Parabolani
Encyclopedia
The Parabalani or Parabolani (Late Latin from ), were the members of a Christian brotherhood who in the Early Church voluntarily undertook the care of the sick and the burial
of the dead, thus hoping to die for Christ. Generally drawn from the lower strata of society, they also functioned as attendants to local bishops and were sometimes used by them as bodyguards and in violent clashes with their opponents.
. They received their name from the fact that they were hospital attendants, although the alternate name parabolani also became current, because they risked their lives in exposing themselves to contagious diseases.
It has been asserted, though without sufficient proof, that the brotherhood was first organized during the great plague in Alexandria
in the episcopate of Pope Dionysius of Alexandria (second half of the 3rd century). Though they were chosen by the bishop and always remained under his control, the Codex Theodosianus
placed them under the supervision of the governor of Egypt (the praefectus augustalis).
Because their fanaticism resulted in riots, successive laws limited their numbers: thus a law issued in 416 restricted the enrollment in Alexandria
to 500, a number increased two years later to 600. In Constantinople
the number was reduced from 1100 to 950. The parabolani are not mentioned after Justinian's time.
The parabalani were believed to have had a share in the murder of the Alexandrian philosopher and scientist Hypatia.
the parabolani are Christian volunteers who distribute bread to the poor
and are ready to attack pagans, Jews, and Christians opposing bishop Cyril of Alexandria
. They stone the protagonist Hypatia.
Burial
Burial is the act of placing a person or object into the ground. This is accomplished by excavating a pit or trench, placing an object in it, and covering it over.-History:...
of the dead, thus hoping to die for Christ. Generally drawn from the lower strata of society, they also functioned as attendants to local bishops and were sometimes used by them as bodyguards and in violent clashes with their opponents.
History
The parabalani had neither orders nor vows, but were enumerated among the clergy and enjoyed clerical privileges and immunities. In addition to performing works of mercy they constituted a bodyguard for the bishop. Their presence at public gatherings or in the theatres was forbidden by law. At times they took a very active part in ecclesiastical controversies, as at the Second Council of EphesusSecond Council of Ephesus
The Second Council of Ephesus was a church synod in 449 AD. It was convoked by Emperor Theodosius II as an ecumenical council but because of the controversial proceedings it was not accepted as ecumenical, labelled a Robber Synod and later repudiated at the Council of Chalcedon.-The first...
. They received their name from the fact that they were hospital attendants, although the alternate name parabolani also became current, because they risked their lives in exposing themselves to contagious diseases.
It has been asserted, though without sufficient proof, that the brotherhood was first organized during the great plague in Alexandria
Alexandria
Alexandria is the second-largest city of Egypt, with a population of 4.1 million, extending about along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the north central part of the country; it is also the largest city lying directly on the Mediterranean coast. It is Egypt's largest seaport, serving...
in the episcopate of Pope Dionysius of Alexandria (second half of the 3rd century). Though they were chosen by the bishop and always remained under his control, the Codex Theodosianus
Codex Theodosianus
The Codex Theodosianus was a compilation of the laws of the Roman Empire under the Christian emperors since 312. A commission was established by Theodosius II in 429 and the compilation was published in the eastern half of the Roman Empire in 438...
placed them under the supervision of the governor of Egypt (the praefectus augustalis).
Because their fanaticism resulted in riots, successive laws limited their numbers: thus a law issued in 416 restricted the enrollment in Alexandria
Alexandria
Alexandria is the second-largest city of Egypt, with a population of 4.1 million, extending about along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the north central part of the country; it is also the largest city lying directly on the Mediterranean coast. It is Egypt's largest seaport, serving...
to 500, a number increased two years later to 600. In Constantinople
Constantinople
Constantinople was the capital of the Roman, Eastern Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires. Throughout most of the Middle Ages, Constantinople was Europe's largest and wealthiest city.-Names:...
the number was reduced from 1100 to 950. The parabolani are not mentioned after Justinian's time.
The parabalani were believed to have had a share in the murder of the Alexandrian philosopher and scientist Hypatia.
In film
In the 2009 film AgoraAgora (film)
Agora is a 2009 Spanish historical drama film directed by Alejandro Amenábar and written by Amenábar and Mateo Gil. The biopic stars Rachel Weisz as Hypatia, a female mathematician, philosopher and astronomer in 4th century Roman Egypt who investigates the flaws of the geocentric Ptolemaic system...
the parabolani are Christian volunteers who distribute bread to the poor
Alms
Alms or almsgiving is a religious rite which, in general, involves giving materially to another as an act of religious virtue.It exists in a number of religions. In Philippine Regions, alms are given as charity to benefit the poor. In Buddhism, alms are given by lay people to monks and nuns to...
and are ready to attack pagans, Jews, and Christians opposing bishop Cyril of Alexandria
Cyril of Alexandria
Cyril of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444. He came to power when the city was at its height of influence and power within the Roman Empire. Cyril wrote extensively and was a leading protagonist in the Christological controversies of the later 4th and 5th centuries...
. They stone the protagonist Hypatia.