medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (31. January) is the feast day of:
Kyros and Johannes (d. c. 303) According to legend, Kyros was a physician
and Johannes a soldier, who lived in Egypt. They were martyred in
Diocletian's persecution. They enjoyed a very strong cult in Alexandria
for centuries, especially renowned for their healing powers.
Julius and Julianus (d. c. 390) It is hard to discern historical figures
behind the legend of Julius and Julianus, and they may have been a single
person. The story is that the two brothers came from Greece as
missionaries to northern Italy---Julius is supposed to have been a priest,
Julianus a deacon. Theodosius I commissioned them to take over pagan
temples and turn them into churches.
Marcella (d. 410) Marcella, a noble Roman woman, turned her house in Rome
into a Christian meeting point after her husband's early death. She became
a disciple of St. Jerome. When the Visigoths sacked Rome in August 410,
they tortured her to make her reveal where she had hidden her wealth (which
she had long since given to the poor). She died of her injuries three days
later.
Maedoc (Aidan) of Ferns (d. 626) "Maedoc" is an affectionate nickname
given to the youthful Aidean by his fosterers: it means "my little Aidan"
(mo Aed óc). Tradition reports that he was originally from Connacht, and
studied in Wales before returning to Ireland to begin a career as monastic
founder and bishop. Maedoc founded three monasteries: Drumlane, Rossinver,
and Ferns (Co. Wexford), the last of which became one of the main churches
of south Leinster.
Hemma (d. 876) Hemma, born in c. 810, married King Louis the German. She
bore seven children. Hemma was an important benefactor of churches and
monasteries, especially the Benedictine convent of Obermunster in
Regensburg, which she herself eventually led.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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