The text speaks about the life and work of Saint Severus the Antiochian, his birth in 459 and his repose in 538, his position as Patriarch of Antioch from 512, and his remaining more than twenty years in Egypt where the Egyptians loved him and commemorate him in the Divine Liturgy.

Origin and Education

He was born into a noble and wealthy family, sent to Alexandria for study, received religious learning, literature, eloquence, and law, and entered baptism at a late age after the influence of his friend Zakaria the Eloquent who explained to him the Holy Books from Genesis to the Divine Incarnation.

Monastic Life and Spiritual Virtues

He left the lawyer’s garments, distributed his wealth to the poor and freed his slaves, then joined the monastery of Mar Siodor and became a monk devoted to prayer, contemplation, and reading the fathers’ books, excelling in virtue and religious knowledge and becoming a reference for priests and bishops.

Patriarchal Leadership and Defense of Doctrine

He was chosen patriarch of Antioch in 512; his first sermon was against the tendencies of Nestorius and the followers of the Council of Chalcedon, insisting on the Orthodox teaching of the one nature, and he gathered the church of Antioch despite the disturbance caused by some Chalcedonian bishops.

Persecution and Move to Alexandria

He was persecuted by Emperor Justinian, a supporter of Chalcedon, so he moved to Alexandria to manage his see’s affairs by letters and to preserve the Orthodox faith, while the empress sometimes defended the correct faith against her husband’s stance.

Literary and Theological Output

He left a rich heritage: about 13 books defending the Orthodox faith, the collection of cathedral homilies (Homiliae Cathedrales) that were published, letters collected in volumes (about 23 volumes), liturgical works and ritual prayers for baptism and blessing of waters, and a large corpus of hymns (hundreds) especially for feasts, fathers, and martyrs.

Influence on the Syriac Tradition and the Universal Church

Saint Severus is considered an important teacher for the Syriac church and the Eastern Orthodox communion; there are biographies and writings about him, and his sermons and teachings provide deep exegetical and doctrinal benefits that enrich the faithful’s life.

Spiritual Appeal and Conclusion

The text calls to benefit from his knowledge and understanding and for people to enjoy and apply them, emphasizing the care to preserve the fathers’ heritage and to draw from their interpretive and spiritual teachings.

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