Dr. Antonio Pio di Cosmo (University of Modena & ISACCL) delivered a paper entitled “From the Emperor’s Body to the Somatics of the Virgin Mary: Ius Imaginum, Canon Law, and Patristic Elaboration”, which examined the transition from the late antique imperial image to the representation of the Virgin Mary (Theotokos), focusing on how the imperial body, initially constructed as a visible manifestation of political and moral excellence, became a model for representing the Virgin’s exceptional corporeality.
Then the students from Classical Philology Department, guided by Assistant professor Elvira Dinu Deshors (Jean Moulin University Lyon III), who read and commented in the original language on four passages from the New Testament under the theme “The Old Law and the New Law”: the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37); the reinterpretation of Jewish Law in an original manner (Matthew 5:17–24); the importance of observing the Law (Romans 2:9–16); and the role of respecting state authorities (Romans 13:1–10). The discussions explored the relationship between the Old Law (the Torah) and the new perspective proposed by Christianity, emphasizing the love of God and one’s neighbour as a fundamental principle of Christian life. The Parable of the Good Samaritan highlighted the fact that this love transcends the boundaries of religious or communal affiliation and is expressed through care for those in need. At the same time, the passages under discussion provided an opportunity to reflect on the way in which the Law is reinterpreted and internalized, not merely as a set of norms, but as an expression of conduct grounded in justice, responsibility, and love.
Professor Pablo Argárate (University of Graz) gave a masterful lecture, 'Sex, Lust and Marriage in Liber Graduum,' which analyzed ideas about sex and sin in a community of Christians in the Sassanid Empire, based on a famous anonymous Syriac work, 'Liber Graduum,' written in the fourth century. According to this work, Adam and Eve were created by God as perfect and asexual, and with the fall into sin came sexual desire as well as marriage, which didn’t exist in God’s original plan but were consequences of sin; the perfect human, aiming to reach the original perfection with which humans were created, must embrace celibacy. The work also presents appropriate moral behavior regarding sexuality, distinguishing between different levels of spiritual perfection and setting distinct standards for those aspiring to an ascetic life versus those living in the ordinary Christian community. From this perspective, marriage is tolerated for those who can't follow the path of celibacy, but the higher ideal remains giving up bodily desires and focusing your whole life on spiritual perfection.
Dr. Ștefan Zară (University of Bucharest) read, together with the students, passages in the original from the work Quaestiones ad Thalassium by St. Maximus the Confessor, as part of the workshop entitled “Law and Lawlessness in the Writings of St. Maximus the Confessor: A Philological and Spiritual Journey.” he workshop provided an opportunity to explore, through close reading of the Greek text, the theological and spiritual meanings of law and lawlessness in the thought of St. Maximus, while also highlighting the importance of philological analysis for a deeper understanding of his writings. Particular attention was given to the relationship between the literal and spiritual senses of Scripture, the human vocation to virtue, and the transformation of the passions through the practice of the commandments.
