medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Today (2. April) is the feast day of:
Amphianus of Lycia (d. c. 305) Amphianus was well educated, but decided
instead of a law career to become a disciple of St. Pamphilius in Caesarea
(Palestine). When persecution started up, A. went to the governor's palace
and reproached the governor as an idolator. A. was tortured, then thrown
into the sea. Nature greeted his death with an earthquake, and the sea
tossed his body out onto the land again (says the historian Eusebius).
Theodora of Tyre (d. 308) Theodora was a consecrated virgin. When 18, she
went to Caesarea (Palestine), where she saw some Christians on their way to
execution. She encouraged them, was overheard by the authorities, seized,
tortured, then thrown into the sea with a rock tied around her neck (that
seems to have been the specialty of the governor of Caesarea).
Mary of Egypt (5th cent.?) Mary was an Egyptian prostitute. She went on
pilgrimage to Jerusalem, but discovered that an "invisible force" wouldn't
let her enter the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Repentant, she went and
became a hermit, after a time clothed only in her own hair, living on dates
and berries, etc.
Abundius (d. c. 500) Abundius was a Greek, bishop of Como in northern
Italy. Because of his skill as a theologian, Pope Leo I sent A. to the
eastern emperor on a mission, where he provoked the calling of the council
of Chalcedon (where he served as the pope's legate).
Constantine II of Scotland (d. 874) Constantine was killed in battle
against raiding vikings (who were not Christian, so he was clearly a
martyr). C. was buried at Iona, where his remains soon worked miracles.
Francis of Paola (d. 1507) Francis was born at Paola (Calabria). After a
pilgrimage, he became a hermit in a cave near his home. He eventually
attracted companions, and ended up founding the Franciscan Minim Friars
(approved in 1474). F. himself was famous for his prophetic powers and
miracles (his specialty was miracles at sea, for which he was declared
patron of seafarers in 1943). He was canonized in 1519.
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice
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