Saint Didymus the Blind

3 August 19940 Comments

The lecture reviews the biography of Saint Didymus the Blind: his birth and upbringing and his early loss of sight, and his work as director of the catechetical school in Alexandria, and his high theological and scientific status, and his spiritual and educational influence in the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Main points

Didymus was born at the beginning of the fourth century and repose(d) in the year 398, and he lived about eighty-six years.
He lost his sight at the age of fourteen, but he did not allow his bodily weakness to hinder his service or his knowledge; rather he developed spiritual insight and broad knowledge.
Saint Athanasius appointed him as head or overseer of the catechetical school and he remained there fifty years, establishing the theological school in Alexandria.
He memorized the Holy Books and was an innovator of a raised writing method compared to the discovery of Braille after centuries, and he excelled in poetry, philosophy, astronomy and engineering.
He was linked with spiritual and scholarly relationships with great fathers such as Anba Anthony and Saint Jerome, and his works were translated into Latin and used in Europe later.
He has about forty-eight books in theology and biblical interpretation, including books about the Holy Spirit and the Trinity and writings against heresies and pagan and philosophical ideas.
He was distinguished by a gentle style and politeness in theological discussion, so he convinced those who erred with gentleness that did not humiliate them, and thus his principles attracted many pagan philosophers to seek the truth.
He relied on symbolic (allegorical) interpretation of the Holy Scripture, and he was among its most prominent interpreters alongside other fathers, and he has commentaries on several books such as Genesis, Zechariah, John and Matthew.
Spiritual summary: Didymus’s example teaches us that bodily limitations do not prevent serving God or spiritual growth, and that wisdom and gentleness in dialogue are the way to win souls for the truth.

The spiritual and educational dimension from a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective

The biography highlights the importance of humility and perseverance in faith and priestly service, and confirms that true light is the light of the spirit and theology which transcends bodily limitations, and it encourages scholarly diligence and the spiritual interpretation of sacred texts to serve the Church and strengthen faith.

For better translation support, please contact the center.