On the latest episode of the podcast, our guest Russ Breault delves into his most recent paper called Historical References of the Turin Shroud From the Third Through Thirteenth Centuries. Which focuses on significant references to “form a compelling argument for a historical trail that traces back a thousand years earlier than the 14th century”. Here is a short overview:
What are some of the most significant references?
3rd Century
The Hymn of the Pearl is attributed to the “poet Bardesane of Edessa; however, its origin may be as early as the 1st Century”. (1)
Breault mentions the Hymn as such:
I saw my image on my burial garment like in a mirror … (image on a linen shroud) Myself facing outward … (dorsal image)and myself facing inward … (frontal image) As though divided, yet one likeness … (single cloth)Two images, but one likeness of the King of Kings … (double image). (1)
4th Century
Pope Sylvester’s linen cloth papal decree
For the second reference, Breault notes that the decree was given “in 325” to “the Church [to] celebrate the holy sacrifice of the Mass, representing the body and blood of Christ, on a linen cloth consecrated by the bishop, as if it were the clean Shroud of Christ (3)”.
10th Century
The sermon was given by Gregory, the Archdeacon of the Hagia Sophia.
Breault notes that this particular historical reference dates back to “944, Edessa had fallen to Islam and the emperor was concerned over the safety of the most holy relic of Christendom” (10). During the fall, 200 prisoners of war and bags of silver” were traded for “the sacred cloth” and returned to Constantinople. Where “Gregory the Archdeacon of the Hagia Sophia delivered a sermon in the palace on August 16, 944.” The cloth was laid on the emperor’s throne during the ceremony and crowned with the emperor’s crown.
He also notes that standing next to the linen, Gregory points out the following features:
The splendor has been impressed uniquely by the drops of agony sweat sprinkled from the face…These are truly the beauties that produced the coloring of Christ’s imprint, which has been embellished further by the drops of blood sprinkled from his own side…blood and water there, sweat and image here. (10)
In Conclusion
According to Breault’s findings, numerous examples throughout the centuries map out the Turin Shrouds’ journey. Most are from pieces in written history, such as tellings of oral history. Please visit the following link to download the full paper: Historical References of the Turin Shroud From the Third Through Thirteenth Centuries. Definitely worth reading!
References
1. Dreisbach, Albert Father. “Thomas and the Hymn of the Pearl.” Shroud.com, 2000, p.14.www.shroud.com/pdfs/dreisbc2.pdf (See also: https://shroudstory.com/2012/04/26/hymn-of-the- pearl-description-of-the-shroud-of-turin/ )
3. Dreisbach, Albert Father. “Liturgical Clues to the Shroud’s History.” Shroud.com, 1995. www.shroud.com/dreisbch.htm.
10. Guscin, Mark. “Sermon of Gregory Referendarius.” Shroud.com, 2004, p 12. www.shroud.com/pdfs/guscin3.pdf
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