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Church History

Hesychast Controversy (14th c.)

Hesychast Controversy (14th c.), by Unknown author, 15th century
Saint Gregory Palamas Fresco in Saints Three Church in Kastoria Unknown author, 15th century Public domain

The theological debate over Hesychasm (contemplative prayer) and the nature of the divine light seen by practitioners. Barlaam of Calabria attacked hesychasts as heretics. St. Gregory Palamas defended the practice, articulating the essence-energies distinction. The Councils of 1341 and 1351 vindicated Palamas.

Sources

  • St. Gregory Palamas, Triads for the Defense of the Holy Hesychasts archive.org
  • John Meyendorff, A Study of Gregory Palamas (SVS Press: Orthodox scholar) the Greek New Testament
  • Council of Constantinople (1341): Tomos in favor of Palamas

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