(Im)pious Sisterhood: Maximus the Cynic’s Dangerous Liaisons. A new conjecture on Greg. Naz. carm. II 1, 41, Contra Maximum

On Greg. Naz. carm. II 1, 41, Contra Maximum (Once again)

Resum

 This paper examines Gregory of Nazianzus’ poem (II 1, 41) against his rival Maximus the Cynic, arguing that a gender-oriented reconsideration of women’s roles in Early Christianity yields significant textual-critical insights. In vv.49-53, the author appears to reference female assistants who allegedly conjured with Maximus against Gregory, yet this allusion remains obscure and requires further investigation. After a review of existing scholarship, the paper presents a new analysis and interpretation of the passage. By placing this reference within a broader context and exploring parallels with female communities in Gregory’s works and contemporary patristic literature, it becomes evident that Gregory’s accusation is related to the emerging phenomenon of «syneisaktism». This thorough and updated analysis achieves two main objectives. Firstly, it offers a new, more detailed, and culturally aware interpretation of the poem. Secondly, by examining the manuscript tradition of the passageand its Syriac translation, it highlights its corruption and advances a new conjecture.