church on 26. October.
Thais (4th cent.) According to legend Thais was a prostitute in Egypt.
She was converted by the monk Paphnutius, after which she spent the rest of
her life in a nunnery (or as a recluse) doing penance.
Triduana (4th cent.?) Triduana is said to have lived as a nun with two
companions at Roscoby (Scotland). Her relics were an important pilgrimage
site at Restalrig near Edinburgh until they were destroyed by order of the
Scottish reformers in 1560 Triduana's specialty was curing eye diseases,
thanks to a legend that when a local prince fell in love with her because
of her beautiful eyes she took them out and gave them to him.
Benedicta (d. c. 362) According to a legendary passio, Benedicta and a
large group of other female Christians were martyred in Origny-sur-Oise.
Eusebia of St-Cyr (7th cent.) Eusebia was abbess of St-Cyr in Marseille.
According to legend, she and 39 fellow nuns were martyred by Saracens.
What a day for virgin martyrs!
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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