Didymus the blind
(C. 313 - 398 AD)
Historical Note
Didymus was born in Alexandria around the year 313 AD. Although
becoming blind at the age of four, he never prayed for the return of his
sight but for illumination of the heart. Didymus developed an insatiable
desire for knowledge and through an indomitable will became one of the
most learned men of his time.
Appointed head of the catechetical school of Alexandria by St. Athanasius,
Didymus had as his more famous students and hearers St. Antony of the
Desert, Palladius, Evargrius Ponticus, St. Jerome and Rufinus of Aquilaea.
St. Jerome often spoke of Didymus not as the blind but as “the Seer.”
Didymus remained head of the catechetical school for over half a century.
Probably as a consequence of his blindness, Didymus was able to develop a
prolific memory and gained a vast knowledge of philosophy and theology
as well as other secular sciences. He was also noted for his exceptional
kindness and angelic disposition. His fame spread far and wide. The orator
Libanius wrote to an Egyptian official: “You cannot surely be ignorant of
Didymus, unless you are ignorant of the great city wherein he has night and
day been pouring out his learning for the good of others.” The tone of his
writings is always well balanced and calculated to win over his opponent
rather than to defeat him. He always railed against the heresy but never the
heretic. Thus, he had friends even among the Arians.
Didymus was never ordained, remaining instead a layman living a life of
austerity in relative isolation outside Alexandria. He has, however, never
been accorded the title of saint due to Origenist opinions concerning the
pre-existence of souls and the ultimate salvation of all in his writings. This
unfortunate circumstance is the reason why his name appears side by side
with that of Origen in the condemnation of the Third Council of
Constantinople in 680 AD.
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