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medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture Today (25. February) is the feast day of: Ananias of Phoenicia and companions (d. c. 298) Ananias was a priest. When imprisoned in the Great Persecution, he converted his jailer and seven soldiers of the guard. They were all martyred together. Caesarius Nazianzen (d. 369) A brother of Gregory Nazianzen, Caesarius was a physician at the imperial court, who resisted Julian's efforts to convert him back to polytheism. He remained a catechumen until shortly before his death. Ethelbert of Kent (d. 616) Ethelbert was the first Saxon king to convert to Christianity, first softened up by his Christian wife Bertha, then finally convinced by Augustine of Canterbury (whose mission he allowed and protected). E. founded Canterbury cathedral on the site of his palace and also two monasteries, setting a good example of allowing Christianity but not foisting it on his subjects. Walburga (d. 779) Walburga was the sister of Sts. Willibald and Winebald. She became a nun in England, but moved to Germany along with St. Lioba, becoming abbess of Heidenheim. Her tomb in Eichstatt became famous became liquid oozes from the rock below her shrine, known as "St. Walburga's oil," and is supposed to have healing powers. Tarasius (d. 806) A noble of Constantinople who was in the service of Empress Irene, who made him patriarch in 784. Tarasius accepted on condition that a general council be called to end iconoclasm. Gerland of Girgenti (d. 1104) Gerland was a relative of Robert Guiscard. When the Normans conquered Sicily, G. was made bishop of Girgenti, and worked to restore Christianity. Adam of Ebrach (d. 1161) Adam was from near Cologne. He became a monk at Morimond, then a Cistercian at Foligny. He went on to become an important Cistercian abbot, first at Marmoutier, before being sent off to found Ebrach (near Mannheim) in 1127 and later several daughter houses. Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice [log in to unmask] ********************************************************************** To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME to: [log in to unmask] To send a message to the list, address it to: [log in to unmask] To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion to: [log in to unmask] In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to: [log in to unmask] For further information, visit our web site: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html