Dictionary of Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century/Serenus, a solitary

Serenus (4), solitary in the Nitrian desert, who, when visited by Cassian, 395, discussed de Animae Mobilitate et Spiritalibus Nequitiis (Coll. vii.), and de Principatibus seu Potestatibus (Coll. viii. See Migne, Patr. Lat. t. xlix. 667 seq. ). In the former he treats mostly of the nature of the soul, the rapid movement of the thoughts, the influence of evil spirits upon them, and the duty of fixing the desire on God. In the latter he declares the nature of evil spirits, their fall, subordination, and occupation. His Life, without details, is in Vitae Patrum, c. 50. Migne, ''Patr. Lat.'' t. lxxiii. 844 seq.; Ceill. ''Aut. sacr.'' viii. 170 seq.; Fleury, H. E. xx. c. 7.

[J.G.]