Elia il giovane. La vita e l'insegnamento dall'età bizantina al mondo contemporaneo

Abstract

The life of Elia the Younger (823-903), a native of Enna in the heart of Sicily, offers itself as an undoubtedly fascinating document in the narrative of political and religious events in the Mediterranean during the 9th century of our era. In Sicily, just a few years before the beginning of the Arab conquest of the island, Elia was born and his human and spiritual story is intertwined with the reality of his times. An expression of that Italo-Greek monasticism that flourished in the provinces of Southern Italy, Elia's life (like that of many of his contemporaries and countrymen) is also, if not above all, that of a tireless traveler. Each trip is an opportunity to visit monasteries, give proof of one's charisms, refine one's preparation and, not least, engage in theological debates with Islamic interlocutors. The spiritual dimension, the monastic profession and the defense of the faith are equally essential factors in his biography, not only topical aspects or necessary elements linked to the drafting of a hagiographic story, but also an expression of a contemporary reality where the roar of weapons was sometimes interspersed. from the ardor of dispute and debate. In presenting to the contemporary reader the human and spiritual story of the monk Elia, this volume has chosen a path that harmonizes the indispensable historical and historical-religious reconstruction of the times in which he lived and worked with an evaluation of the impact of his heritage and his teachings at the present time.