The website Syriaca combines five databases, two on Syrian saints, both of which are open access. The database Qadishe, the Syriac term for „saint“, is a personal database of Syrian saints and authors who have written hagiographic texts about Syrian saints or about Syrian authors of hagiographic texts in general. The database offer several search options: time restriction, gender, related persons, places and works. There is also an alphabetical listing of all entries.
The second database BHSE (Bibliotheca Hagiographica Syriaca Electronica) is a database of Syrian hagiographic texts or hagiographic texts about Syrian saints. A total of over 1800 entries have already been included. The entries provide information on the author, tradition, beginning and end of the text as well as a bibliography. Here, too, there are numerous search options: for example, you can search for keywords, authors, but also for modern translations. The search for related persons is very useful. Both databases can thus be linked in the work and unfold their full potential in their interaction. The BSHE also offers an alphabetical listing of all entries.
Archiv der Kategorie: Dictionaries
Saint Pachomius Library
The Saint Pachomius Library is an encyclopaedia of Orthodox Christianity established in 1994. The site accommodates a vast amount of entries on several topics related to Orthodox Christianity (e.g. information on geographical region, biblical figures and saints). Unfortunately, the site does not offer any search functions but can only be navigated with the help of an alphabetical index. If wanting to research saints in particular, you may use the search function of your browser which will enable you to scan the alphabetical entries for saints: simply search for “St.” and all respective entries will be highlighted. Unfortunately, the amount of information provided varies: some entries provide only a brief chronological and rather inaccurate location of the saint while others offer short introductory knowledge. Some entries also offer additional helpful links to information such as source material available online. However, some of these links are no longer up to date. Once aware of these problems, the website may be used as an introduction to Orthodox Christianity and its saints. The site was expected to undergo a major update in 2017 and has been largely inactive since 2006. Unfortunately, the update has not been completed yet.