THE UNPUBLISHED LETTERS OF GREGORY AKINDYNOS
Abstract
Gregory Akindynos, fifty-nine of whose letters are published for the first time in this study, was a protagonist in the most important religious conflict of the late Byzantine period, the Hesychast controversy. This crisis developed in the 1340s into a major dogmatic dispute between Barlaam and the future metropolitan of Thessalonica, Gregory Palamas. Palamas emphasized in his writings the distinction between the unknowable essence of God and the divine energies through which God manifests Himself to the world. This edition of his letters, uses the correspondence and polemical writings of the main adversaries in the controversy as well as the hagiographical, diplomatic and historical sources. The introduction begins with a brief outline of the scantily documented early period of Akindynos' life and goes on to analyze his relationship with Palamas and Barlaam and his chance involvement in their dispute. Since the development of the controversy is closely connected with the political complexities of the period, Akindynos' first condemnation in August of 1341, the Patriarch's role at that council and the subsequent activity of Akindynos are examined in the light of the rivalry between the Patriarch and John Kantakuzenos. From his letters the following conclusions can be drawn: Akindynos did not deliberately falsify Palamas' doctrines, as his opponents claimed, but sincerely believed them to be heretical; his convictions were exploited by a politically ambitious patriarch. He was typically Byzantine in his attitude towards both Greek philosophy and the West. This edition, which is accompanied by a translation and historical commentary, is based on the following MSS: Marcianus gr. 155; Monacensis gr. 223; Ambrosianus gr. 290 and Scorialensis gr. $\Phi$ -III-11. A description of the MSS, comments on editions of Akindynos' other letters and a discussion of his style are included in the introduction. The Letters, which are addressed to various scholars, ecclesiastics and statesmen, are arranged in their chronological order and the reasons for the dates assigned are discussed in the commentary where all historical and prosopographical information is commented upon. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)
Subject Area
Ancient civilizations|Religious history
Recommended Citation
HERO, ANGELA CONSTANTINIDES, "THE UNPUBLISHED LETTERS OF GREGORY AKINDYNOS" (1975). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI8727849.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI8727849
