medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (12. April) is the feast day of:
Julius I (d. 352) The Roman Julius was elected pope in 337. He tried
to rule on the continuing Arian controversy, but does not seem to
have had great success---he convened a Roman synod to deal with the
issue of Athanasius' ouster from the see of Alexandria, but neither
side in the controversy attended. J. then wrote a letter to the
supporters of Eusebius ordering the reinstatement of Athanasius as
rightful bishop of Alexandria---but was ignored. But J. was
validated when the Council of Sardica declared that deposed bishops
have a right to appeal to the bishop of Rome.
Zeno of Verona (d. 371) Zeno was born in Roman Africa. He was very
well-educated, and in 362 became bishop of Verona. Zeno was a very
active missionary and denouncer of Arianism. He also wrote on
religious subjects, most notably on the virgin birth of Christ.
Sabas the Goth (d. 372) Sabas converted to Christianity while still
young and became a lector. S. proved to be zealous, denouncing the
habit of some Christian Goths of pretending to eat sacrificial meat
to avoid making trouble for themselves; they were annoyed and kicked
S. out of town. During a persecution of Christians ordered by the
Gothic ruler, both Sabas and his priest (Sansala) were arrested. S.
was tortured but miraculously unharmed. Final the king ordered him
drowned. The execution party offered him a chance to escape but he
refused, so was duly drowned in the Mussovo River. About 50
Christians were killed in this persecution.
Alferius (d. 1050) Alferius was a noble of Salerno. He contracted a
serious illness while on a mission to the French court, and vowed to
enter the religious life if he were cured. He did indeed recover and
became a monk at Cluny. Duke Gisulf of Salerno soon brought A back
home to reform monasteries in the duchy. A. was unsuccessful and
became a hermit. The disciples he attracted were formed into the
monastery of La Cava. A's cult was formally approved in 1893.
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