1. St. Theophilus of Adana
(died c. 538)
Saint Theophilus the Penitent, or Theophilus of Adana (died ca. 538), was a cleric in the sixth century Church who is said to have made a deal with the devil to gain an ecclesiastical position. His story is significant as it is the oldest story of a pact with the Devil. Theophilus was the archdeacon of Adana, Cilicia, which is part of modern Turkey. He was unanimously elected to be a bishop, but turned the position down out of humility. Another man was elected in his stead. When the new bishop unjustly deprived Theophilus of his position as archdeacon, Theophilus regretted his humility and sought out a wizard to help him contact Satan. In exchange for his aid, Satan demanded that Theophilus renounce Christ and the Virgin Mary in a contract signed with his own blood. Theophilus complied, and the devil gave him the position as bishop.
Years later, fearful for his soul, Theophilus repented and prayed to the Virgin for forgiveness. After forty days of fasting, the Virgin appeared to him and verbally chastised him. Theophilus begged forgiveness and Mary promised to intercede with God. He then fasted a further thirty days, at which time Mary appeared to him again, and granted him Absolution. However, Satan was unwilling to relinquish his hold over Theophilus, and it was a further three days before Theophilus awoke to find the damning contract on his chest. He then took the contract to the legitimate bishop and confessed all that he had done. The bishop burned the document, and Theophilus expired, out of sheer joy to be free from the burden of his contract.
–Listverse
CLICK HERE to join our BBM Channel for faster updates
TOP POSTS YESTERDAY
- 10 popular stars you didn’t know are gay – #1 will shock many! (With Pictures)
- Top Nollywood stars who have passed away in recent years (+Photos)
- Top 10 most happy countries in the world – See which country is #1 now! (+Photos)
- What women really want from their men in the bedroom – Guys, get in here!
- The 14 most powerful Ghanaian celebrity couples you should know of [Photos]
- I married my husband with juju, now I’m suffering – Wife cried out!
- What your favourite Nigerian celebrities were doing before fame – This will shock you!
- Annoying girlfriend habits that guys hate.
- Top 17 Worst celebrity wardrobe malfunctions that went viral – #17 will leave you in stitches! (See Photos)
- Official 2015 top 20 richest footballers in the world & their worth
- 8 sure signs to know if you have fallen in love
Discussion about this post