Unorthodox varieties of asceticism: Study questions

Serapion

           

1. Who is Serapion? How is he portrayed by Palladius?

2. How does Palladius explain Serapion’s reason for wandering

3. How does he interact with people? What are his goals? How does he achieve his goals? 

4. What are Serapion’s means? Are they commendable /holy?

5. Serapion had Roman citizenship. What kind of citizen was he?

6. Discuss Serapion’s asceticism. What are its components? Are all of them Christian?

7. What was Serapion’s reason for visiting the maiden?

8. Interpret Serapion’s challenges to the maiden. What is their significance? What is their purpose? Does anyone benefit from them?

 

Isidora

 

            1. Why did Isidora decide to feign madness?

            2. What was her place within monastic community?

            3. Discuss the plot of the story. What is the purpose of such a structure?

            4. Why do you think the story of Isidora was written?

                       

Alexis the Man of God

 

  1. What is Alexis’ reason for leaving his family? Is this reason stated in the text? Why do you think he is leaving on his wedding night and not on any other night/day?
  2. How do you interpret/understand his living at his father’s yard?
  3. Did Alexis return from his travels the same person?
  4. Being a ‘stranger’ is an ascetic virtue. When is Alexis shown as a stranger?
  5. What is holy about Alexis? What are his virtues?
  6. How does Alexis’ holiness become known to people?

 

 
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