The Didaskalie, the Letters of Sergios, and Paulician Belief c.800â835

Carl Dixon

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Chapter 3 The Didaskalie, the Letters of Sergios, and Paulician Belief c.800â835

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Carl Dixon

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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 140â186

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004517080_005

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Abstract

Chapter 3 analyses the most important material found within the Greek heresiological texts: firstly, an account of Paulician history known as the Didaskalie; and secondly, the extant fragments of the Letters of the final Paulician didaskalos Sergios-Tychikos. While the former has traditionally comprised the foundation for modern accounts of Paulician history, here it is argued that the text is a mythologised account of their origins written after the fact in order to make sense of the Byzantine persecutions of the early ninth century. By reading it in this context, the chapter demonstrates that Paulicians at this time had a pronounced concern with schism and spiritual authority, thereby suggesting a heterogeneous and internally divided movement directed by competing charismatic leaders. Most critically of all, the chapter then revises the accepted understanding of Paulician belief based on these findings and the Pauline emphases of both Paulician texts, demonstrating that a close reading of the Letters of Sergios disproves the notion that the Paulicians rejected Old Testament texts or held a docetic conception of Christ, thereby removing the foundation of the dualist accusations asserted by the Greek heresiologies. In place of this outmoded dualist portrayal, the Paulicians should be understood as a broadly conventional Christians with especial reverence for the apostle Paul and his works. Finally, the chapter discusses possible apocalyptic and hamartocentric imagery within the Didaskalie and Letters of Sergios, as well as noting the implications that these sources hold for articulating a new, revised account of Paulician history.

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The Paulicians

Heresy, Persecution and Warfare on the Byzantine Frontier, c.750-880

Series:Â The Medieval Mediterranean, Volume: 132

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004517080

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 22 Apr 2022

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- History
  - Medieval History
  - Byzantine Studies
- Religious Studies
  - General

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Chapter 3 The Didaskalie, the Letters of Sergios, and Paulician Belief c.800â835

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The Paulicians

Heresy, Persecution and Warfare on the Byzantine Frontier, c.750-880

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Chapter 3 The Didaskalie, the Letters of Sergios, and Paulician Belief c.800â835