1. Biographical information

Asterios¹ came from Cappadocia. He was born between 330 and 335² and died between 420 and 425. Initially, according to his own words, he studied alongside a Scythian, i.e. Goth, who had been sold as a prisoner in Antioch, but had, thanks to his knowledge, elevated himself to teacher of Greek, Latin and Law. During his studies, Asterios diligently read the works of ancient philosophers and orators and especially Demosthenes. Later, probably for a short period, he worked as a scholastikos (lawyer). During the period 380-390 he served as bishop of Amaseiain Pontus, succeeding Eulalios. He became known among ecclesiastical scholars for his spontaneous piety and distinguished himself as author of sermons and discourses. Indeed, the patriarch Photius singles him out for his qualities and underlines the orthodox spirit of his works. Asterios’ sermons are characterized by their rhetorical style. With eloquence and religious vigor he deliberated on issues of faith, defending with cogency the positions of the orthodox faith. He produced a series of sermons and discourses, while an encomium to Basil, bishop of Amaseia, has also been attributed to him. His work, although small in volume was greatly appreciated by subsequent scholars.

2. Sermons

Sixteen sermons by Asterios have survived, while Photius in codex 271 of his Bibliotheca mentions a further four. Some of his sermons were translated into Slav, Georgian and Latin. Characteristic of his work is the polemic against pagans and heretics. Of particular interest is his Sermon IV, Λόγος κατηγορικός της εορτής των Καλανδών (“On the festival of the Calends”), which Asterios delivered on the 1st of January 400 against Libaniusand the pagan beliefs connected to the celebration of the New Year. Sermon XI, Έκφρασις εις την αγίαν Ευφημίαν την μάρτυρα (“Ekphrasis to the martyr St. Euphemia”) is a rare example of the description of the decoration of a church, of the martyrdom of Aghia Euphimia in Chalcedon.³ This speech was used in its entirety during the Seventh Ecumenical Council in Nicaea (787) by the iconodules in support of their views, and was later translated by Athanasios Bibliothecarius into Latin. Asterios’ oeuvre is distinguished by its archaic and elegant style while he seems at ease with the use of rhetorical ways and shapes. While exploring ecclesiastical and religious issues, Asterios' sermons also provide valuable historical information.