(or Abulfaraj) (Son of the Hebrew) (1226-1286) Philosopher, theologian, and historian, born Malatia, Armenia; died Maragha, Persia. He was the son of a Jewish convert to the Jacobite Rite. In 1246 he was consecrated bishop and in 1264 he became Maphrian or Primate of the East. The variety, extent, and erudition of his writings are almost beyond comprehension. His principal works are: The Storehouse of Secrets, a doctrinal and critical commentary on the entire Bible; The Cream of Science, an encyclopedia of human learning; Chronicon, a universal history; compendiums of logic, dialectics, physics, and metaphysics; treatises on theology, canon law, ethics, rhetoric, mathematics, medicine, and other sciences; and an autobiography.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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