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Serapis Bey: Difference between revisions
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Many epithets are ascribed to Serapis, including “Father,” “Saviour” and “the greatest of the deities.” He was regarded as the sponsor of intimate contact between the gods and mortals. Serapis is regarded in the annals of the esoteric tradition as the hierophant of the secret Egyptian initiatory rites. The lesser mysteries were dedicated to [[Isis]] and intended for the layman; the greater mysteries were dedicated to Serapis and Osiris and transmitted only to initiated priests who underwent severe rites of trial and initiation in the temple of Serapis. | Many epithets are ascribed to Serapis, including “Father,” “Saviour” and “the greatest of the deities.” He was regarded as the sponsor of intimate contact between the gods and mortals. Serapis is regarded in the annals of the esoteric tradition as the hierophant of the secret Egyptian initiatory rites. The lesser mysteries were dedicated to [[Isis]] and intended for the layman; the greater mysteries were dedicated to Serapis and Osiris and transmitted only to initiated priests who underwent severe rites of trial and initiation in the temple of Serapis. | ||
Over a period of six to seven hundred years, Serapis became the supreme deity of Egypt and Greece. However, in the late fourth century <small>A.D</small>., the emperor Theodosius issued edicts against polytheism, and Christians took this as license to attack pagans, including the adherents of mystery | Over a period of six to seven hundred years, Serapis became the supreme deity of Egypt and Greece. However, in the late fourth century <small>A</small>.<small>D</small>., the emperor Theodosius issued edicts against polytheism, and Christians took this as license to attack pagans, including the adherents of [[mystery religion]]s. The Christian Bishop of Alexandria provoked mobs to destroy the great symbol of paganism in Alexandria, the mystery temple of the god Serapis. They hacked apart the huge statue of Serapis, which had inspired worshipers for six hundred years. The mob destroyed at least one of Alexandria’s great libraries. | ||
== Work with the Theosophical Society == | == Work with the Theosophical Society == | ||