CHURCH FATHERS (21): Turning point

The tide turned for Christianity with Emperor Galerius’ Edict of Toleration in 311, ending the Diocletian persecution. Subsequently, in February 313 AD, Emperors Constantine and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, granting Christians freedom of worship. This milestone paved the way for Emperor Theodosius to establish Christianity as the state religion. The era of religious freedom ushered in positive advancements in theological scholarship, liturgy, and artistic expression.

ABANDONED BY GOD?

The cry of Christ from the cross is not a cry of despair – like the cry of Cain and Judas – but a cry of faithful hope, a prayer for God’s mercy: “Rescue my soul from the sword”; “Save me from the lion’s mouth” (Ps 22:20-21). We believe that the cross, our cross is the cross of salvation, of hope, of the coming resurrection.