Apollinarii

Apollinarii is a term that can refer to several related concepts, primarily associated with the ancient Greek deity Apollo. In a historical context, it might refer to followers or worshippers of Apollo, particularly in ancient Greece and Rome. These individuals would have participated in rituals and festivals dedicated to him, often centered around his domains of music, poetry, prophecy, healing, and light. Specific cults and temples dedicated to Apollo would have been focal points for Apollinarii.

In a more specific religious context, Apollinarii can refer to a group of early Christians who held beliefs deemed heretical by the mainstream church. This group, often referred to as Apollinarians, was founded by Apollinaris of Laodicea in the 4th century CE. Their central theological tenet was that Christ had a human body and soul but a divine mind (nous). They believed that the divine mind of Christ replaced the human rational soul, which they saw as a potential point of weakness in human nature that could be susceptible to sin. This doctrine was condemned by various church councils, including the Council of Constantinople in 381 CE, as it was seen to undermine the full humanity of Christ. The movement associated with Apollinaris of Laodicea eventually faded, though its theological implications continued to be debated within Christian discourse.