„Liber Contra Arianos” Biskupa Febadiusza

Abstract

Phebadius was born in Agen, now France, in the early 4th century. He died some time after 392 and was later pronounced a saint. His relics were assembled in 1112 in Venerque in the present diocese of Toulouse. Inspired by Tertullian’s Adversus Praxeam and Adversus Hermogenem, and Hilary’s Opus historicum adversus Valentem et Ursacium, he addressed the bishops of Gallia in his work Contra Arianos, also known as Liber Contra Arianos. His determination and knowledge helped reject the second Formula of Sirmium at the synod of 358. However, at the Council of Rimini in 359 with help from Servatius of Tongeren, he compiled a list of reservations to the formula presented for the bishops to sign. Jerome mentioned it in his Dialogus Contra Luciferianos. Phebadius was of the most outstanding people of the 4th century. This is demonstrated by the fact that he participated in a large number of synods. In 361 he took part in the Synod of Paris and chaired two others: in Valence in 374 and in Saragossa in 380. The role and meaning of Phebadius in theological disputes cannot be overestimated and he ranked among the most eminent figures of his time. Unfortunately, Phebadius and his work are not well known today. One reason for this is the frequent distortion of his name by copyists – he was referred to as Foeagdius, Soebadius or Fedarius. So far only a French translation has appeared – A. Durengues, Le livre de Saint Phébade contre les ariens, Agen 1927. A Polish translation is now being prepared for publication.