Spotlight » Theological librarians

Adolf von Harnack, Librarian

Luba Zakharov — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:58:58 +0000

One of the greatest German scholars and theologians was also a librarian. Adolf von Harnack, a man of unquestionable scholarship, was chosen to be director-general of the Prussian State Library in Berlin because of his commitment to scholarship, preferring this post over offers (extended twice) to teach at Harvard. While director-general, he was also a professor of church history at Berlin University, wanting to contribute more than lectures and writings to a community. In an article published in The Library Quarterly, Harnack is cited as saying, “the great national and university libraries are the common property of mankind. The more they are treasured and used as such, the more they will contribute toward a reunion of the divided civilized world.” (Hirsch, Felix, “The Scholar as Librarian: To the Memory of Adolf von Harnack” p. 317).

Keeper of the treasures

Luba Zakharov — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:28:10 +0000

St. Lawrence of Rome (c.225 – 258) was one of the seven deacons of the early Catholic Church. He was given charge over the archives and library and because of this, he was thought to have had the records of the members of the early church, as well as knowledge of the treasures of the Vatican. For his unwillingness to bring forward treasures of gold he was tortured over an open flame.

A librarian from Egypt

Luba Zakharov — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:59:22 +0000

Like Jerome, St. Catherine of Alexandria (ca. 287 – 305) loved the literary world and knew the works of poets Homer and Vigil. In the Christian Orthodox tradition she is known for her fearlessness, beauty and noble birth. She was hailed as an intellectual who pursued all forms of knowledge, confounding scholars with her eloquent ability to defend Christianity. Catherine (or Katherine) was martyred on or near 305 AD after debating with the pagan philosophers of the Roman Emperor (Maximus or Maxentius) and converting them to Christianity. She became the patron saint of libraries, scholars and all those associated with teaching and the pursuit of wisdom. She is named in memory of St. Catherine, the Holy Monastery of the God-trodden Mount Sinai (known as St. Catherine’s Monastery), which is the oldest, active monastery whose library contains a vast collection of manuscripts, printed books and icons. Throughout history, her story has fallen prey to controversy and the Vatican de-listed her in 1969 from the calendar after historians decided that she did not exist. She is venerated in the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Oriental Orthodox and Anglican traditions. In 2002, she was re-instated, and her feast day is celebrated on November 25th.