medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (2. January) is the feast day of:
Abel (Genesis 4) The "good" son of Adam and Eve, killed by his jealous
brother Abel.
Basil the Great (d. 379) Basil, a doctor of the Church, was a native of
Caesarea in Cappadocia, member of a family full of saints. He was highly
educated, after which he returned to Caesarea to teach rhetoric. But under
his sister's influence he was baptized and decided to devote himself to the
religious life. After a year spent travelling to study monastic life he
and friends founded the first monastery in Asia Minor. But Basil, despite
his enormous influence on later monastic life, soon returned to the world,
using his skills as a preacher against the dominant Arians of his time.
After assisting the bishop of Caesarea for a time, Basil in turn was
elected bishop/metropolitan. He rapidly became involved in
political/religious strife with the Arian emperor, and is credited as the
main influence that led to the triumph of Orthodox Christianity in the
East. He died at the age of 49.
Gregory Nazianzus the Younger (d. 389) Also a doctor of the Church,
Gregory was a friend of Basil's, studying with him in Caesarea and then in
Athens (where one of their fellow students was Julian the future Apostate).
Gregory joined Basil's monastery and seems to have been perfectly suited
for the monastic life. But Basil forced him to accept a newly created
bishopric to help in the fight against the Arians, leading Gregory in time
to what sounds like a nervous breakdown. At several points he retreated to
monasteries again, but was forced out---to assist his aged father with the
diocese of Nazianzus, to care for the diocese during two vacancies, and to
preach in Constantinople.
Adalhard of Corbie (d. 827) A grandson of Charles Martel, Adalhard became
a monk at Corbie (Picardy) in 773. Later he moved to Monte Cassino, but
was induced to come to court as one of Charlemagne's advisors and as tutor
to his eldest son (Pepin). When Louis the Pious became king, Adalhard was
accused of joining a rebellion against him, and exiled to an island for
five years. Soon recalled, he was then dismissed again to Corbie.
Adalhard founded several monasteries, most notably Corvey in Saxony.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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