Apollinaris the Elder
Apollinaris the Elder was a 4th-century Christian grammarian and priest active in Berytus and Laodicea. He is notable for his efforts, alongside his son, to create Christian literary works to compensate for Emperor Julian's ban on pagan classical texts for Christian professors. Apollinaris the Elder translated biblical texts into Greek hexameters and wrote various poetic and dramatic works.
Key Facts
- ›Christian grammarian and priest of the 4th century.
- ›Active in Berytus (modern Beirut) and Laodicea in Syria.
- ›Father of Apollinaris of Laodicea.
- ›Supported the Council of Nicaea and Athanasius.
- ›Attempted to replace classical Greek literature with Christian works when banned by Emperor Julian.
- ›Translated the Pentateuch into Greek hexameters and wrote epic poems, tragedies, comedies, and odes.
- Greek Hexameter Translation of the Pentateuch
- Epic Poem of Twenty-Four Cantos Based On the First Two Books of Kings
- Tragedies Modelled On Euripides
- Comedies After the Manner of Menander
- Odes Imitated From Pindar
Priest
4th Century
Phoenicia, Syria
Council of Nicaea
About Apollinaris the Elder
Apollinaris the Elder was a significant Christian grammarian and priest of the 4th century. He was active in the cities of Berytus (modern Beirut) in Phoenicia and Laodicea in Syria. He is primarily remembered for his dedication to upholding Christian doctrine and his literary endeavors.
Life and Historical Context
Apollinaris the Elder served as a priest and was a strong supporter of the Council of Nicaea (325) and the teachings of Athanasius. A pivotal moment in his career occurred in 362 when Emperor Julian issued an edict forbidding Christian professors from lecturing on or commenting on the works of Greek poets and philosophers. In response to this challenge, Apollinaris, along with his son Apollinaris of Laodicea, dedicated himself to creating new literary works that would serve as Christian alternatives to the classical masterpieces.
Their aim was to offset the potential loss of polite instruction for Christians and to foster respect for the Christian religion among non-Christians. According to historical accounts, Apollinaris the Elder undertook ambitious literary projects. He translated the Pentateuch into Greek hexameters and adapted the first two books of Kings into an epic poem of twenty-four cantos. He also composed tragedies in the style of Euripides, comedies resembling those of Menander, and odes inspired by Pindar.
Legacy
Despite these considerable efforts, the improvised Greek literature produced by Apollinaris the Elder and his son ultimately did not survive. Once Emperor Jovian revoked Julian's edict in 363–364, the educational institutions reverted to their reliance on the great classic writers. Only the memory of Apollinaris's efforts to create a Christian literary tradition remained.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Apollinaris the Elder?
Apollinaris the Elder was a 4th-century Christian grammarian and priest. He was active in cities such as Berytus and Laodicea.
What is Apollinaris the Elder known for?
He is known for his efforts, alongside his son, to create Christian literary works. This was in response to Emperor Julian's ban on Christian professors teaching pagan classical literature.
What kind of literary works did Apollinaris the Elder create?
According to historical accounts, he translated the Pentateuch into Greek hexameters and wrote epic poems, tragedies, comedies, and odes, imitating classical Greek authors.
Did the literary works of Apollinaris the Elder survive?
No, the improvised Greek literature created by Apollinaris the Elder and his son did not survive. Once the ban was lifted, schools returned to studying the great classic writers.
What was Apollinaris the Elder's stance on church councils?
Apollinaris the Elder was among the staunchest upholders of the Council of Nicaea (325) and of Athanasius.
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