On Pascha: With the Fragments of Melito and Other Material Related to the Quartodecimans (Popular Patristics Series)

by Melito of Sardis

Publisher:

St Vladimir’s Seminary Press

, 2001

Overview

The Quartodecimans were early Christians who maintained the tradition derived from Judaism, and observed Pascha on the same occasion that the Jews observed Passover. In this work, Alistair Stewart-Sykes, the leading authority on Melito and the Quartodecimans, presents a unique collection of material in a format ideal for classroom use as well as for the general reader.

At the head of this collection stands a new translation of On Pascha by Melito of Sardis, a liturgical work deriving from Quartodeciman circles in Asia. Alongside this is an extensive introduction and annotation pointing out not only the parallels to Jewish practice, but also offering an analysis of the work in terms of classical rhetoric. In addition, the translator has included a selection of Melito’s fragments, testimonies to Melito, and other material vital for understanding the Quartodeciman liturgies from Rome, Syria, and Asia. All texts are translated, described, and discussed.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Provides comprehensive material to provide a solid framework for the understanding this custom and how it differs from Passover
• Delves into the history surrounding Pascha and the relevance it holds
• Examines ideas set forth in the early church and how they still apply

Contents

Top Highlights

“To our ears Melito’s attitude to the Jews is horrifying. In hearing what he has to say we should recall that Jews probably outnumbered Christians in Sardis, and that Melito himself was of Jewish stock.” (Pages 25–26)

“aphikomenos (coming one) suddenly at the beginning of the fourth part of On Pascha, and” (Page 21)

“The Quartodeciman Pascha comprised what we would know both as Good Friday and as Easter, for in keeping with the Johannine tradition according to which the crucifixion was itself the manifestation of God’s glory, and in keeping with the Jewish liturgical tradition of a single celebration of the Passover, the Pascha was a single festival which commemorated both the passion and the resurrection.” (Page 18)

“addressed by the seer of Revelation, and because it is also a center of Jewish civilization in Asia” (Page 13)

“Thirdly we may deduce from Polycrates’ statements here that Melito was Jewish by birth” (Page 3)

Product Details

• Title: On Pascha: With the Fragments of Melito and Other Material Related to the Quartodecimans
• Author: Melito of Sardis
• Translator: Alistair Stewart Sykes
• Publisher: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press
• Publication Date: 2001
• Pages: 101
• Christian Group: Orthodox
• Resource Type: Ancient Texts
• Topic: Christianity

About Melito of Sardis

Melito of Sardis (died c. AD 180) was the bishop of Sardis, and a highly influential early church leader. He published widely, though most of his work survives in fragments. His celebrated but untitled apology, written in AD 161, was addressed to Marcus Aurelius.