Serapis Christus was a god worshipped in ancient Egypt and Greece. His origins can be traced back to the Hellenistic period, around 323 BC. Serapis was a syncretic deity, combining aspects of several gods from both Greek and Egyptian mythology. He was initially worshipped mainly by Greeks and Macedonians in Egypt, but eventually became popular throughout the Mediterranean.
Serapis was associated with the afterlife and transformation, and was thought to grant believers eternal life. He was often depicted as a bearded man wearing a modius, a type of crown associated with fertility and abundance. Serapis was also associated with healing and fertility, and was sometimes depicted holding a snake, a symbol of renewal and regeneration.
During the reign of Hadrian (117-138 CE), there were references to Serapis being conflated with the new messiah Jesus Christ. Correspondence from the time suggests that followers of Serapis were being called Christians, or followers of Christ.
The worship of Serapis spread throughout the Mediterranean, following trade routes and becoming particularly popular in commercial cities. In Rome, Serapis became known as Zeus Serapis, a combination of the Greek god Zeus and the Egyptian god Osiris. His temples were often grand, elaborate structures, and his worship was marked by processions, rituals, and sacrifices.
Serapis Christus continued to be worshipped in various forms throughout the centuries, and his influence can sill be seen in modern religious practices. Today, he is often associated with the concept of spiritual transformation and the search for eternal life.
Serapis Christus was a syncretic deity worshipped in ancient Egypt and Greece. He was associated with the afterlife, healing, and fertility, and his worship spread throughout the Mediterranean. During the reign of Hadrian, references to Serapis were conflated with those of Jesus Christ, and his followers were called Christians. Serapis continues to be a fascinating figure in the history of religion and mythology, and his legacy can still be felt today.
Who Is Serapis In The Bible?
Serapis is not mentioned in the Bible. He was a syncretic deity created in ancient Egypt during the Hellenistic period, combining attributes of Greek gods such as Zeus and Hades with Egyptian gods such as Osiris and Apis. The worship of Serapis was introduced to Rome in the 2nd century BCE, and it became a popular cult throughout the Roman Empire. However, Serapis was not a part of Jewish or Christian theology, and therefore does not appear in the Bible.
What Were Worshippers Of Serapis Called?
The devotees or followers of Serapis were commonly known as the Bishops of Christ or Christians, as they were considered to be the followers of Serapis Christos. The religion of Serapis dates back to at least 323 BC and was popular in the Hellenistic period. The term “Serapeum” was used to refer to the temples or shrines dedicated to Serapis, which were built throughout the Greco-Roman world. The followers of Serapis believed in a syncretic combination of traditional Egyptian and Hellenistic beliefs, and the religion was known for its emphasis on healing and salvation.
What Were Followers Of Serapis Called?
Followers of Serapis were called Christians as per a letter from Emperor Hadrian to Servianus in the year 134.
Why Was Serapis Worshipped?
Serapis was worshipped for a variety of reasons, including his association with the Sun and his role as a lord of healing and fertility. As a Sun god, he was seen as a powerful deity who could bring light and warmth to the world, and his worship was particularly popular in regions where the Sun played an important role in daily life, such as Egypt and Greece.
In addition to his solar associations, Serapis was also revered for his ability to heal and promote fertility. Many people believed that he could cure illnesses and promote the growth of crops, making him an important figure in agricultural societies. His worship was often associated with rituals and ceremonies designed to ensure bountiful harvests and healthy livestock.
Serapis’ popularity spread throughout the Mediterranean world, thanks in part to the extensive trade networks that connected diferent regions. His cult was particularly prominent in the great commercial cities of the ancient world, where merchants and traders would gather to worship him and seek his blessings for their business ventures.
Serapis was a powerful and multifaceted deity who was worshipped for his ability to bring light, healing, and fertility to the world. His cult played an important role in the religious life of many ancient societies and was an enduring presence in the Mediterranean world for centuries.
Conclusion
Serapis Christus was a deity who was worshipped by followers of Serapis, a religion that dates back to at least 323 BC. Serapis was initially linked to the afterlife and transformation, but he lter became known as a redeemer god and savior who granted believers eternal life. As the religion of Serapis spread throughout the Mediterranean, its followers, who were also known as Christians, began to conflate references to Serapis with those of the new messiah, Jesus Christ. This confusion is demonstrated in a letter from Emperor Hadrian to Servianus in 134 CE. Gradually, Serapis became revered not only as a Sun god (“Zeus Serapis”) but also as a lord of healing and fertility. Today, the worship of Serapis Christus is no longer practiced, but his legacy as a significant figure in the religious history of the Mediterranean endures.
