Roger Akhrass is Instructor of Patristics at Holy Spirit University of Kaslik – USEK.
Merciless Apostles and Prophets:
Criticism of the Righteous in Jacob of Serugh’s Homily on AdmonitionJuly 21, 2021, at 10 am (Washington, DC Time)
Abstract
Jacob of Serugh (+521) is known for his serenity and love of peace. Less well known, perhaps, are his harsh critics and their scope. Reprimands, accusations, and denunciations are not only addressed to Jews or hypothetical heretics, but also to corrupt Church leaders and theologians, lovers of disputes. If this can be reasonably expected, what is surprising, however, is when Jacob of Serugh, speaking on behalf of the Lord, criticizes the apostles John and Paul, and the prophets Moses, Elijah, Jonas and others. The cause of the charge is their mercilessness towards sinners. The presentation will address these critics most particularly in Jacob of Serugh’s Homily 122 (edited in 160 unpublished homilies of Jacob of Serugh, 2017), in parallel with his other writings, especially his Letter 22.
Select Bibliography
Akhrass, Roger-Youssef and Syryany, Imad, eds. 160 Unpublished Homilies of Jacob of Serugh. Damascus: Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate, 2017.
“La Vierge Mère de Dieu dans la pensée de Philoxène de Mabboug,” Hugoye: Journal of Syriac Studies 13:1 (2010): 31-48.
