Asterius of Amasea
Asterius of Amasea was a bishop and former lawyer in Pontus, now modern Turkey, active in the late 4th and early 5th centuries. He is remembered for his surviving sermons, which offer valuable insights into art history and daily life of his era, and for his opposition to certain pagan customs and the frivolous use of religious imagery.
- Feast Day
- October 30
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Turkey
Key Facts
- ›He was made Bishop of Amasea between 380 and 390 AD, having previously worked as a lawyer.
- ›Significant portions of his sermons survive, offering insights into art history and social life.
- ›He attacked pagan customs and abuses of the New Year's feast in one of his sermons.
- ›Asterius described a painting of the martyrdom of St. Euphemia in one of his orations, comparing it to works by Hellenistic painters.
- ›He condemned the practice of wearing clothes decorated with religious images, deeming it an act of extravagance and misplaced piety.
- ›His feast day is celebrated on October 30.
About Asterius of Amasea
Saint Asterius of Amasea (c. 350 – c. 410 AD) was an influential figure in the late Roman Church, serving as the Bishop of Amasea between 380 and 390 AD. Born in Cappadocia, he had a prior career as a lawyer before undertaking his episcopal duties. His ministry took place in Pontus, a region in modern-day Turkey. Asterius is not to be confused with Asterius the Sophist, an Arian writer.
Life and Work
Asterius was a younger contemporary of prominent figures like Amphilochius of Iconium and the Cappadocian Fathers. His education was overseen by a Scythian slave. Like Amphilochius, he transitioned from law to the episcopate, applying his rhetorical skills to his preaching. Significant portions of his sermons survive, offering a unique glimpse into his time. Sixteen homilies and panegyrics on martyrs are extant, showcasing his knowledge of classical texts and providing detailed accounts of daily life.
One notable sermon, "Oration 4: Adversus Kalendarum Festum," delivered on January 1, 400 AD, actively critiques pagan customs and abuses associated with the New Year's feast. This sermon, along with references to his advanced age in other writings, provides key evidence for dating his career.
Artistic and Social Commentary
Asterius's sermons are particularly valuable for art history and social commentary. In "Oration 11, On the martyrdom of St. Euphemia," he describes a painting of the saint's martyrdom, comparing it to works by renowned Hellenistic painters such as Euphranor and Timomachus. This detailed description, or ekphrasis, was cited at the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 to support the veneration of images. The account of Euphemia's martyrdom in this sermon presents details that differ from other traditional accounts.
He also commented on the fashion and excesses of his time. In "Oration 1, On the Rich Man and Lazarus," he condemned the use of expensive, elaborately decorated clothing, viewing it as a misuse of wealth and a sign of vanity. He also objected to laypeople wearing clothes adorned with religious imagery, arguing that Christ's image should be carried on the soul rather than displayed on garments. These critiques, while sometimes misinterpreted as iconoclasm, were primarily based on concerns about extravagance and misplaced piety.
Literary Legacy
Sixteen of Asterius's homilies survive, with Photios listing four more. Some of his works have been preserved in Medieval Latin, Georgian, and Church Slavonic translations. An English translation of five sermons was published in 1904 as "Ancient Sermons for Modern Times." Fourteen genuine sermons were printed in Migne's Patrologia Graeca, alongside others attributed to Asterius the Sophist. Two additional genuine sermons were discovered at Mount Athos and published in 1914.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Asterius of Amasea?
Asterius of Amasea was a bishop and former lawyer who lived from approximately 350 to 410 AD. He served as Bishop of Amasea in Pontus, which is in modern-day Turkey.
What is Asterius of Amasea known for?
He is primarily known for his surviving sermons, which are considered valuable for understanding art history and social life during his time. He also spoke out against pagan customs and the misuse of religious imagery.
What kind of insights do Asterius's sermons offer?
His sermons provide an unusual concentration of details about everyday life and contain significant information from an art history perspective. He described paintings and condemned certain artistic and social practices.
Was Asterius of Amasea an iconoclast?
No, Asterius of Amasea was not an iconoclast. While he objected to images adorning clothing, his reasons were related to the expense and frivolity of such practices, not a general rejection of religious images.
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