Chromatius

The Holy Cromatius ( * approx 345 probably in Aquileia; † 406 or 407 in Grado) was from 388 to his death bishop of his native city, which is located in Northeast Italy and in late antiquity and was very important.

Life

Cromatius was first deacon and then priest. As such, he participated in the important synod of the year 381 part in Aquileia, which was the defense of Arianism. After the death of his predecessor Valerian, he was ordained by Bishop Ambrose of Milan.

He was highly educated, wrote exegetical works, was in frequent communication with Ambrose of Milan, the church father Tyrannius Rufinus and others, and stood up for the persecuted John Chrysostom. Hieronymus he helped with the revision of the Latin Bible translation. The quarrel between Jerome and Rufinus on the teachings of Origen, he tried to mediate, where he rejected the heresies of Origen. He was also an ardent opponent of Arianism, and cut this out in his diocese. Cromatius died in exile in Grado on the Adriatic.

The writings of Cromatius were formerly often attributed to other authors; only recently they have been reconstructed: more than 40 sermons - some of them are not completely preserved - and more than 60 treatises commenting on Matthew's Gospel are now considered his works. They are characterized by a colorful and memorable language. Particularly important issues are the Trinity, the Holy Spirit and the person of Christ for Cromatius. About the latter, the Virgin Mary for him has meaning.

Works

• R. Etaix, J. Lemarie (ed.): Cromatius Aquileiensis Opera. 2 vols Brepols, Turnhout 1974-1977 ( Corpus Christianorum Series Latina, . IX A).
• Phoebadius, Cromatius Aquileiensis, Sulpicius Severus, Innocent I, Zosimus, Boniface I, Gaudentius Brixiensis, Bachiarius ( Patrologia Latina 20 ) Brepols Publishers; ISBN 978-2-503-10202-3.