In today's world, Damaris (biblical figure) is a topic that generates great interest and debate among society. Throughout history, Damaris (biblical figure) has been the subject of study and analysis by experts in different fields, who seek to understand its impact and scope in various aspects of daily life. From its origins to the present, Damaris (biblical figure) has evolved and adapted to the changes and challenges presented by the contemporary world. In this article, we will explore the importance of Damaris (biblical figure) and its influence on today's society, as well as the different points of view that exist around this topic.
Damaris (Greek: Δάμαρις) is the name of a woman mentioned in a single verse in Acts of the Apostles (17:34) as one of those present when Paul of Tarsus preached in Athens in front of the Athenian Areopagus in c. AD 55.
Together with Dionysius the Areopagite Damaris embraced the Christian faith following Paul's Areopagus sermon. The verse reads:
As usually women were not present in Areopagus meetings, Damaris has traditionally been assumed to have been a hetaera (courtesan, high-status prostitute); modern commentators have alternatively suggested she might also have been a follower of the Stoics (who welcomed women among their ranks) or a foreigner visiting Athens. The Georgian text of Acts makes Damaris the wife of Dionysius.
She is a saint of the Greek Orthodox Church, remembered on 3 October together with Dionysius the Areopagite and two other disciples of Dionysius, who also became martyrs. 3 October in the Julian calendar, which is used by the Old Calendarists, currently coincides with 16 October in the Gregorian calendar.
The etymology of the name is uncertain. Proposals include derivation from damar δάμαρ "wife, spouse", a contraction of the classical Greek name Damarete Δαμαρέτη (attested as the name of a daughter of Theron of Acragas and wife of Gelo), or derivation from damalis δάμαλις "heifer"; a Coptic derivation has also been considered.