Welcome to the ULC Minister's Network

Mark E. DeFillo

Hypatia of Alexandria

  • Hypatia has been on my mind. If the ULC had saints she would be a very apt choice to be one. She was one of the last great classical philosophers, at the sharp edge of the end of Mediterranean classical civilization. 

    Being both a woman and pagan philosopher and teacher, she became a target of fanatic factions of Christianity, culminating in her torturous martyrdom by a mob of monk-terrorists. Some would end the story there and simply blame the Christians. But there is more to it, with lessons for us all. 

    Her students came from all religious backgrounds: Christians, Jews and the diverse "pagan" religions and philosophies; she was widely respected by all non-extremists. And in fact the major reason her name was not lost to history is that one of the Church Fathers of Christianity wrote a condemnation of her murder, calling it a shame upon Christianity. But her multi -faith following is an example, and perhaps in a way a precursor to the ULC.