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purple motes

Artifacts to help you imagine more.

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  • Abelard castrated
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  • Chastelaine de Vergi tragedy
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Mary of Egypt

Among the lives of the desert saints that Christians have known and honored for more than a millennium is the life of Saint Mary of Egypt. Probably first written in sixth and seventh century in Greek, the life of Mary of Egypt became widely known across western Eurasia and northern Africa. The early Greek life was entitled: “The Life of Mary of Egypt, the former Harlot, who in Blessed Manner Became an Ascetic in the Desert of the {River} Jordan.” Mary of Egypt’s life is a sophisticated work full of Christian symbols. It describes early Christian liturgical gestures and testifies to early Christian veneration of icons.

Hildebert of Lavardin described Mary of Egypt’s appreciation of men

In Hildebert of Lavardin’s Life of Saint Mary of Egypt, Mary advances gender equality by soliciting men for sex and giving them material gifts. … Read the post Hildebert of Lavardin described Mary of Egypt’s appreciation of men

Life of Mary of Egypt intricately packed with Christian symbols

Zosimas came to understand that the Lord was revealed to Mary of Egypt, the former harlot. The Life of Mary of Egypt offers that understanding to everyone. … Read the post Life of Mary of Egypt intricately packed with Christian symbols

venerating Marian icon in the life of Mary of Egypt

The Life of St. Mary of Egypt describes a Marian icon freeing the sinful Mary to venerate the true cross and guiding her to an exemplary eremitic life. … Read the post venerating Marian icon in the life of Mary of Egypt

penitent harlot Mary of Egypt victorious in competition among hermits

Mary of Egypt, the Former Harlot, trumped Jerome’s Life of Paul the First Hermit in competition for ascetic and spiritual primacy among desert hermits. … Read the post penitent harlot Mary of Egypt victorious in competition among hermits

news-seeking in Jerome’s Life of Paul the First Hermit

Jerome ironically presented news-seeking in the Life of Paul the First Hermit. The Life of Mary of Egypt moved that game to a higher spiritual level. … Read the post news-seeking in Jerome’s Life of Paul the First Hermit

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