If I could Pick My Valentine

I pick Hypatia – the Greek philosopher, a teacher of mathematics and astronomy in Alexandria. A woman renowned for her beauty. In an age of bigotry, she adhered to the Neoplatonic philosophy of Plato and Aristotle. With eloquence and intellect, the whole of Alexandria trembled whenever Hypatia lectured. The search of the truth was to her priceless. She was a woman of self-respect and dignity not only for herself but also especially for her community. Hypatia was a brilliant teacher who rejected unfounded dogmas. She laughed at the superstitious primitives of her days. She was ruthlessly murdered – a victim of religious fanaticism more than 15 centuries ago. Hypatia lived in the 5th century – a time characterized by destructive forces. The Roman Empire was falling apart. During this period of confusion, the church, however, was more troubled by Christian disunity and women's virginity. In her time, a complicated controversy on incarnation was prevalent. The question at issue was the relation of Christ's divinity to his humanity. Did Christ have two aspects, one human and the other divine? There were those who objected to calling the Virgin "Mother of God." She was, they said, only the mother of the human person, while the divine person, who was God, has no mother. The church was divided on this question. But the view that Christ was one Person with two aspects, human and divine, won in the end. Its chief protagonist was Cyril, the Archbishop of Alexandria. A man of fanatical zeal, who supported orthodoxy, and persecuted the Jewish community in Alexandria. Cyril, the church authority, had no influence over Hypatia. He hated her. Hypatia was the head of the Alexandria library. She symbolized learning and science, which at that time, the church authority largely identified with paganism. But Hypatia was also on good terms with Orestes, a pagan, who was also the city's chief Magistrate. As such, Hypatia was the focal point in the tensions and riots between Christians and non-Christians that have racked Alexandria. In order to show others what it means to deviate away from Christian beliefs and values, Cyril gathered a small mob together to get rid of Hypatia. She was "torn from her chariot, stripped naked, dragged to the church, and inhumanely butchered: her flesh was scraped from her bones with sharp oyster shells and her quivering limbs were delivered to the flames." After this Christian act of mercy, Alexandria was no longer troubled by philosophers; Cyril, however, was canonized a saint. As for Hypatia, because we never heard of her in our schools, colleges, and universities, her name has been forgotten. If I were granted a wish, I wish to have been with Hypatia during her last day of life on this earth. In defending her, I gladly would have been proud getting killed alongside protecting her. But as my wish cannot be granted, I would just be honored, if Hypatia, in spirit, will be my Valentine today. Hypatia, wherever you are, I love you, respect you, and admire you. You are among the rarest and greatest women who ever lived in this world. Poch Suzara