a original bronze cast  wandering bishops medal 

medal in the form of a four sided cross  

measuring approx.    4.5cm x 4.5cm      just under 2 inches 

 top 4mm  lug with hole  for wearing    hole slightly  misshaped at top  through wear 

 with detail of   mounted warriors meeting in the field  left with helmets  right with turbans  

  under angel holding cross .  base reading  " CRVX.S   VDALRICI "  

 

 reverse with eastern city  / mosque towers  under stars, sun and crescent clouds  

 and  base reads   " EPISCOPI  AVG 9 TANI " 

 retaining good detail    in very  good condition 

……………………………………….

The apostles and their successors functioned in two ways: some were permanently attached to a particular city and geographical area where they cared for the spiritual welfare of a community of Christians, while others, inspired by the words of their founder commanding them to teach all peoples and nations, traveled to distant lands spreading the message of their faith. These leaders roamed far from the Mid-Eastern cradle of Christianity, penetrating even such remote countries , as did the apostle Thomas. Apostles of Jesus such as Thomas, Bartholomew, and Andrew, who did not remain in fixed residences caring for an established community, may thus be regarded as the first traveling, or "wandering," bishops.

    Later, other categories of wandering bishops came upon the scene. Emperor Constantine established Christianity as the state religion of his realm and proceeded to enforce an artificial unity on the Christian communities. Prior to this time, there was a strong pluralistic orientation of such communities and of their leaders. Acknowledging a common devotion to Christ and his teachings, they differed widely in doctrine and practice. With Constantine conditions changed; "orthodoxy" was declared as binding upon all. Those who did not conform were forced to leave the community and often their places of residence. They became wanderers. Gnostic, Arian, Nestorian, Monophysite, and other non-conforming Christian leaders became wandering bishops. A new trend was created. Those who conformed to emperor and bishop were allowed to remain in office and enjoy the support of the state, while those who dissented were invited to depart and became wanderers. Yet, such wanderers were not without followers, for kindred, dissenting clergy and congregants rallied around wherever they went, often impelling the orthodox authorities to acts of persecution.