His Holiness Pope Shenouda presents a brief account of the life of Saint Didymus called “the Blind” and points to his birth in the early fourth century in the year 312 and his passing in the year 398 so he lived about 86 years.
He was appointed inspector (director) of the clerical school by the decision of Saint Athanasius the Apostle, and he remained in this position for about fifty years, which indicates his high scientific and educational status.
He lost his sight at the age of fourteen, but that did not hinder his service or his intellectual gifts; rather he remained capable of memorization, writing and authorship, and he invented a method of embossed writing before the invention of Braille by centuries.
It becomes clear in the Pope’s talk that Didymus was widely read: he memorized the holy books, and studied poetry, philosophy, astronomy and engineering, so he was a distinguished teacher in the school.
He lived at the same time as Anba Anthony the Great and exchanged with him spiritual counsel; and it was affirmed that the loss of physical sight was met with a spiritual insight that gave him the light of theology.
Didymus’s manner in theological discussions was gentle: he convinces and wins souls instead of attacking and insulting, and for this many pagan philosophers were influenced by him and some of them were discipled by him.
He impacted the Christian heritage with many books (the talk mentioned that he has 48 books, including theological works and biblical commentaries), and some of his works were translated into Latin by Saint Jerome.
From the narration two spiritual and educational important points stand out: that physical weakness does not prevent service to God nor knowledge, and that the way to souls is by polite dialogue and Christian gentleness not by invective.

For better translation support, please contact the center.