Nicosia: The Open University of Cyprus has announced an intriguing new lecture series supported by the Students and Alumni Association of the ‘Studies in Hellenic Culture’ Programme and Fata Libelli bookstore, with the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation serving as the communication sponsor. This series will delve into the historical impact of the Constantinian revolution on Christianity’s development as the majority and eventually the state religion in the Roman Empire.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the legalisation of the church did not immediately facilitate widespread acceptance or integration into the broader societal fabric of the empire. Instead, it revealed internal challenges within the church. During this era, the church’s limited festival calendar struggled to compete with the vibrant public festive culture that had previously been rooted in religious practices. However, the emergence of the cult of the martyrs in the latter half of the 3rd century, spurred by the persecution of Christians, led to a burgeoning culture of celebration in cemeteries and martyria in the 4th century. These celebrations, which included feasting and entertainment, were initially opposed by church authorities but were eventually moderated and incorporated.
Professor Dr Johannes Hahn, a distinguished scholar with an extensive academic background in philosophy, history, and archaeology, will be a key figure in this lecture series. Professor Hahn, who has held teaching positions at several notable universities and received the title of doctor et professor honoris causa from E¶tv¶s L³rand University of Budapest, will explore how individual access to martyr sites and relics allowed personal expressions of sanctity and charisma. This shift significantly influenced religious life in late antiquity, altering Christian piety, faith practices, and church liturgy.