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medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture Today (15. July) is the feast day of: James of Nisibis (d. 338) The Syrian monk James became first bishop of Nisibis (Mesopotamia) in c. 308. He built a basilica and founded a theological school. He was also a fierce opponent of Arianism---legend tells that it was the combined prayers of J. and Alexander of Constantinople that brought about the death of Arius (making his bowels gush out; yuck). Barhadbesaba (d. 355) Barhadbesaba was a deacon of the church at Arbele, Persia, during Sapur II's persecution of Christians. A Christian apostate was ordered to behead B., but seems to have been a) nervous or b) not properly trained, and had to whack at him quite a bit before he succeeded in getting his head off. Donald (8th cent.) Donald lived at Ogilvy (Forfarshire, Scotland). When he wife died, he and his nine (!) daughters formed a religious community, and later entered the monastery of Abernethy en masse. Swithun (d. 862) The West Saxon Swithun (or Swithin) was chaplain to King Egbert and a royal councillor; he was named bishop of Winchester in 852. S. was known for his humility and care for the poor. He died on 2. July, but today is his main feast day. A very old tradition says that if it rains today it will rain for 40 days. Vladimir of Kiev (d. 1015) Vladimir was a bastard son of Grand Duke Sviatoslav of Kiev. After a lot of back-and-forth fighting with various half brothers he succeeded in becoming grand duke in 980. In c. 989 he converted to Christianity, married Anne, a daughter of Emperor Basil II, and his conversion marked the true beginning of Christianity in Russia. V. actively promoted his new religion, building churches, destroying cult statues, etc. Bonaventure (d. 1274) Giovanni di Fidanza, who later took the name Bonaventure, was a native of Bagnorea (Italy) He became a Franciscan, studied at Paris, taught theology, and in 1257 became minister general of his order. He worked very hard to heal the growing rift between spiritual and conventual Franciscans, and also worked very hard to reunite the eastern and western churches. He was also a major philosopher and theologian, who won the nickname "the seraphic doctor." B. was canonized in 1482 and declared a doctor of the church in 1588. A modern saint: Pompilio Pirrotti (d. 1756) Pirrotti was a Campanian, professed in the Piarist order in 1728. He taught, and was so successful as a preacher that jealous people arranged his banishment from Naples; but public resentment was so high the the king recalled him. PP was canonized in 1934. ********************************************************************** 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