Vox Patrum

Maximus the Confessor, Ambiguum 5 (CPG 7705.1: Ambigua ad Thomam 5)

Karolina Kochańczyk-Bonińska, Bogna Kosmulska — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Translation into Polish of the work: Maximus the Confessor, Ambiguum 5.

Photo of Rev. Prof. Dr hab. Bazyli Degórski OSPPE

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Congratulatory Letter by Most Rev. Teodor Martyniuk

Teodor Martyniuk — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Congratulatory Letter by Most Rev. Kazimierz Gurda

Kazimierz Gurda — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Congratulatory Letter by Most Rev. Jacek Jezierski

Jacek Jezierski — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Congratulatory Letter by Most Rev. Łukasz Buzun OSPPE

Łukasz Buzun OSPPE — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Congratulatory Letter by Most Rev. Andrzej Suski

Andrzej Suski — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Congratulatory Letter by the Rector of Angelicum

Thomas Joseph White OP — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Gratulatory Letter by the President of the Polish Patristic Section

Bogdan Stanisław Czyżewski — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Congratulatory Letter by the General of the Pauline Order

Arnold Chrapkowski — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Congratulatory Letter by the Dean of the Faculty of Historical Science UMK

Waldemar Rozynkowski — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Congratulatory Letter by the Prior of the Monastery at Jasna Góra

Samuel P. Pacholski OSPPE — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Congratulatory Letter by the President of the "Kapela Jasnogórska" Association

Nikodem Kilnar OSPPE — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Congratulatory Letter by Rev. Prof. Andrzej Napiórkowski OSPPE

Andrzej Napiórkowski — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Congratulatory Letter by Prof. Maria Maślanka-Soro

Maria Maślanka-Soro — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Congratulatory Letter by Prof. Alina Nowicka-Jeżowa

Alina Nowicka-Jeżowa — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Latin Address

Tadeusz Gacia — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

‘Preaching of’ and ‘Believing in’ Jesus in the 4th and 5th Centuries: Nicetas of Remesiana (ca. 335‐414)

Maria Grazia Bianco — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Niceta (ca. 335-after 414) was a bishop of Remesiana (Serbia) who traveled by land to proclaim the Gospel. Although he is the only witness to Latin culture in the Danuban area between the 4th and 5th century, still he is an author very little studied; the fragments of his catechesis attest to the liveliness and richness of the language of an educated person, committed to pastoral work and capable of immediate contact with his listeners. The most important work of Niceta is Instructiones. It is a simple, clear exposition of the Christian doctrine, almost a western complement to the catechesis of the Greek theologian Cyril. Niceta shows a kind of instinctive reluctance towards the tortuous arguments on the Trinitarian debate. He shows himself interested in spiritual theology and attentive to an exposition of the Christian message accessible to all. In this paper I will present two examples of the proclamation of Jesus on the early 5th century: the first one referring to Augustine’s De catechizandis rudibus, and the second to Niceta’s works. There is a difference between these two authors: Augustine illustrates how to catechize those who have already decided to receive the baptism, while Niceta addresses people who do not know Jesus at all. In the 8th century Niceta’s works have been suggested by Alcuin to Arno of Salzburg to catechize peoples conquered by Charlemagne.

Sainthood of the Eremite Peter Galata according to Theodoret of Cyrrhus

Dominika Łucja Budzanowska-Weglenda — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The aim of this article is to explore how Theodoret of Cyrrhus in Historia religiosa portrays Syrian ascetics and their practices leading to sanctity – especially in the biography of Peter of Antioch, known as Peter Galata, to whom the author devoted part of the of the work. The figure of the author is briefly recalled. Above all, the article is an an analysis of excerpts from chapter IX of the Historia religiosa (in Greek and Polish translation), in which Theodoret included a Peter’s biography, his origins, the purpose of his expedition to Palestine, a description of his ascetic lifestyle when he settled in Antioch, the eremite’s
benevolent contacts with its inhabitants, including his long-standing relationship with Theodoret’s family, his miracles, his life of the Word of God and prayer. The wider context related to the Church of Syria in the 4th century and the lives of other ascetics there.

A Program of Christian Perfection in the Light of Pastoral Exhortations (Part 2)

Ireneusz Celary — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This article is the second part of a study of the programme of perfection proposed by St Caesarius of Arles. After presenting the first stage of perfection, encouraging the struggle against sins , the second part of our reflection will deal with the process of acquiring virtues, that is, in the broad sense of becoming more like Christ, based on the means of Christian perfection that the Bishop of Arles proposes to the recipients of his sermons as best serving Christian perfection. In these exhortations we note that he sought to give encouragement to the faithful striving for the ideal of holiness. For in them he pointed out that on the path of Christian perfection, they are not alone and on their own. For God gives everyone the possibility of perfecting themselves and supports them in this process by his grace. In this article, we would also like to point out that the teaching of St Caesarius continues to be held in high esteem in the Church and that, in the context of the new conditions, circumstances and circumstances of life, it is worthy of further scholarly reflection, presenting the relevance of this teaching to today's reality of the Church and the world.

The Role and Responsibilities of the Abbess According to the Rule of St. Donatus

Bogdan Stanisław Czyżewski — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

St. Donatus (590/596–670), author of the Rule for virgins living in the Gaul monastery Joussa-Moutier (Jussanum monasterium), belonged to eminent figures of the early Church. He was Bishop of Besançon (Vesontium) in Gallia, participant in three important church synods and also founder of the monastery of Saint Paul. His Rule is not an original work but a compilation of three known rules written by of St. Benedict, St. Caesarius of Arles and St. Columbanus. Despite this, it is worth getting acquainted with it to be convinced that based on elements of three works, Donatus was able to write a good rule, adapted to a women’s convent both in terms of provisions and vocabulary referring to women. The legislator devoted much space to the abbess (abbatissa), the equivalent of the abbot (abbas) in a men’s community. She was to have exceptional spiritual and moral qualities, know the Holy Scriptures, observe the Rule, be a true mother to the nuns, able to admonish and rebuke them with love, make demands and love them, and above all, be aware of her responsibility before God for all decisions made in the abbey.

Historical Thought of Diodorus Siculus and the Reception of "Bibliotheke Historike" by the Christian Authors

Andrzej Dudziński — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article analyses the reasons for the increased popularity of Diodorus Siculus’ Library of History among the early Christian writers. Diodorus’ work is one of the most important literary sources for the ancient history, yet it has been almost entirely ignored by the pagan authors in antiquity. The causes of the unexpected interest on the part of the Christian authors is thereby even more intriguing. Firstly, the article discusses briefly the early reception of Diodorus’ work by both the pagan and the Christian writers, up to the byzantine period. Next it discusses the philosophical approach of euhemerism. Diodorus’ decision to embrace the euhemeristic philosophy is usually considered the main reason for the popularity of the Library among the Christian authors, who used it to demonstrate the falsehood of the pagan gods. Notwithstanding the importance of euhemerism, the article points out other aspects of the Diodorus’ work that the Christian authors may have found appealing. These include first and foremost the linear (as opposed to circular) conception of time adopted by Diodorus, his interest in providing his readers with the moral lessons, and his decision to bring all the peoples of the oikoumene into one historical narrative. The article puts forward a hypothesis that Diodorus’ conviction that the history and historians, almost like the priests of the “divine providence”, support the development of the humanity, may also have been attractive to the Christian writers.

The Authority of Saint Augustine in Marcin Kromer’s Discussion with the Reformation

Agnieszka Dziuba — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Marcin Kromer was one of the first Polish humanists who actively joined the fight against the Reformation. In Polish conversations and in their Latin, much more extensive version, he not only undertook to refute the theological arguments of Martin Luther and his followers, but above all, he gave a competent exposition of the teachings of the Catholic Church at that time. He had an excellent knowledge of the text of the Holy Scripture along with its commentaries, was well-read in the writings of the Fathers of the Church and theologians of later eras up to contemporary times, and was also well versed in the books of his adversaries. Kromer's erudition allowed him to create, especially in the Latin Conversations, the image of a priest (Monachus) who courageously and without hesitation refutes the arguments of his opponents and clearly explains the intricacies of Catholic theology. Among the authorities whose writings and views Kromer most often refers to is Augustine, a writer extremely important to Luther himself. The author of the dialogue uses the figure of the bishop of Hippo in various ways. Sometimes his name appears among others writing on a given topic, sometimes he is a "time marker". Most often, however, his writings provide arguments in the discussion on the understanding and interpretation of the Holy Scripture, on the sacrament of baptism, and above all, quotations from his works appear when talking about the Tradition of the Church, councils and hierarchy in the Church. Kromer's appreciation of Augustyn is demonstrated by the fact that he independently translates some of his thoughts into Polish. In this way, Polish society, which does not know Latin, comes into contact with the words of an African bishop for the first time. It is also important that Kromer noticed and appreciated Augustine's style. The Polish writer sometimes uses successful phrases from the works of the Bishop of Hippo to decorate and enrich his own sentences with elocution. It can therefore be said that Augustine's visible authority in Kromer's dialogues is used by the humanist in a diverse and erudite way.

The Meaning of the Expression "divina catastrophe" in the Hymn "Iam toto subitus vesper"

Tadeusz Gacia — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The author of a study written in Latin establishes the meaning of the expression divina catastrophe in the breviary hymn for the feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Iam toto subitus vesper eat polo, written by Callisto Palombella. He argues against contemporary translations of the hymn, which translate the word catastrophe in an anachronistic way, disregarding the narrower semantic scope of the word at the time of the hymn's composition, and interpret it as God's passion, as God's suffering. Meanwhile, the word catastrophe meant at the time - as in ancient drama - a sudden change of situation, a subversion of order, a turn of events, which makes us see the death of Christ as totius ordinis eversio - a revolution in which all bewildered nature also participates.

God’s Indwelling in Man as the Goal of Spiritual Life According to Anastasius of Sinai

Marek Gilski, Sławomir Zieliński — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This article aims to answer the question of how Anastasius of Sinai understands God's dwelling in man. The Sinaitic defines man as the true and rational house of God. The article consists of two parts: the first presents the effects of God's indwelling in human nature (incarnation), while the second presents the purpose, ways and effects of God's indwelling in the Christian. Among the most important conclusions are: 1. The indwelling of God in man is the most important goal of life. Correct faith and pious deeds are not enough. A Christian is the one in whom the Holy Trinity has dwelt. 2. The fruit of God's indwelling in a Christian is worship in Spirit and truth, wisdom, holiness and purity. 3.The effect of God's indwelling in human nature is the boldness of people toward God as one of them. Angels do not possess this boldness because God did not dwell in their nature. 4. For a man in whom God has taken up residence, external religious practices cease to be important. They only have an auxiliary function in cleansing man from sin.

Cyril of Alexandria, Hypatia, the Empire: Rationality and Power Strategies in Late Antique Violence

Irene Gobbi — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The first three years of Cyril of Alexandria’s episcopate (412‐415) have returned to ignite the interest of the academic world especially in the last two decades, partly due to the extraordinary relevance that the figure of the Neoplatonic philosopher Hypatia has assumed in the Western cultural imaginary. My investigation aims to inscribe this theory in a much broader framework: in the light of the rare but valuable chronicles covering the first half of the 5th century (Socrates Scholasticus, Damascius, John Malalas, John of Nikiû), the strategies implemented by the bishop and the regent Pulcheria of Constantinople will be compared, thus tracing the events in Alexandria back in greater detail to an organic political line whose roots can be found in a convergence of intentions between the Empire and the most important eastern ecclesiastical See, which later became obvious during the Council of Ephesus.The first three years of Cyril of Alexandria’s episcopate (412‐415) have returned to ignite the interest of the academic world especially in the last two decades, partly due to the extraordinary relevance that the figure of the Neoplatonic philosopher Hypatia has assumed in the Western cultural imaginary. My investigation aims to inscribe this theory in a much broader framework: in the light of the rare but valuable chronicles covering the first half of the 5th century (Socrates Scholasticus, Damascius, John Malalas, John of Nikiû), the strategies implemented by the bishop and the regent Pulcheria of Constantinople will be compared, thus tracing the events in Alexandria back in greater detail to an organic political line whose roots can be found in a convergence of intentions between the Empire and the most important eastern ecclesiastical See, which later became obvious during the Council of Ephesus.

The Earthly Paradise in Early Christian Latin Poetry

Elżbieta Górka — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The aim of this article is to analyze selected depictions of the earthly paradise in early Christian poetry, with a focus on the interweaving of biblical imagery and elements drawn from classical literature. The analysis examines passages from De ave Phoenice by Lactantius, De iudicio Domini by Pseudo-Tertullian, Cento Vergilianus de laudibus Dei by Proba, Cathemerinon by Prudentius, Alethia by Victorinus, Laudes Dei by Dracontius, and De spiritalis historiae gestis by Avitus. The poets drew not only on biblical sources – such as the imagery of Eden, the „Garden of God” from the Book of Ezekiel, and the New Jerusalem from the Book of Revelation—but also on pagan poetry, particularly the description of the Elysian Fields in Book VI of Virgil’s Aeneid and the Golden Age in Book I of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Common characteristics of the earthly paradise include its location in the east, on a high mountain, eternal spring, the absence of dangerous weather phenomena, nature spontaneously bearing fruit, and a source from which the four rivers flow. Paradisus terrestris was portrayed as being filled with light, pleasant fragrances, and music. A frequent inhabitant of the earthly paradise was the mythical phoenix, a symbol of resurrection, which would once again open the path to paradise for humanity.

The Structure of the Image – The Shape of Thought. Cognitive Aspects of Medieval Diagrams

Jarosław Janowski, Romana Rupiewicz — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Aristotle observed that the intellect operates using visual imagination, while Pseudo-Dionysius pointed to the possibility of representing the invisible through material forms. Nevertheless, since antiquity, the function of images has typically been understood as the depiction of an illusory appearance of existing things. In a broader context, this issue has always been present in philosophy—thinkers have pondered the nature of abstract concepts and their relation to the sensory world. Today, this subject is studied by cognitive psychology and cognitive science, both of which investigate how imaginative processes associated with abstract thinking function. Imagination forms the foundation for representing the "invisible." Cognitive science employs the theory of the embodied mind, which operates within a spatial environment. The idea of corporeality linked to space and its directions appears as early as Plato's Timaeus, and the ancient art of memory connected visual imagination with bodily sensations in space. This ancient practice of oratory masters is discussed at the beginning of the article. Subsequently, based on contemporary findings in cognitive science, the relationship between spatial experiences in logical thinking and the use of metaphors in linguistic and visual communication is analyzed. Detailed scientific insights into human cognitive faculties have been used to analyze selected medieval illuminations that employed Aristotle’s logic in visualizing conceptual knowledge. The findings reveal that medieval miniaturists demonstrated the power of visual thinking and the effectiveness of images in conveying and memorizing complex content.

„Judah’s Blessing” (Gen 49: 8-12) as Interpreted by St. Ambrose of Milan and Rufinus of Aquileia

Magdalena Małgorzata Jóźwiak — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The Book of Genesis 49:1‐28 presents a scene that takes place at Jacob’s deathbed. Before his death, the Patriarch called all his sons to himself to bless them. In biblical studies, this chapter from the Book of Genesis is called “the blessing of Jacob”. One of the sons that Patriarch Jacob blesses is Judah. The subject of this article is to analyze the “blessing of Judah” (Genesis 49:8‐12) as interpreted by St. Ambrose of Milan (cf. Ambrosius, De Patriarchis IV 16‐25) and Rufinus of Aquileia (cf. Rufinus, Rescripta ad Presbyterum Paulinum de Iudae Benedictionibus I 1‐4; De benedictionibus Patriarcharum I 5‐11). In conclusion, Rufinus’ commentary on the “blessing of Judah” is longer, more detailed. Both exegetes draw on Jewish traditions and literal and allegorical interpretations. Both commentators also prefer the model of typical interpretation, hence Judah is for them a “type” of Jesus Christ, his suffering and resurrection.

The Human Will of Christ in the Perspective of Cappadocian Theologians of the 4th Century

Oleksandr Kashchuk — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article is dedicated to the issue of Christ’s human will in the thought of the Cappadocian theologians of the fourth century, in the context of the early Christian development of the doctrine of Christ’s natures. Its aim is to highlight the role and significance of Christ’s human will in the Christology of Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa. All three thinkers emphasized the fullness of Christ’s humanity, and each of them, to some extent, signaled or drew attention to the existence and function of His human will. The reflection of the Cappadocian theologians was a significant step in the development of Christology, laying the foundations for the teaching that Christ, as a true man, had to possess an authentic human will, which remained in perfect harmony with His divine will. This concept influenced further theological debates and played a crucial role in the later formulation of the doctrine of two wills in Christ in Byzantium in the seventh century.

The Mystery of Death According to “Prognosticum Futuri Saeculi” by Julian of Toledo

Dariusz Antoni Kasprzak, Bogdan Zbroja — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Julian of Toledo's Prognosticum futuri saeculi is a treatise that tackles the profound enigma of human death. This issue is of existential and eschatological significance for all of us, yet the full scope of the eschatological thought of the thirty-first Bishop of Toledo (who held office from 380-390) remains shrouded in mystery, including his views on death. We have traced Julian's thoughts on the mystery of death, commented on them and determined whether they stem from the biblical text or are more of a religious inference made on the basis of Christian tradition.We concluded that Julian's description of the mysterium mortis follows from the truths of the Christian faith, contained in the public revelation given to the Church in biblical revelation and in the revelation of Church Tradition. Julian's view is that death is a consequence of human sin and represents the separation of the soul from the body. However, he does not fear it, since for believers it is a cleansing from sins and an exit to meet Christ in eternity.This is not an original thought, as Msgr. Toledo is based primarily on the theological theses of the earlier Church Fathers (mainly Augustine of Hippo and Cyprian of Carthage). In Prognosticum futuri saeculi liber I, he uses theological argumentation in twenty-one of the twenty-two theses. In only one does the argumentation strictly come from Scripture; when Bishop Toledo refers to the text of Scripture, it is to justify a previously stated thesis from Tradition. Julian's skill lies in the structure of the treatise itself; he presents a concise and straightforward catechesis on the idea that Christians should not fear death, though it occasionally comes across as overly simplistic and didactic.

The Structure of Noah’s Ark (Gen 6:14‐16) in the Writings of St. Augustine

Piotr Kochanek — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Augustine reconstructed the structure of Noah's ark on the basis of Gen 6:14-16 and the writings of several of his predecessors. This reconstruction had a great influence on subsequent generations of Latin ecclesiastical writers. On the one hand, the Bishop of Hippo gathered the achievements of his predecessors in this matter, and on the other hand, he added many important new elements. In this way, he created his own image of the structure of Noah’s Ark. However, this image is scattered throughout many of his writings. It could be said that Augustine returned to the issue of the structure of Noah’s Ark several times. The most important descriptions of this structure are presented in four of his works. In chronological order, they are: „Contra Faustum”, „De baptismo”, „De civitate Dei” and „Quaestiones in Heptateuchum”. Noteworthy passages on the structure of the ark are also in (in alphabetical order): „Contra Secundinum”, „De doctrina christiana”, „Enarrationes in Psalmos”, „Epistula ad Catholicos de secta Donatistorum”, „In Ioannis Evangelium tractatus CXXIV” and in „Sermones”. In general, Augustine's image of the structure of the ark was intended not only to „satisfy” the connoisseurs of biblical theology of his time, but also to satisfy the curiosity of ordinary people, for whom Noah’s Ark could be treated as some kind of interesting, biblical technical detail.

Saint Joseph in the Teaching of Saint Jerome of Stridon

Michał Łukaszczyk — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This article deals with Josephological issues in the writings of Jerome of Stridon. The monk from Bethlehem does not devote space to this saint directly in his reflections. Joseph occupies an important place in Christological discussions and in the defence of Mary's virginity. The author of the Vulgate also uses the example of Joseph in discussions concerning the superiority of a life of virginity over a life of marriage. It is possible to identify several themes related to St Joseph that Jerome addresses in his works: rejecting St Joseph's widowhood, emphasising his virginity, fighting for a true and not legendary representation of the figure of the Saviour's Protector, and justifying his remaining celibate due to his God-given mission. However, it must be said that the Author of the Vulgate touches on themes related to the Saviour's Protector in order to present a true Christology or to defend the Virgin Mary's virginity. It is worth emphasising that in the texts of Stridonian we can observe the beginnings of theological thought on the mission of St Joseph.

The Religious Terminology of Yeznik of Kolb in the Work “Against the Sects”. Selected Issues

Grair Magakian — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article analyzes the issue of theological terminology in the treatise by Yeznik of Kolb Against the Sects, focusing on the etymology of key concepts and their significance in shaping early Christian thought in Armenia. The structure of the analysis includes a discussion of the historical context of the work, the division of the treatise into four parts, and a detailed presentation of selected terms. The author examines their sources, semantic range, and function in the polemics against dualistic and pagan religious systems. The methodology is based on source analysis, etymology, and theology, considering Greek, Syrian, and Iranian influences. The main conclusion is that Yeznik created a new layer of terminology, adapting philosophical concepts to the Christian doctrine of monotheism. Ancient sources include the writings of the Church Fathers and the Bible, which Yeznik adapted for the needs of Armenian theology. The contribution of this work lies in demonstrating Yeznik’s role as a pioneer of Armenian theological terminology and its significance for the further development of Christian thought in Armenia. The article makes an important contribution to the study of the language and theology of ancient Christianity.

Saint Joseph of Nazareth According to Saint Jerome

Luciana Mirri — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The present study concerns what profile emerges and what consideration Saint Jerome has for Saint Joseph of Nazareth. The analysis considers the Dalmatian Doctor’s works in which he is most cited, but does not omit other writings where he appears. In fact, in addition to the Against Elvidius (383), the Jewish Questions (389/391), the Commentary on Matthew (393), a Homily on the Nativity of the Lord (400/410), mentions are found in commentaries on prophets or Pauline letters and one in The Illustrious Men (393). Even these occasional texts are sometimes interesting for assessing the importance of constant attention over time and a confirmation of the author’s thinking on the subject. Four themes emerge from the Hieronymic writings: the philology of the name ‘Joseph’; Joseph’s genealogy; Joseph’s virginity; the holiness of the ‘just’ Joseph. Jerome’s texts are made to speak, interpreting his message. In addition to being the first Father of the Church to assert the virginity of Saint Joseph, he is in fact also the Author who holds him in esteem as a man trusted by the Most High and a privileged role as a witness of the Incarnation for the redemption of the world.

Bishops and Presbyters in the Church of Rome in the 1st and 2nd Century (part 2)

Leszek Misiarczyk — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

All sources relating to the Church of Rome confirm that it was led by πρεσβύτεροι in the sense of “elders”, or superiors of the community, sometimes identified with ἐπίσκοποι. However, never in sources related to Rome, was the term πρεσβύτεροι understood as the second degree of the ecclesiastical hierarchy, as in the Epistles of Ignatius of Antioch. The task of these bishops and elders was λειτουργία, i.e., leadership of the community, celebration of worship, as well as charity to needy brethren. However, nowhere in the sources does the phrase like “college of presbyters” appear. We have all been too seduced by the perspective of the Epistles of Ignatius of Antioch, in which a three-degrees hierarchy appears, and presbyters are the second degree of the Church hierarchy. On the other hand, depending on the evaluation of the list of bishops of Rome cited by Irenaeus, it cannot be ruled out that there was a monarchical episcopate in the Roman Church from the beginning, and the bishops continued to be referred to by the old generic term πρεσβύτεροι – “elders”, as the superiors of the community. The meeting of Polycarp, bishop of Smyrne and pope Anicetus confirms that in the middle of the II century there was a single bishop in Rome.

The Angels in the "Sayings of the Desert Fathers" (Apophthegmata Patrum)

Arkadiusz Nocoń — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

In response to the current interest in angels, the author analyses the Sayings of the Desert Fathers, that is, the most original work of monastic literature from Christian antiquity. On the basis of the facta et dicta of these experts in spiritual issues, and who were often great mystics, the author strives to present the angelology that was functioning in these circles, viz., the teaching of the monks on the nature, appearance and hierarchy of angels, and on their role in respect to God and people. He also draws attention to the specific perception of angels amongst the Desert Fathers. Summing up, the author concludes that theologically the angelology of the Desert Fathers was a continuation of the teaching of the Fathers of the Church. In an ascetic sense it perceived in angels an ideal of monastic life and assistance in its living-out in practice. Also, in an eschatological sense it brought hope and inspired a salvific optimism, because the angels – according to the Desert Fathers – are more numerous, that is, more powerful than demons who are threatening humans.

Cosmological and Theological Motifs in the "Poimandres". The Religious Message of the "Poimandres" in the Spiritual Aspect

Kazimierz Pawłowski — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The subject of this paper is Poimandres, the first book of the Corpus Hermeticum. Poimandres stands out from the other books (along with book XI) in that it takes the form of a divine revelation. An essential element of this revelation are two mystical visions. The author of the paper attempts to show the spiritual meaning of these visions and to express the religious message hidden in them.

Non-Liturgical Activities of Lay Christians in Egypt During the Eucharist Between the 4th and 15th Centuries CE

Przemysław Piwowarczyk, Adam Nieuważny — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article documents non-liturgical forms of lay Christian activities during the Eucharist in Egypt between the 4th and 15th centuries and provides context for them. This is the first comprehensive attempt of this kind in research on Egyptian Christianity. The study takes into account the liturgical, linguistic, and spatial conditions of the Egyptian mass. It is based on scattered references in various sources in Greek, Coptic, and Arabic (including some Ethiopian and Syriac sources). These sources are of a legal-canonical, homiletic, hagiographic, and encyclopedic nature. An integral part of the article is a selection of sources translated into Polish. The analyses suggest that the Eucharistic liturgy was not only a religious event but also a significant social occasion. In addition to the official celebration, the church was also a place for parallel private devotion. Many of the faithful were excluded from full participation in the liturgy due to the church's spatial organization and the incomprehensible language.

Patristic Contribution to Question 93 of the Prima Pars of the Summa Theologiae of Saint Thomas AquinasPatristic Contribution to Question 93 of the Prima Pars of the Summa Theologiae of Saint Thomas Aquinas

Margherita Maria Rossi — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The present essay proposes an examination of q.93 of the Prima Pars of the Summa Theologiae of St. Thomas Aquinas - which he wrote primarily starting from the doctrine of St. Augustine - in which the theme of the human being created in the image and likeness of God is examined, with the Thomistic deepening of the specific theological lexicon involved. The resulting anthropological vision is affirmed in the famous prologue of the entire Prima Secundae that Aquinas sets up by profitably integrating the sources of Aristotle and John Damascene, the latter in turn indebted to the work of Nemesius of Emesa. The relevance of the introduction of the new Greek-patristic sources in the Middle Ages stands out not only in the passage from q.93 of the Prima Pars to the prologue of the Prima Secundae - as this essay intends to illustrate - but also in the making of the prologue itself.

Marriage according to the "Apostolic Constitutions"

Stanisław Strękowski — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The Apocrypha, known as the Apostolic Constitutions, is a collection of Church laws that was created around 375-380, most likely in Antioch in a Judeo-Christian environment. It is an extensive compilation consisting of many earlier Church documents, addressing various issues that concerned Christians in the first centuries. This document also included a few but important for Christians content regarding marriage, its indissolubility, its relationship to virginity, clerical marriages, virgins and widows. All the ordinances regarding this issue generally reflect the views of the Church Fathers in the East in the 4th century. This article presents the regulations regarding the institution of marriage in the context of other church documents and the views of authors from the 4th century. Although this is an apocryphal work, the content provided by the compiler of the Apostolic Constitutions on the issue of marriage does not differ substantially from the widespread views and practices in the Eastern Church.

The Oldest Place of Veneration of St. Agnes in the Light of the "Liber Pontificalis"

Piotr Szczur — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The purpose of this article is to show the history of the oldest place of veneration of St. Agnes, in light of the accounts contained in the Liber Pontificalis. Firstly, the
depiction of St. Agnes from ancient sources, particularly the writings of St. Ambrose and Prudentius, is examined. A thorough analysis and critical assessment of these accounts
led to the conclusion that little is known about her life prior to her martyrdom. However, the sources unanimously affirm her status as a virgin and martyr, emphasizing her youth at the time of her death. Beyond this, details about St. Agnes remain uncertain. Subsequently, the accounts of St. Agnes’s veneration in Rome, as recorded in the biographies of four popes, were meticulously analyzed and critically evaluated: Sylvester I (314-335), Liberius (352-366), Innocent I (401-417), and Symmachus (498-514). This analysis and critique of the narratives yielded significant insights. While the information regarding the location of St. Agnes’s worship provided by the compiler of the Liber Pontificalis is largely inaccurate, it does hint at certain themes present in the transmission: the association
of St. Agnes with Constantina, a member of the imperial family, who bestowed imperial patronage upon the entire complex of St. Agnes (comprising the basilica and mausoleum) and contributed to the growth of her cult; the profound importance of St. Agnes’s cult to the popes, who, in their efforts to foster its development, sought to exert influence over the shrine of St. Agnes (as seen in the actions of Innocent I) and personally participated in festivities held in her honor (as evidenced by the involvement of Gregory the Great).

Traces of Origenism in Philastrius of Brescia’s "Diversarum hereseon liber"

Mariusz Szram — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The purpose of the article is answering the question of whether or not Philastrius of Brescia, the author of the catalog of heresies Diversarum hereseon liber, included in his treatise allusions to the ideas of Origen or any such circulating under his name and if he has indeed mentioned them – how he evaluated them. It is interesting to examine not only allusions to the debatable ideas of Alexandrian, but also positive inspirations by the theological thought of Origen as a pioneer in laying the foundations of Christian theology. An important research problem is also the attitude of the Bishop of Brescia to allegorical exegesis, of which Origen was the main representative. The conclusions of the presented comparative analysis of the source material are as follows: 1) the treatise of Philastrius lacks named references to the person and works of Origen; 2) there are, however, indirect references to various origenian ideas, and they are present both in the descriptions of heresy and in the lecture of the orthodox doctrine of the faith; 3) the catalog of the Bishop of Brescia explicitly condemns the doctrine of the preexistence of souls, while there is no mention of the theory of apocatastasis; 4) Philastrius’ criticism mainly concerns the views of Origen in the extreme or includes ideas attributed to him, but about which there is no certainty that he actually recognized them in that form; while some formulations, coming from the Alexandrian himself, are met with acceptance by the author of the catalog; 5) with regard to the issues related to allegorical exegesis of the Old Testament, Philastrius represents a thinking on biblical Christocentrism similar to Origen and his followers.

Saint Nicholas of Myra in the Great Musical Forms of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque. Outline of the Issues

Piotr Towarek — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This article is an attempt at a preliminary presentation of selected great musical forms of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods, which are dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra (d. 345). These are examples of mass propers, especially Alleluia chants with a verse and sequences (Congaudentes exsultemus; Sospitati dedit egros), as well as motets from the Renaissance period (Martini, Palestrina, di Lasso, Regnart, Gallus, Vaet). These works show St. Nicholas as a bishop, a believer, a guardian and a miracle worker, which is a clear reference to the lives, stories and legends we know. The third group of compositions presented in the article are Baroque oratorios (Bononcini, Veracini, Falco, Carapella, Leo). They confirm the cult and memory of St. Nicholas on the Apennine Peninsula (especially in the Kingdom of Naples), in other parts of Europe (the Habsburg state, the court of the Bishop of Olomouc) and in the piety of confraternities and brotherhoods to which the saint was patron. These non-liturgical works, performed during Lent, show the little-known image of St. Nicholas as a young man matured by the love of his parents and embarking on his education (studies). The central theme in the oratorios is the conversion (Clizio, St. Nicholas' friend) that takes place through patient dialogue, conversation, and even a dispute with the future bishop of Myra. St. Nicholas appears here as a teacher of repentance and Christian virtues. The fact that his person, life and intercession are commemorated during the Lenten season and not during Advent (December 6) or Christmas is a special value, which is enriched by the musical works mentioned in the article.

Angels in the Theoretical Interpretation and Practical References of St. Jerome in the Light of his "Homilies on the Psalms"

Waldemar Jan Turek — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The author of the article analyses selected fragments from the Homilies on the Psalms of St. Jerome, in which the great exegete takes up, based on the relevant biblical texts, the topic of angels and their attitudes. St. Jerome presents us, on the one hand, the activity of angels serving God and placed on an equal footing with martyrs and monks, and on the other hand he describes the fallen angels who distanced themselves from God through their sin of pride, wanting to be equal to God himself. The article shows in a very concrete way how St. Jerome moves from theoretical exegetical explanations to practical ascetic references. The attitude of angels, servants of God, can be an example for monks and all Christians, while the fall of angels who distanced themselves from God is a warning to all believers in Christ.

References to the Fathers of the Church and Ecclesiastical Writers of the Patristic Period in the Sermons of Bishop Paul Kubicki

Albert Warso — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Bishop Pawel Kubicki (1871-1944) is best known for his writing as well as for his pastoral activities. During his priestly and episcopal ministry, he preached many sermons. Some of them have been printed. This article aims to identify and discuss references to the Church Fathers and ecclesiastical writers of the patristic period in his preaching activity. These references appear in his main preaching work, which is the collection Żywe słowo na ambonie i poza amboną. This publication is therefore the main source of the present study. It contains a selection of the sermons he preached during almost his entire life, and was published seven years before the author's death. Out of up to three volumes planned by him, only the first volume was published. Bishop P. Kubicki referred most often to the ideas of St Augustine, as well as to the events in his life.

The Process of Christian Perfection in "Enarrationes in Psalmos" of St. Augustine

Dariusz Zagórski — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

In his work Enarrationes in Psalmos, Augustine extensively addresses the issue of Christian perfection. Encouraging the audience of his homilies to grow in faith, he first points to the necessity of conversion, which allows one to embark on the path of spiritual progress. This conversion is to be accomplished through the struggle against evil and weaknesses, as well as against the hateful activity of Satan directed against humans. Breaking away from sin and reconciling with God enables one to rise from spiritual numbness to life, emerging from wickedness toward an existence marked by “light” and “righteousness.” This process of acquiring goodness takes place through the perfection of virtues and the fulfillment of good deeds. It is a stage of serving amid the hardships and experiences of daily life-persevering until its end. Saint Augustine considers the goal of Christian life and the greatest good to be attachment to God. This is to manifest in a close relationship with the Creator, advancing to friendship with Him, attaining the status of children of God, and achieving salvation. This publication aims to present the individual stages of a Christian’s pursuit of spiritual perfection. It seeks to convey the message on this topic contained in the Commentary on the Psalms, a special work that testifies to the responsibility of the shepherd proclaiming the Word of God for the sheep entrusted to him.

Curriculum vitae of Fr Prof. Dr hab. Bazyli Degórski O.S.P.P.E.

Piotr Szczur — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The article contains a biography of Fr Prof. Bazyli Degórski.

Bibliography of the Scientific Works by Rev. Prof. Dr. hab. Bazyli Degórski OSPPE

Olha Dzhana — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

The Diploma Theses Written under the Supervision of Fr. Prof. dr. hab. Bazyli Degórski OSPPE

Olha Dzhana — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

A list of the diploma theses written under the supervision of Fr. Prof. dr. hab. Bazyli Degórski OSPPE