Athleta Christi
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Once "Athleta Christi" (Latin: "Champion of Christ") characterized a class of Early Christian soldier martyrs, of whom the most familiar example is Saint Sebastian. See Military saints.
In Early Modern times, since the 15th century, the title has been a political one, granted by popes to men who have led military campaigns to defend Christianity. The militant Catholic hymn Athleta Christi nobilis ("Noble Champion of the Lord"), a hymn for Matins on May 18, the feast of Saint Venantius was written in the 17th century. Its author is unknown. The medieval precursors of this hymn are numerous and include hymns, responsories and antiphons dedicated to many saints and martyrs, even non-militant ones like Cosmas and Damian [link].
Those who have held the title include:
- John Hunyadi
- Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg, called Athleta Christi by Pope Pius II and Nicholas V [link].
- Ştefan cel Mare, called by Pope Sixtus IV
External links
- [New Catholic Dictionary:] Athleta Christi nobilis
- [La Trobe University Library: Medieval Music Database]: cf incipits O athleta Christi
- [La Trobe University Library: Medieval Music Database]: cf incipits Athleta Christi
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