Celibacy, Priesthood, Marriage, Puberty and Popular Culture in the Works of 14^th Century Tarnovo Authors

Abstract

This article explores several real examples of celibacy, marriage and puberty in the works of 14th century Tarnovo authors. It explores several key issues: celibacy in both its manifestations – the orthodox and the heretical, among medieval Bulgarians, the interpretation of different problems concerning marriage, puberty, priesthood and spiritual brotherhood in these works, including the conflicts between church and popular culture. Evidence about promiscuity and other deviations is also discussed. Conclusions have been drawn based on analysis of different writings: letters, treatises, biographies of saints, panegyrics, apocryphal works and medieval breviaries.