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Theology & Dogma

Essence-Energies Distinction

Essence-Energies Distinction, by Мастер Северной Греции (Фессалоники?) начала XV века, Начало XV века
Gregor Palamas by North Greece anonym (15th c., Pushkin museum) Мастер Северной Греции (Фессалоники?) начала XV века, Начало XV века Public domain

A key Orthodox theological distinction, formally affirmed at the Councils of 1341 and 1351. God's essence (ousia) is absolutely unknowable and imparticipable. God's uncreated energies (grace, light, life) are the means by which God communicates Himself to creation. Both essence and energies are fully God: not a division in God.

Sources

  • St. Gregory Palamas, Triads archive.org
  • Council of Constantinople (1341, 1351)
  • St. John of Damascus, Exact Exposition I.14 NPNF

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