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 […]

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 […]

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 […]