Relics

Relics Europe
The preservation of objects, believed to contain virtue because of former associations, is very ancient. The Christian cult of relics also started early in connection with the remains of martyrs. After St Ignatius was devoured by lions in 107, only the larger bones remaining, these were carried to his native city of Antioch and kept ‘as an inestimable treasure left to the Church by the grace which was in the martyr’. Belief in the efficacy of such relics led to the division of remains among many churches and believers. Soon theft, trade, and deception were added to the cult. St Augustine (354–430) complained how persons, disguised as monks, wandered about selling relics of the martyrs and other fake amulets. Where genuine relics were known to exist, Christians confidently expected miracles to take place. In 415 the disinterred body of St Stephen wrought miraculous cures and pilgrims flocked to his shrine in Jerusalem.

It became the...

[The entire page is 233 words long]

Join eNotes

The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the:

eNotes Pass