Epiphanios the Monk: Life of Mary, the Theotokos, and Life and Acts of St Andrew the Apostle

This volume provides the first English (or indeed any modern) translation of two early ninth-century hagiographical texts that deal with the Virgin Mary and the apostle Andrew. Both texts are attributed to a Constantinopolitan monk and priest called Epiphanios of the Monastery of Kallistratos. The Life of the Virgin represents the earliest attempt by a Greek-speaking Christian author to provide a full-length biography of this holy figure, from the time of her conception to her death and assumption into heaven. The Life of St Andrew not only provides a brief account of this apostle’s life and mission, but also traces the dissemination of his cult, including relics and an icon, in Asia Minor especially during the iconoclast period. Epiphanios reveals his iconophile opinions in this text, accusing iconoclasts of having attempted to destroy some of these objects. A detailed introduction and commentary provide background on Epiphanios and his literary sources, along with assessment of his contribution to the Byzantine Mariological and hagiographical traditions.

Mary Cunningham is Honorary Associate Professor, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Nottingham. Her many publications include The Virgin Mary in Byzantium, c. 400-1000. Hymns, Homilies and Hagiography (Cambridge University Press, 2021) and (with Thomas Arentzen), eds. The Reception of the Virgin in Byzantium. Marian Narratives in Texts and Images (Cambridge University Press, 2019).