Dialogue and Fire in a Fragmentary Syriac Martyrdom Narrative
The presentation will explore the fragmentary Syriac text of the Martyrdom of Alexander and Theodulus, found in the Syriac manuscript of the British Library Add. 14,654 and the Syriac Yerevan fragment no. 7. It focuses on the dramatic dialogue between the steadfast Christian Alexander and the Roman Emperor Aurelian. Their confrontation centers on Alexander’s unwavering faith in the face of persecution, echoing the biblical motif of the fiery furnace where divine protection shields the faithful from destruction. Aurelian demands Alexander renounce his faith and reveal Christian secrets, but Alexander’s responses challenge the emperor’s authority and expose the limits of earthly power. The text, rich in biblical imagery and liturgical language—particularly the symbolism of fire as both a purifying and destructive force—highlights the power of faith in the face of oppression and the ultimate triumph of the Christian God.
Date:
19 September 2024, 17:00 (Thursday, 22nd week, Trinity 2024)
Venue:
Online
Speakers:
Dr Ephrem Aboud Ishac (University of Graz),
Dr Sebastian Brock (University of Oxford)
Organisers:
Oxford Interfaith Forum (Oxford),
Dr Thea Gomelauri (Oxford Interfaith Forum, AMES),
Dr Sebastian Brock (University of Oxford)
Organiser contact email address:
oxfordfaiths@gmail.com
Host:
Oxford Interfaith Forum (Oxford)
Part of:
Eastern Christianity in Interfaith Contexts
Booking required?:
Required
Booking url:
https://oxfordinterfaithforum.org/thematic-international-interfaith-reading-groups/eastern-christianity-in-interfaith-contexts/dialogue-and-fire-in-a-fragmentary-syriac-martyrdom-narrative/
Booking email:
oxfordfaiths@gmail.com
Cost:
0
Audience:
Public
Editor:
Thea Gomelauri
