The Literary Development of the Christian Hero

In the next public talk at Il-Ħaġar Museum on Saturday 25 April at 11.00am, Rev. Prof. Jonathan Farrugia, Head of the Department of Church History, Patrology, and Palaeochristian Archaeology at the University of Malta, will discuss the literary development of the Christian hero.

Every culture and religious tradition constructs its own models of heroism, and Christianity is no exception. Building upon classical ideals of virtue, endurance, and noble suffering — already celebrated in Greek philosophical and literary traditions — early Christianity introduced a distinctive dimension: the concept of martyrdom and the giving of public witness (martyria) to the faith. This lecture will explore how the classical paradigm of the hero was reinterpreted and “Christianised” in the figure of the saint. Drawing on selected early hagiographical texts, it will examine the literary and theological strategies through which inherited heroic motifs were transformed, integrated, and reoriented within a Christian framework of sanctity.

As always, admission is free but seat reservations are recommended by sending an email to events@heartofgozo.org.mt.