Caesarius of Nazianzus: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Fourth-century physician and politician}} |
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:''For others with this name, see [[Caesarius]].'' |
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|venerated_in=[[Eastern Orthodox Church]]<br>[[Roman Catholic Church]]<br>[[Apostolic Catholic Church (Philippines)|Apostolic Catholic Church]] |
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|image= Cezary z Nazjanzu.jpg |
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|birth_place= Arianzus, Nazianzus |
|birth_place= Arianzus, Nazianzus<br />(modern-day [[Sivrihisar]], [[Eskişehir Province|Eskişehir]], [[Turkey]]) |
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'''Caesarius of Nazianzus''' ( |
'''Caesarius of Nazianzus''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Καισάριος ό Ναζιανζήνος; c. 331 – 368) was a prominent physician and politician. He is best known as the younger brother of [[Gregory of Nazianzus]]. He is recognized as a saint in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] and the [[Roman Catholic Church]].<ref name="Guiley2001">{{cite book|author=Rosemary Guiley|title=The Encyclopedia of Saints|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ABkgU0GOBbcC&pg=PA60|year=2001|publisher=Infobase Publishing|isbn=978-1-4381-3026-2|pages=60–}}</ref> |
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==Biography== |
==Biography== |
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The younger son of [[Gregory the Elder]], bishop of [[Nazianzus]], and his wife, [[Nonna of Nazianzus|Nonna]], Caesarius was born at the family [[Roman villa|villa]] of Arianzus, near Nazianzus. He probably studied at [[Caesarea Mazaca]] in [[Cappadocia]] in preparation for the elite schools of [[Alexandria]] in Egypt. His favourite studies there were geometry, astronomy and especially medicine. In the last-named science, he surpassed all his fellow students.<ref name=weber>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03138a.htm Weber, Nicholas. "St. Caesarius of Nazianzus." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 3. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908. 8 Mar. 2014]</ref> |
The younger son of [[Gregory the Elder]], bishop of [[Nazianzus]], and his wife, [[Nonna of Nazianzus|Nonna]], Caesarius was born at the family [[Roman villa|villa]] of Arianzus, near Nazianzus. He probably studied at [[Caesarea Mazaca]] in [[Cappadocia]] in preparation for the elite schools of [[Alexandria]] in Egypt. His favourite studies there were geometry, astronomy and especially medicine. In the last-named science, he surpassed all his fellow students.<ref name=weber>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03138a.htm Weber, Nicholas. "St. Caesarius of Nazianzus." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 3. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908. 8 Mar. 2014]</ref> |
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About 355 he came to the imperial capital [[Constantinople]], and had already acquired a great reputation for his medical skill, when his brother Gregory, homeward bound from [[Athens]], appeared there about 358. Caesarius sacrificed a remunerative and honourable post to return home with Gregory. The capital soon proved to be too great an attraction for him, and he eventually became an eminent physician at the Byzantine court of [[Constantius II]] and, much to the regret of his family, at that of [[Julian the Apostate]]. Julian failed in his efforts to win him over to briefly restored [[Paganism]]. Caesarius, more appreciative of his faith than of imperial favour, ultimately left the court, but returned to Constantinople after Julian's death in 363.<ref name=weber/> |
About 355 he came to the imperial capital [[Constantinople]], and had already acquired a great reputation for his medical skill, when his brother Gregory, homeward bound from [[Athens]], appeared there about 358. Caesarius sacrificed a remunerative and honourable post to return home with Gregory. The capital soon proved to be too great an attraction for him, and he eventually became an eminent physician at the Byzantine court of [[Constantius II]] and, much to the regret of his family, at that of [[Julian the Apostate]].<ref>[http://catholicsaints.info/book-of-saints-caesarius-of-nazianzum/ Monks of Ramsgate. “Caesarius of Nazianzum”. ''Book of Saints'', 1921. CatholicSaints.Info. 19 September 2012]{{PD-notice}}</ref> Julian failed in his efforts to win him over to briefly restored [[Paganism]]. Caesarius, more appreciative of his faith than of imperial favour, ultimately left the court, but returned to Constantinople after Julian's death in 363.<ref name=weber/> |
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Under the [[Emperor Valens]] Caesarius became [[quaestor]] of [[Bithynia]], a position which included treasury and tax collection responsibilities.<ref>McGuckin (2001), p. 155</ref> After escaping from the earthquake which shook [[İznik|Nicaea]] (11 October, 368), his brother wrote to him, pleading for him to leave his political position and withdraw to a religious life.<ref>McGuckin (2001), pp. 155-156</ref> However, Caesarius was suddenly killed by the widespread [[Plague (disease)|plague]] which followed the earthquake, shortly after having received [[baptism]], which he, like many others at the period, had deferred until late in life. After his death, his very considerable estate was rapidly pillaged by servants and creditors.<ref>McGuckin (2001), p. 4</ref> His brother Gregory insisted that what remained of the estate be distributed to the poor and to surviving relatives. His remains were interred at Nazianzus, where his brother pronounced the funeral oration in the presence of his parents. In the oration, "On His Brother: St. Caesarius", Gregory portrays his brother as a model Christian and ascetic, providing the main source for the details of his life and setting the groundwork for his eventual canonization.<ref>McGuckin (2001), p. 156</ref> |
Under the [[Emperor Valens]] Caesarius became [[quaestor]] of [[Bithynia]], a position which included treasury and tax collection responsibilities.<ref>McGuckin (2001), p. 155</ref> After escaping from the earthquake which shook [[İznik|Nicaea]] (11 October, 368), his brother wrote to him, pleading for him to leave his political position and withdraw to a religious life.<ref>McGuckin (2001), pp. 155-156</ref> However, Caesarius was suddenly killed by the widespread [[Plague (disease)|plague]] which followed the earthquake, shortly after having received [[baptism]], which he, like many others at the period, had deferred until late in life. After his death, his very considerable estate was rapidly pillaged by servants and creditors.<ref>McGuckin (2001), p. 4</ref> His brother Gregory insisted that what remained of the estate be distributed to the poor and to surviving relatives. His remains were interred at Nazianzus, where his brother pronounced the funeral oration in the presence of his parents. In the oration, "On His Brother: St. Caesarius", Gregory portrays his brother as a model Christian and ascetic, providing the main source for the details of his life and setting the groundwork for his eventual canonization.<ref>McGuckin (2001), p. 156</ref> |
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Biographer John McGuckin maintains that, while Caesarius and his brother Gregory were very close, they were very different characters. While Gregory pursued a religious life, his vivacious, outgoing brother was at home in the world of Byzantine politics.<ref name="McGuckin 2001, p. 31">McGuckin (2001), p. 31</ref> The two were complementary figures; Gregory relied on his brother to guide him through trouble, while Caesarius encouraged his brother's literary and rhetorical interests.<ref name="McGuckin 2001, p. 31"/> |
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The assertion that this Caesarius was the same as that Caesarius, Prefect of Constantinople, who in 365 was thrown into the prison by [[Procopius]], rests on an assumption made by Jacques Godefroy (1587-1652), the editor of the [[Theodosian Code]] (Lyon, 1665), and not on any solid historical ground.<ref name=weber/> |
The assertion that this Caesarius was the same as that Caesarius, Prefect of Constantinople, who in 365 was thrown into the prison by [[Procopius]], rests on an assumption made by Jacques Godefroy (1587-1652), the editor of the [[Theodosian Code]] (Lyon, 1665), and not on any solid historical ground.<ref name=weber/> |
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The four |
The four ''Dialogues'' of one hundred and ninety-seven questions and answers which were traditionally ascribed to Caesarius and are to be found in [[Migne]], ''Patrologia Graeca'', XXXVIII, 851–1190, can hardly be from his pen, owing to their nature, contents and anachronisms. They are generally looked upon as spurious. |
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===In fiction=== |
===In fiction=== |
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Caesarius was the main character in a historical novel ''Gods and Legions'', by Michael Curtis Ford (2002). The novel, which tells the story of the rise and fall of Julian the Apostate, is narrated by Caesarius who is, according to the story, his closest companion. |
Caesarius was the main character in a historical novel ''Gods and Legions'', by Michael Curtis Ford (2002). The novel, which tells the story of the rise and fall of Julian the Apostate, is narrated by Caesarius who is, according to the story, his closest companion. |
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==Notes== |
==Notes== |
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==References== |
==References== |
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* McGuckin, John A. ''St. Gregory of Nazianzus: An Intellectual Biography''. Crestwood, NY: 2001, St. Vladimir's Seminar Press. {{ISBN|0-88141-222-8}} |
* McGuckin, John A. ''St. Gregory of Nazianzus: An Intellectual Biography''. Crestwood, NY: 2001, St. Vladimir's Seminar Press. {{ISBN|0-88141-222-8}} |
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* Migne, J.P. (General Editor). ''Cursus Completus Patrologiae Graecae''. 167 volumes. Paris: |
* Migne, J.P. (General Editor). ''Cursus Completus Patrologiae Graecae''. 167 volumes. Paris: 1857–1866. |
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{{Catholic}} |
{{Catholic|title=St. Caesarius of Nazianzus}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
{{Authority control}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Caesarius Of Nazianzus}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Caesarius Of Nazianzus}} |
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[[Category: 369 deaths]] |
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[[Category:Byzantine saints]] |
[[Category:Byzantine saints]] |
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[[Category:Saints from Roman Anatolia]] |
[[Category:Saints from Roman Anatolia]] |
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[[Category:4th-century Romans]] |
[[Category:4th-century Romans]] |
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[[Category:4th-century Christian saints]] |
[[Category:4th-century Christian saints]] |
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[[Category:4th-century Byzantine physicians]] |
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[[Category:Court physicians]] |
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Latest revision as of 02:08, 3 January 2025
Caesarius of Nazianzus | |
|---|---|
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| Born | c. 331 Arianzus, Nazianzus (modern-day Sivrihisar, Eskişehir, Turkey) |
| Died | c. 368 |
| Venerated in | Eastern Orthodox Church Roman Catholic Church Apostolic Catholic Church |
Caesarius of Nazianzus (Greek: Καισάριος ό Ναζιανζήνος; c. 331 – 368) was a prominent physician and politician. He is best known as the younger brother of Gregory of Nazianzus. He is recognized as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.[1]
Biography
[edit]The younger son of Gregory the Elder, bishop of Nazianzus, and his wife, Nonna, Caesarius was born at the family villa of Arianzus, near Nazianzus. He probably studied at Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia in preparation for the elite schools of Alexandria in Egypt. His favourite studies there were geometry, astronomy and especially medicine. In the last-named science, he surpassed all his fellow students.[2]
About 355 he came to the imperial capital Constantinople, and had already acquired a great reputation for his medical skill, when his brother Gregory, homeward bound from Athens, appeared there about 358. Caesarius sacrificed a remunerative and honourable post to return home with Gregory. The capital soon proved to be too great an attraction for him, and he eventually became an eminent physician at the Byzantine court of Constantius II and, much to the regret of his family, at that of Julian the Apostate.[3] Julian failed in his efforts to win him over to briefly restored Paganism. Caesarius, more appreciative of his faith than of imperial favour, ultimately left the court, but returned to Constantinople after Julian's death in 363.[2]
Under the Emperor Valens Caesarius became quaestor of Bithynia, a position which included treasury and tax collection responsibilities.[4] After escaping from the earthquake which shook Nicaea (11 October, 368), his brother wrote to him, pleading for him to leave his political position and withdraw to a religious life.[5] However, Caesarius was suddenly killed by the widespread plague which followed the earthquake, shortly after having received baptism, which he, like many others at the period, had deferred until late in life. After his death, his very considerable estate was rapidly pillaged by servants and creditors.[6] His brother Gregory insisted that what remained of the estate be distributed to the poor and to surviving relatives. His remains were interred at Nazianzus, where his brother pronounced the funeral oration in the presence of his parents. In the oration, "On His Brother: St. Caesarius", Gregory portrays his brother as a model Christian and ascetic, providing the main source for the details of his life and setting the groundwork for his eventual canonization.[7]
Biographer John McGuckin maintains that, while Caesarius and his brother Gregory were very close, they were very different characters. While Gregory pursued a religious life, his vivacious, outgoing brother was at home in the world of Byzantine politics.[8] The two were complementary figures; Gregory relied on his brother to guide him through trouble, while Caesarius encouraged his brother's literary and rhetorical interests.[8]
The assertion that this Caesarius was the same as that Caesarius, Prefect of Constantinople, who in 365 was thrown into the prison by Procopius, rests on an assumption made by Jacques Godefroy (1587-1652), the editor of the Theodosian Code (Lyon, 1665), and not on any solid historical ground.[2]
The four Dialogues of one hundred and ninety-seven questions and answers which were traditionally ascribed to Caesarius and are to be found in Migne, Patrologia Graeca, XXXVIII, 851–1190, can hardly be from his pen, owing to their nature, contents and anachronisms. They are generally looked upon as spurious.
In fiction
[edit]Caesarius was the main character in a historical novel Gods and Legions, by Michael Curtis Ford (2002). The novel, which tells the story of the rise and fall of Julian the Apostate, is narrated by Caesarius who is, according to the story, his closest companion.
Notes
[edit]- ^ Rosemary Guiley (2001). The Encyclopedia of Saints. Infobase Publishing. pp. 60–. ISBN 978-1-4381-3026-2.
- ^ a b c Weber, Nicholas. "St. Caesarius of Nazianzus." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 3. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908. 8 Mar. 2014
- ^ Monks of Ramsgate. “Caesarius of Nazianzum”. Book of Saints, 1921. CatholicSaints.Info. 19 September 2012
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ McGuckin (2001), p. 155
- ^ McGuckin (2001), pp. 155-156
- ^ McGuckin (2001), p. 4
- ^ McGuckin (2001), p. 156
- ^ a b McGuckin (2001), p. 31
References
[edit]- McGuckin, John A. St. Gregory of Nazianzus: An Intellectual Biography. Crestwood, NY: 2001, St. Vladimir's Seminar Press. ISBN 0-88141-222-8
- Migne, J.P. (General Editor). Cursus Completus Patrologiae Graecae. 167 volumes. Paris: 1857–1866.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "St. Caesarius of Nazianzus". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
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