Links: Photo of mosaic of Justinian I by Petar Milošević Map of Europe in 526 Litle Hagia Sophia/Sergius and Bacchus . The Code of Justinian Map of Samaria Justinian’s law on the Jews Check out the other great Catholic podcasts at the Starquest Production Network To listen, just click on the link below: #496 – […]…

Saint Benedict of Nursia and his Rule set out to establish a monastic charism of moderation for beginners that would become the model of monastic spirituality throughout the West. We also look at the importance of monastic penance and child oblates. Links: Icon of Saint Benedict Map of important sites connected to Benedict Rule of […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #469 – The Ideal Bishop #470 – Who was Crucified for Us #471 – The Fall of the West #472 – Barbarian Domination #473 – Faustus and the Henotikon Subscribe […]…

Conflicts over Augustine’s theology of prevenient grace and predestination arise in Gaul as Caesarius of Arles defends himself against suggestions of heresy at the Council of Orange. Pope Boniface II tries and fails to name his successor. A pope changes his name. Links: Photo of relic of Caesarius of Arles by Cangadoba Canons of the […]…

After a survey of the Christian/Jewish relationship in the former Roman Empire and in the Byzantine Empire, we look at the status of Christians outside the Byzantine Empire. We end with a look at how Pope Felix IV tried to avoid a crisis over his succession, yet accomplished that very thing. Links: Mosaic of Mosaic […]…

In the late 5th/early 6th century, there were significant developments in monastic spirituality. In the West, the appearance of the Rule of the Master. In the East, the homilies of Jacob of Serug. Bishops tried to exert control over monastics, monastics worked to keep themselves autonomous. The laity also experienced new expressions of spirituality…

A growing Church and political instability mean new responsibilities for the clergy – especially the bishops. Not even the Church of Rome remains unaffected. Links: Icon of Caesarius of Arles Map of the territory of the various Patriarchs Check out the other great Catholic podcasts at the Starquest Production Network To listen, just click on […]…

The Church in the late 5th/early 6th centuries continues to struggle with the right relationship to the pagan culture of the Greek/Roman Empire – what must be rejected as false, what should be preserved as true, what can be authentically Christianized. Links: Image of Murano Diptych Poetry: Paulinus of Pella – Eucharisticon Music: Boethius on […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #464 – Imagining the Holy #465 – Freedom in Christ #466 – Combating Error #467 – Changing Rituals #468 – Exemplars of the Faith Subscribe to Catholic:Under The Hood Classics […]…

In this episode, we look at the Easter Tables of Dionysius Exiguus, the beginnings of the Anno Domini dating system, historical Chronicles and the Liber Pontificalis – all seeking to present God as Lord of time and history. Links: Image of Ravenna Paschal/Easter Calendar by Apatak. The Collectio Dionysiana – Dionysius’ work on canon law […]…

As the Church of Rome and the Emperor Justin move to restore ties with the end of the Acacian Schism, tensions between King Theodoric of Italy and the Byzantine Empire increase leading to the imprisonment and death of both the Roman Senator Boethius and Pope John I. In the East, the Monophysites face the challenges […]…

The Scythian Monks hoped to end the conflict between the Chalcedonians and Monophysites. But their endorsement of Theopaschatism – that one of the Trinity/Jesus Christ was crucified in the flesh caused concern in both the East and the West – as the debates between Cyril and Nestorius and between Augustine and Pelagius continued to challenge […]…

The death of Anastasius and accession of Justin as Emperor offers a new opportunity for the restoration of ecclesiastical union between Rome and Constantinople. However, behind the union many problems remained as a union motivated by politics could not resolve religious tensions. Links: Solidus of Emperor Justin by CNG. Correspondence between Pope …

The mystical theologian Pseudo-Dionysius may remain a mystery, but the influence of his work upon the theology of the Eastern and Western Church is quite evident. From the theology of the Angels, to Christology, to Prayer, Pseudo-Dionysius left the stamp of his thought upon the Church. Links: Icon of the original Dionysius the Areopagite. Pope […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #459 – Rome Sacked Again #460 – The Two Leos #461 – The Maronites #462 – The Poetry of Eudocia #463 – Making a Joyful Noise Subscribe to Catholic:Under The […]…

After a brief presentation of the Christology of Severus of Antioch and its relationship to Neo-Chalcedonianism, we move to another attempt at ending the Acacian Schism. However, Pope Hormisdas of Rome continues his predecessor’s strong line toward the East. Links: Image of Pope Hormisdas of Rome. Map of Thrace – site of the Vitalian Rebellion […]…

Emperor Anastasius of the Byzantine Empire with the support of Philoxenus of Mabbug, Severus of Antioch and John II/III of Alexandria aggressively move to put an end to support for the Council of Chalcedon, but they face strong resistance. Links: Icon of Severus of Antioch. Kazimierz Ginter on the Trisagion Riots Boethius on Eutyches and […]…

Symmachus and Laurentius fight for control of the Church of Rome with all the means they have at their disposal. The Basilica of St. Peter’s grows in importance as the symbol of the Pope’s Petrine authority. Links: Ruins of the original Basilica of Saint Agnes fuori le Mura. Repaired during the papacy of Symmachus. Photo […]…

Controversy over the Acacian Schism leads to a schism with the Church of Rome and the bishops of Italy debate whether anyone but God can judge the actions of a Pope. Links: Mosaic at the Basilica of Saint Agnes. Pope Symmachus is to the left. John Moorhead, The Laurentian Schism: East and West in the […]…

Pope Gelasius I enunciates the proper relationship between the Pope of Rome and the Emperor and the proper relationship between the Pope of Rome and the Metropolitan Bishop of Constantinople. Unfortunately for Gelasius, the Emperor and Bishop of Constantinople have a different understanding. After the death of Gelasius, Pope Anastasius II strives t…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #454 – The Turning of the Tide/a> #455 – The Council of Chalcedon #456 – The Definition of Chalcedon #457 – Canon 28 #458 – Leo and Attila Subscribe to […]Por Fr. Seraphim Beshoner, TOR

In Gaul, Clovis becomes the first of the Germanic leaders to adopt Nicene Christianity. In Rome, Pope Gelasius struggles to deal with the problems caused by recent wars in Italy. The Acacian Schism continues to fester. Links: The Baptism of Clovis by the Master of Saint Giles Gregory of Tours on the Conversion of Clovis […]…

In North Africa, Fulgentius of Ruspe defends the Nicenes against the return of Arian Persecution. In Gaul, Caesarius of Arles writes the first Western rule for Monastic Women. In Italy, Theodoric seeks to keep the peace between the Arians and the Nicenes. Plus, the Athanasian and Apostles’ Creeds. Links: Page from from the Arian Bible […]…

The School of Nisibis and Narsai spread the Christology of Theodore of Mopsuestia throughout the Church of the East. Links: Mar Jacob Church in Nisibis by Gareth Hughes. Some examples of Narsai’s Mêmrê can be found here Adam Izdebski, “The School of Nisibis: An Ancient Religious Community?” Frederick McLeod, “Narsai’s Dependence on Theodore of Mops…

The Church of the East moves away from the Church of the Roman Empire through the adaptation of married clergy and the adaptation of the Christology of Theodore of Mopsuestia as its official teaching. Meanwhile, the Church of Armenia adopts Zeno’s Henotikon. Links: Map of the Roman/Persian Border by Cplakidas. On the map, Iberia is […]…

As the conflict between East and West over the Henotikon continues, Pope Felix III needs to deal with Nicenes in North Africa abandoning the faith and the Ostrogoths invading Italy. We also look at the theology of Philoxenus of Mabbug. Links: Photo of coin of Theodoric the Great Information on Philoxenus of Mabbug Check out […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #449 – The Challenge of the Papacy #450 – Changing of the Guard #451 – The Problem of Eutyches #452 – The Tome of Leo #453 – Latrocinium Subscribe to […]Por Fr. Seraphim Beshoner, TOR

Zeno’s Henotikon succeeds in establishing a tenuous religious peace in the East but provokes schism with Pope Felix III over its apparent failure to defend the Council of Chalcedon and Acacius’ unwillingness to recognize Felix’s claims of Petrine Authority Links: Photo of coin of Emperor Zeno by Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. Christopher Haas. “P…

St. Faustus of Riez leads the bishops of Gaul against the theology of Predestination showing that the defeat of Pelagius has not meant the complete acceptance of Augustine. In the East, in an attempt to create unity between Chalcedonians and Monophysites, Eastern Emperor Zeno issues the Henotikon. Links: Photo of image of Saint Faustus by […]…

In the West, the Fall of Roman power in the West meant the domination of Arians in the Kingdom of the Vandals of North Africa, the Kingdom of the Visigoths in Hispania and Gaul and the Kingdom of Odoacer in Italy. In North Africa, the Nicene Romans experienced severe persecution. In Italy, there was relative […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #444 – Canons and Deliberations #445 – Formula of Union #446 – The Bishop of Ireland #447 – The Tome of Proclus #448 – Plenitudo Potestatis Subscribe to Catholic:Under The […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #439 – Prosopon of Union #440 – Hypostatic Union #441 – Twelve Anathemas #442 – Preparation for Ephesus #443 – Cyril Triumphant Subscribe to Catholic:Under The Hood Classics via: RSS […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #434 – Shenoute #435 – Free Will and Monasticism #436 – Cassian and Grace #437 – The Oncoming Storm #438 – Christotokos Subscribe to Catholic:Under The Hood Classics via: RSS […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #429 – God Come to My Assistance #430 – Praying atop a Pillar #431 – Harlots of the Desert #432 – Rehabilitations and Persecutions #433 – Alexander the Sleepless Subscribe […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #424 – The Philosopher #425 – Rome has Spoken #426 – The Tractoria of Zosimus #427 – Julian of Eclanum #428 – The Father of Mysticism Subscribe to Catholic:Under The […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #419 – Preachers of Sinlessness #420 – God’s Gift of Free Will #421 – God’s Gift of Grace #422 – Predestination #423 – Peace and War Subscribe to Catholic:Under The […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #414 – The Fall of Stilicho #415 – The Sack of Rome #416 – The City of God #417 – No Salvation outside the Church #418 – Sin and Free […]Por Fr. Seraphim Beshoner, TOR

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #409 – Augustine and Chrysostom #410 – The Conflict over Origen – Round Three #411 – The Conflict over Origen – Round Four #412 – The Synod of the Oak […]Por Fr. Seraphim Beshoner, TOR

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #404 – On Pilgrimage #405 – Evagrius of Pontus #406 – The Conflict over Origen – Part I #407 – The Conflict over Origen – Round Two #408 – The […]Por Fr. Seraphim Beshoner, TOR

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #399 – The Clerical Cursus Honorum #400 – The Higher Clergy #401 – The Bosom of Abraham #402 – Patron Saints #403 – Holy Relics Subscribe to Catholic:Under The Hood […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #394 – Christ in Triumph #395 – Singing with Voice and Heart #396 – Ensorcelled By Your Hymns #397 – The Problem of Jovian #398 – The Defilement of Marriage […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #389 – The Baptism of Augustine #390 – Penance #391 – Liturgies in the East #392 – Liturgies in the West #393 – The Basilicas of Milan Subscribe to Catholic:Under […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #384 – The Crisis of the Churches #385 – The Riot of the Statues #386 – The Judaizers #387 – The Destruction of the Serapeum #388 – Theodosius Triumphant Subscribe […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #379 – The Holy Women of Rome #380 – Virgin and Mother #381 – The Altar of Victory #382 – The Problem of Priscillian – Part I #383 – The […]Por Fr. Seraphim Beshoner, TOR

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #374 – Jerome Versus Ambrosiaster #375 – The Hebrew Verity #376 – Be Fruitful and Multiply #377 – Brides of Christ #378 – The Velatio Subscribe to Catholic:Under The Hood […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #369 – Valens Falls/Theodosius Rises #370 – The First Council of Constantinople #371 – The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed #372 – Separation from the World #373 – Union with God Subscribe to […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #364 – Living as Levites #365 – Bishop of a Divided City #366 – The Cappadocians #367 – The Enemy of My Enemy #368 – Divided Empire/Divided Church Subscribe to […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #359 – You have won, Galilean #360 – Depicting the Power of Christ #361 – Kesate Birhan #362 – Harp of the Holy Spirit #363 – Bishop and Monk Subscribe […]Por Fr. Seraphim Beshoner, TOR

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #354 – The Sons of Constantine #355 – Fighters for Christ #356 – Athanasius Contra Mundum #357 – Triumph of Arianism #358 – The Apostate Subscribe to Catholic:Under The Hood […]…

Presenting more of the back episodes of the History of the Catholic Church series no longer on the main podcast feed. Episodes in this volume: #349 – The Cenobites #350 – The Conversion of Georgia #351 – Nicenes and Eusebians #352 – Anathematizations and Glorifications #353 – Constantine and the Church Subscribe to Catholic:Under The […]…