Presumably the Church has been celebrating the Paschal Mystery from the beginning of its presence. However the oldest paschal celebration of the Church that is known to us from the early Christian writings is the one proliferated in the second century in Asia Minor. It was based on quartodeciman theology. We may take closer look at that paschal experience mainly thanks to the two paschal homilies: of Melito of Sardis and Pseudo-Hippolytus. Yet, there is another source that exhibits similarity to the two documents and, although underestimated in the modern researches, provides valid view on quartodeciman perception. Moreover, it appears to be predecessor of the both, hence could serve as pattern to certain extent. The referred source is the set of seven letters of Ignatius of Antioch that are dated on the beginning of the second century. Created in the climate of persecution the letters reveal distinctive features of the quartodeciman theology. And it is evidently the theology in which Ignatius has been brought up. What is significant is that the theology appears to be already developed. Ignatius seems to be applying it with deep sense and understanding, like the one who has been nurtured in it. This may mean that the roots of quartodeciman theology go back further. Question is
where to.
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Vol. 47 No. 2 (2014)
Published: 2021-01-30
English
Język Polski