49. Saints, Synods, and Struggles: The Rise of Christian Cyprus with Young Kim

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Young Kim, Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, to discuss the role of Cyprus in Late Antiquity. Although often seen as politically unimportant under Roman rule, Cyprus played a key part in trade, religion, and cultural life. We explore how the island became deeply involved in early Christianity--appearing in the New Testament, participating in the first ecumenical councils like Nicaea, and eventually gaining autocephalic (independent) status for its Church. We also look at how saints’ lives, or hagiographies, offer insight into everyday life, travel, and religious change during this time. Special attention is given to St. Epiphanius--his fight against heresies and his dramatic clash with St. John Chrysostom!