medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (24. August) is the feast day of:
Bartholomew (1st cent.) Bartholomew was an apostle, named in the synoptic
gospels (John doesn't include Bart, listing a Nathanael in his place). One
of the more obscure apostles, nothing is known for certain about
Bartholomew's activities after the resurrection, except for some hints that
he made it to India and Armenia. Tradition relates that it was in Armenia
that Bart was martyred by being flayed alive. (With a rather tasteless
logic, Bartholomew is now regarded as the patron saint of tanners and all
who work with skins.)
Eutychius of Phrygia (1st cent.) According to Acts 20: 7-12, Eutychius was
a disciple of Paul, who one day was so entranced by Paul's preaching that
he fell out of a window and was killed. After being resurrected by Paul,
Eutychius went on to preach in several countries before being imprisoned
and tortured for his faith. Legend also reports that E. was with John on
Patmos when John wrote Revelation.
Ptolemy and Romanus of Nepi (1st cent.?) In what sounds like a strong case
of wishful thinking, Nepi (Tuscany) claimed a sub-apostolic foundation,
claiming that the first bishop of the city, Ptolemy, was a disciple of St.
Peter, sent there to found the church in that area. He was martyred, as
was his successor Romanus
Martyrs of Utica (c. 260-285) The proconsul of North Africa decided on a
purge of Christians. He rounded up a large number (Augustine says 153, the
Roman Martyrology says 300) in a large field. There he set up an enormous
pit of burning lime on one side and an altar with sacrificial gear on the
other, and offered the Christians a choice between the two. They all opted
for the burning pit.
Aurea of Ostia (d. c. 260) There was a very early cult of Aurea at Ostia.
Her rather highly embroidered Acta report that Aurea was a Roman virgin who
helped imprisoned Christians, and as punishment was thrown into the sea at
Ostia with a millstone tied around her neck.
Ouen (Audoenus) (d. 684) Ouen was born near Soissons, and brought up at
the court of the Frankish king Clothar II. He rose to high position at the
court of several Frankish rulers. In 641 (at the age of about 40) Ouen
then became bishop of Rouen. He had a very active episcopate, sending
missionaries to work within his diocese, founding monasteries, fighting
simony, etc.
George Limniotes (d. c. 730) George was a hermit on Mt. Olympus. At the
age of 95 he was arrested at the order of Emperor Leo the Isaurian and was
then tortured and eventually killed for defending the veneration of images.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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