Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Serrae Titular metropolitan see in Macedonia, more correctly Serrhae, is called Siris by Herodotus (VIII, 115), Sirae by Titus Livius (XLV, iv). Inscriptions show the official spelling to have been Sirrha or Sirrhae; the form Serrhae prevailed during the Byzantme period (Hierocles, 639, 10; Stephanius Byzantius, s. v.). The city, now called in Turkish “Sérès”, … Continue reading “Serrae”

Serrad, Giovanni Andrea an Italian prelate, was born at Castel Monardo (now Filadelfia), Feb. 4, 1731, and studied for the priesthood twelve years at Rome under the best teachers. He reorganized the Seminary of Tropea in 1759, and then went to Naples in connection with marquis Fraggianni, whose life he wrote, and also with abbe … Continue reading “Serrad, Giovanni Andrea”

Serra, Junipero, Blessed Franciscan missionary to southwestern North America. Born on 24 November 1713 at Petra, Spanish Majorca as Miguel Jose Serra; died on 28 August 1784 of tuberculosis at Mission San Carlos, Monterey, California. Joined missionary college of San Fernando, Mexico, in 1749 , and became famous as a fervent preacher, making long journeys … Continue reading “Serra, Junipero, Blessed”

Serra, Juniacute;pero Born at Petra, Island of Majorca, 24 November, 1713; died at Monterey, California, 28 August, 1784. On 14 September, 1730, he entered the Franciscan Order. For his proficiency in studies he was appointed lector of philosophy before his ordination to the priesthood. Later he received the degree of Doctor of Theology from the … Continue reading “Serra, Juniacute;pero”

Serpilius, Georg a Lutheran theologian of Germany, was born at Oedenburg, Hungary, June 11, 1668. He studied at Leipsic, was in 1690 deacon at Wilsdrup, near Dresden, in 1695 pastor at Ratisbon, and died November 23, 1728. He published, Vollstandige Liederconcordanz (Pirna, 1696): Descriptio Synagogae Serpilianae Inculenta (Ratisbon, 1723): Personalia Mosis, Josttae, Samuelis, Esrae, Nehemiae, … Continue reading “Serpilius, Georg”

Serpieri, Alessandro Born at S. Giovanni in Marignano, near Rimini, 31 Oct., 1823; died at Fiesole, 22 Feb., 1885. His early education was received at Rimini from the brothers Speranza, priests. His classical studies he made at the College of the Scolopians at Urbino, of which the distinguished Latin scholar, Father Angelo Bonuccelli, was the … Continue reading “Serpieri, Alessandro”

SERPENTS These reptiles, unclean among the Hebrews, Lev 11:10,41, are widely diffused through the world, but are most numerous and venomous in tropical climates. About one-sixth part of all that are known to be poisonous. These are distinguished by having two hollow poisonfangs in the upper jaw, and are usually of slower motion than most … Continue reading “SERPENTS”

SERPENTINIANS Or OPHITES, heretics in the second century, so called from the veneration they had for the serpent that tempted Eve, and the worship paid to a real serpent: they pretended that the serpent was Jesus Christ, and that he taught men the knowledge of good and evil. They distinguished between Jesus and Christ. Jesus, … Continue reading “Serpentinians”

Serpent worship The extent to which this species of idolatry has prevailed is very remarkable. From the fact that Satan assumed the form of a serpent, in his temptation of our first parents, it has been adopted as the symbol of Typhon, or the evil deity of the ancient Egyptians; of Ahriman among the Persians; … Continue reading “Serpent Worship”

Serpent of Brass ( ; Sept. , Num 21:9; 2Ki 18:4). In addition to the treatment of this subject under BRAZEN SERPENT and NEHUSHTAN, some important particulars may here be enumerated. The familiar history of the brazen serpent need not be repeated here. The nature of the fiery snakes by which the Israelites were attacked … Continue reading “Serpent of Brass”