Nicholas ( dr. Greek Νικολαΐτης ) - heretical current in early Christianity .
Content
- 1 New Testament Mention
- 2 Interpretations
- 3 Other nicholas
- 4 notes
- 5 Literature
New Testament Mention
In the New Testament , in the book of Revelation , Jesus Christ, referring to churches ( Revelation. 1: 1 ) located in Asia (in the territory of modern Turkey), denounces the Pergamon Church, pointing to the teachings of the Nicolaitans, which some of its members adhere to:
| So you also have the Nicolaitan teachings that I hate. ( Rev. 2:15 ) |
The second direct mention of the Nicholas is in the same chapter, addressed to the Church of Ephesus:
| However, it is good in you that you hate the affairs of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. ( Rev. 2: 6 ) |
According to tradition, this teaching comes from Nicholas of Antioch, who was one of seven people chosen by the twelve apostles to serve in the Church of Jerusalem responsible for distributing food ( Acts 6: 3-6 ). He was “converted from the Gentiles,” that is, he was not a Jew. Irenaeus of Lyons points to him as the ancestor of the teachings of the Nicholas, which implies his fall and departure from God [1] .
Interpretations
Irenaeus of Lyons (“Against Heresies”, 1, 26, § 3), Epiphanius of Cyprus (“Panarius”, “Κατὰ ϊικολα'τῶν ε ', τῆς δὲ ἀκολουθίας κε'”), Hippolytus (“ Philosophers ”, VII, 36 Kesarius Euse (Church History, III, 29) call this doctrine heresy and sect. At the same time, Eusebius essentially does not add anything new, but merely quotes the “Stromates” of Clement of Alexandria (Books 2 and 3).
Other Nicholas
- Under this name is also known a small sect in the Czech Republic, founded by a peasant in the town of Vlasenik, named Nikolai, around 1417 . She taught that the church lost its normal appearance, and, in addition to the Bible, admitted another divine revelation received directly by individuals from its midst. It existed in the XVII century. In 1676, she published her Confession of Faith.
- For Nicolaites in Holland and England, see the family members .
- Emperor Henry IV of the Salic Dynasty was a member of the Nicholas sect. Although the cult to be sent was considered secret, many knew about the service of the "black masses", and this did not cause shock among Western Europeans. It was with Emperor Henry IV that the Prince of Kiev Vsevolod made an alliance, adding to his dynastic marriage with his daughter - Eupraxia Vsevolodovna (Empress Adelheida). The impressions of the latter turned out to be so disgusting that she, having escaped from her husband, went to a monastery near Chernigov, where she ended her days [2] .
Notes
- ↑ “The Nikolaites are the disciples of Nicholas, one of the seven deacons appointed by the apostles. They live lecherously. Their properties are fully indicated in the apocalypse of John, where it is said that they teach that there is nothing criminal in unchastity and in the eating of sacrifice . Therefore, it is said of them . 2: 6 ): “It is good in you that you hate the works of the Nikolaiites, which I also hate.” (Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, Book 1, Ch. XXVI, 3)
- ↑ Lev Gumilyov. From Russia to Russia // Essays on Ethnic History. M .: 2013. Ed. Iris Press.
Literature
- The Nikolaites // Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary : in 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - SPb. , 1890-1907.