Sozomen
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Sozomen (400-450), also known as Salamanes Hermias Sozomenos, was a Roman lawyer and historian of the Christian Church. What he has to tell us of the history of Southern Palestine was derived from oral tradition. Sozomen wrote that his grandfather lived at Bethelia, near Gaza, and became a Christian together with his household, probably under Constantius II. A neighbor named Alaphrion was miraculously healed by Saint Hilarion who cast out a demon from Alaphrion, and, as eyewitnesses to the miracle, his family converted, along with Alaphrion’s. As an adult Sozomen acquired training as a lawyer. He studied law in Beirut.
Sozomen wrote two works on church history, of which only the second one is extant. His first work covered the history of the Church, from the Ascension of Jesus to the defeat of Licinius in 323, in twelve books. His sources for it included Eusebius of Caesarea, the Clementine homilies, Hegesippus, and Sextus Julius Africanus. Sozomen’s second work continues approximately where his first work left off. He wrote it in Constantinople, around the years 440 to 443 and dedicated it to Emperor Theodosius II. The work is structured into nine books, roughly arranged along the reigns of Roman Emperors.
Writings:
- Ecclesiastical History Book I: from the conversion of Constantine I until the Council of Nicea (312–325)
- Ecclesiastical History Book II: from the Council of Nicea to Constantine’s death (325–337)
- Ecclesiastical History Book III: from the death of Constantine I to the death of Constans I (337–350)
- Ecclesiastical History Book IV: from the death of Constans I to the death of Constantius II (350–361)
- Ecclesiastical History Book V: from the death of Constantius II to the death of Julian the Apostate (361–363)
- Ecclesiastical History Book VI: from the death of Julian to the death of Valens (363–375)
- Ecclesiastical History Book VII: from the death of Valens to the death of Theodosius I (375–395)
- Ecclesiastical History Book VIII: from the death of Theodosius I to the death of Arcadius (395–408).
- Ecclesiastical History Book IX: from the death of Arcadius to the accession of Valentinian III (408–25).
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Quotes and Excerpts:
On Marian Apparitions:
“At that time the Arians, led by Demophilus, still controlled the churches; Gregory of Nazianzus, however, led those who still professed their faith in the consubstantial Trinity. There was a little house that had been transformed into a church entrusted to
Gregory. . . Later, this little church became one of the most famous churches in the imperial city and is still famous today, not only because of its beauty, but also for the frequent favors received there and manifestations of divine power. . . which brought relief to many oppressed. It is believed that this power came from the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, for in such wise she is wont to appear. This church was called ‘Anastasia’ (Resurrection).” –Historia Ecclesiastica 7:5
On Confession:
“Because to be entirely without sin belongs more to divine than to human nature, God has decreed that pardon is to be extended to those who repent even after many tansgressions. Since in asking pardon it is necessary to confess the sin, it seems likely that from the very beginning priests saw that it was burdensome for the people to confess their sins in public and with the whole church as witness. So they appointed a presbyter who could conduct himself with the utmost self-control and prudence to be in charge of this. It was to him that the penitents went to confess their transgressions. His was the task of assessing the penalty that had to be exacted for each sin and, when satisfaction had been made, of absolving them.” –Historia Ecclesiastica 7:16, 1-11
“Each of the penitents then submits to voluntary suffering either by fastings or abstentions from bathing or from a sufficiency of food, or by other prescribed means, for a time appointed for him by the bishop. When the time arrives for him to be released from punishment his sin is forgiven and he attends church with the people. The priests of Rome have carefully observed these usages from the beginning until our own times.” –Historia Ecclesiastica 7:16, 1-11
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