ANGELICAL CONCEPTS AND KEYWORDS: A TEXTOLOGICAL APPROACH TO THE MEANING AND USAGE OF SOME TERMINI TECNICHI IN MANICHAEAN ANGELOLOGY

Based on Manichean Middle Iranian texts and with a textological approach, the present article tries to define the meaning and usage of some termini tecnichi in Manichean angelology, especially the words “angel” (frystg, fryštg) and “apostle, messenger” (frystg, fryštg). The use of a word for two meanings and/ or two concepts in the Manichaica was a result of the redefinition that each of the different Manichaean communities presented of the two concepts “angel” and “apostle, messenger”. The article shows that the Iranian term frys/štg has been redefined and expanded in meaning in Manichaean literature under the influence of Syriac writings; A redefinition that could create an angel from an apostle/ a messenger and a king from the angel. Here, we also examined the termini tecnichi Lord, God, Son of the God, and showed in what contexts these terms appear and what examples they refer to. Our study shows that all these were used not only for angels and historical characters (like Mani and Manichaean leaders and electi, as well as previous apostles), but also included at least one of Manichaean gods, i.e. “Third Messenger”.