The process of rehabilitating the legacy of John Chrysostom begins and the Persian Church finds itself under persecution once again. Links: The Martyrdom of Saint James the Persian Bishop Atticus of Constantinople on the adding of John’s name to the diptychs Pope Cyril of Alexandria’s response Theodoret’s Historia Ecclesiastica on the persecution of the Persian […]

The stories of the Harlots of the Desert served to inspire Christians to repent of their sins and trust in the mercy of God. Furthermore, the stories give us insight into the understandings of gender and holiness in the early 5th century Church. Links: Etching of Saint Mary of Egypt by Levillain Rodney Stark on […]

Saint Symeon the Stylite chose to separate himself from the world and rise up to Christ by living atop a stone pillar. His reputation for holiness attracted peoples from all across the Roman Empire seeking his wisdom and prayers. Links: Image of Saint Symeon the Stylite Article on the present state of the pillar of […]

Saint John Cassian brought many of the Eastern monastic traditions to the West and, in turn, influenced later Western monasticism – especially the monasticism of Saint Benedict of Nursia. In this episode, we look at Cassian’s theology of prayer. Links: Minature of Saint John Cassian Cassian’s The Conferences – chapters 9 and 10 focus on […]

We begin a series of episodes on the spirituality of the early 5th century with a look at Saint Augustine. His works, especially The Confessions and The Trinity show Augustine as a major early Christian mystic – urging all Christians to unite themselves to God in love. Links: Painting of Saint Augustine by Phillipe de […]

Considered Augustine’s greatest theological adversary, Julian of Eclanum will pick up where Pelagius left off. His criticisms of Augustine’s teaching on Original Sin could not be ignored. Links: Portrait of Pope Boniface I Augustine’s writings against Julian of Eclanum Mathjis Lamberigts, “The Philosophical and Theological Background of Julian of Aeclanum’s Concept of Concupiscence”, in Therese […]

Pope Zosimus’ attempt to navigate the Pelagian Controversy runs up against the desires of the North African bishops, the bishops of Italy and Emperor Honorius. After Zosimus’ death, the Church of Rome again divides over his successor. A new figure rises to confront Augustine on the importance of free will. Links: Portrait of Pope Zosimus […]

The Pelagian Controversy heats up in the West as the Church of North Africa and Pope Innocent I condemn Pelagius and Caelestius for heresy. Innocent’s successor, Pope Zosimus, runs into problems with the Church of Gaul. Links: Portrait of Pope Innocent I Map of Hispania in 418 showing where the various tribes have settled. Jerome […]

In Alexandria, the conflict between Pope Cyril and Prefect Orestes explodes and the great philosopher Hypatia is murdered. In Persia, the Christians try to recover from decades of persecution. Links: Portrait of Hypatia by Jules Maurice Gaspard Bishop Synesius of Cyrene’s letters to Hypatia The Canons of the Council of Mar ‘Ishaq/Issac Check out the […]

As the controversy over Pelagius heats up; Pulcheria becomes the new regent in Constantinople and the Church of Antioch moves to make peace with the supporters of John Chrysostom. Meanwhile, Pope Cyril and the Prefect Orestes struggle for control of Alexandria. Links: Icon of Cyril of Alexandria by Rousanu Map of Constantinople showing the Theodosian […]