The Life of Bishoi: The Greek, Arabic, Syriac, and Ethiopic Lives

The Life of Bishoi is a collection of four translations of major accounts of the life of the fourth-century Egyptian desert father St. Bishoi, along with an introduction that provides context about the texts and textual traditions in the various languages. The translations are accompanied by the first transcription and English translation of an important Greek text.

Format: Hardback
Length: 390 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: American University in Cairo Press

Saint Bishoi of Scetis (d. ca. 417) is a revered figure in the Christian East, particularly among the Copts. He lived during a remarkable era when a multitude of larger-than-life monastics coexisted and engaged in interactions. Despite his prominence, the various recensions of his hagio-biography have received sporadic and scattered attention.

The Life of Bishoi is a significant contribution to the literature on early Egyptian monasticism, alongside other Lives of eminent monastics such as Antony, Daniel, John the Little, Macarius, Paphnutius, Shenoute, and Syncletica. These Lives offer valuable insights into monastic politeia (way of life), spirituality, and theology, not only of the early monastics but also of those who later wrote, translated, and revised them. Initially appearing in Greek and Coptic, these Lives were subsequently translated and revised into Syriac, Arabic, and Ge'ez (Ethiopic) by subsequent generations.

This comprehensive volume presents the first English translation of the Greek, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic Lives of Bishoi, each accompanied by an introduction that highlights specific aspects of the source text. Additionally, it includes the first transcription and English translation of an important Greek text. The General Introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the texts and textual traditions in the various languages, significantly revising our understanding of the Syriac tradition and presenting the most accurate translation available in any modern language.

Saint Bishoi of Scetis, who lived in the fourth century, is revered as a significant figure in the Christian East, particularly among the Copts. His life and teachings continue to inspire and influence believers to this day. The Life of Bishoi, along with the other Lives of eminent monastics, provides a valuable window into the rich history and spiritual traditions of early Egyptian monasticism. By presenting these translations in a single volume, this work makes these texts more accessible and promotes further exploration and study of this important period in Christian history.

Weight: 792g
Dimension: 163 x 237 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781617979996