Asterius of Amasea
Greek·Male·4th century·Turkey
Asterius of Amasea was a bishop and lawyer in Pontus, active in the late 4th and early 5th centuries AD. He is known for his surviving sermons, which offer valuable insights into art history and social life of his time. His writings are notable for their detailed descriptions of everyday life and his engagement with classical rhetoric.
Key Facts
- ›Bishop of Amasea between 380 and 390 AD.
- ›Previously worked as a lawyer before becoming bishop.
- ›His sermons contain detailed descriptions of art and social life.
- ›Not to be confused with Asterius the Sophist, an Arian polemicist.
- ›His feast day is October 30.
- ›Educated by a Scythian slave.
- Sixteen Homilies and Panegyrics On the Martyrs
- Oration 4: Adversus Kalendarum Festum
- Oration 11: On the Martyrdom of St. Euphemia
- Oration 1: On the Rich Man and Lazarus
Saint, Bishop
4th Century, 5th Century
Pontus, Cappadocia
Second Council of Nicaea
About Asterius of Amasea
Asterius of Amasea (c. 350 – c. 410 AD) was a prominent figure in the late 4th and early 5th centuries, serving as the Bishop of Amasea in Pontus. Before his ecclesiastical career, he was a lawyer, a background that informed his skillful use of rhetoric in his sermons. His birth in Cappadocia and death, likely in Amasea, place him geographically within the context of Anatolia.
Life and Work
Little is known about the intimate details of Asterius's life, beyond his education by a Scythian slave and his transition from law to the episcopate between 380 and 390 AD. His surviving works, primarily sixteen homilies and panegyrics, are a rich source of information. These sermons are notable for their lively style, familiarity with classical authors, and an unusual concentration of details about everyday life in his era. One sermon, "Adversus Kalendarum Festum," specifically targets pagan customs associated with the New Year's feast, refuting arguments previously made by Libanius. The dating of his career is significantly aided by a sermon preached on January 1, 400 AD, and a reference in another work to his advanced age.
Artistic and Social Commentary
Asterius's sermons offer valuable insights for art historians and those studying social history. In "On the martyrdom of St. Euphemia," he provides an exceptionally detailed description (ekphrasis) of a painting depicting the saint's martyrdom, comparing it to the works of Hellenistic painters like Euphranor and Timomachus. This passage was even quoted in the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 AD. His writings also condemn the ostentatious display of wealth, particularly through elaborate clothing. He criticizes the use of fine linens, expensive dyes, and garments adorned with religious imagery, viewing such practices as frivolous and a misuse of wealth. His objection to images on clothing stemmed from their expense and the perceived vanity, rather than a rejection of religious art itself, a point that led to some scholarly confusion.
Legacy
While numerous sermons existed in antiquity, only a portion of Asterius's work survives today. Sixteen homilies are extant, with further references to lost sermons indicating his prolific output. Translations exist in Medieval Latin, Georgian, and Church Slavonic. An English translation of five sermons was published in 1904. His feast day is observed on October 30, and he is recognized as a Saint within the Church.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Asterius of Amasea?
Asterius of Amasea was a bishop and lawyer who lived in the late 4th and early 5th centuries AD. He is recognized as a Saint and is known for his surviving sermons.
What are Asterius of Amasea's sermons known for?
His sermons are particularly interesting for art history and insights into social life during his time. They contain detailed descriptions of everyday life and demonstrate familiarity with classical literature and rhetoric.
What is the approximate lifespan of Asterius of Amasea?
Asterius of Amasea was born around 350 AD and is believed to have died around 410 AD. His career as bishop took place between 380 and 390 AD.
Is Asterius of Amasea the same person as Asterius the Sophist?
No, Asterius of Amasea is not to be confused with Asterius the Sophist, who was an Arian polemicist. They are distinct historical figures.
What geographical regions were associated with Asterius of Amasea?
Asterius of Amasea was born in Cappadocia and served as Bishop of Amasea in Pontus, a region now located in modern-day Turkey.
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