The Anthropology of Holiness in the Works of St. Maximus the Confessor
Explore the profound insights on holiness and spirituality in the writings of St. Maximus the Confessor, focusing on themes like the virtuous path, marriage, celibacy, and spiritual ascension. Delve into the mystical concepts of unification and the relationships between various realms of existence. Join Protopresbyter (Dr.) Doru Costache as he elucidates the significance of these teachings in the context of Christian theology and spiritual growth. This exploration sheds light on the path to union with God through love and virtuous living.
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APPROACHING ST MAXIMUS THE CONFESSOR S ANTHROPOLOGY OF HOLINESS Protopresbyter (Dr) Doru Costache Senior Lecturer in Patristic Studies St Andrew's Greek Orthodox Theological College http://www.sagotc.edu.au/about/profile/ Kingsford Short Course 29 October 2013
The Book of Difficulties(Ambiguaad Johannem) Chapter 10.31a.5 Moses and Elijah side by side with Christ on Tabor Chapter 41 The ascension of saintly human being (or a holy couple) to God through all the levels of reality A common denominator: the virtuous path or the experience of holiness
Difficulty 10.31a Moses Elijah the principle or spirit of the law the prophetic spirit wisdom kindness knowledge education asceticism contemplation marriage celibacy life time death nature material realities noetic realities
Difficulty 10.31a.5 Contemplating the mysteries of marriage and celibacy (monasticism) through the married Moses and the celibate Elijah. Both ways lead to the mystical adoption by living reasonably (=virtuously) according to the divinely set laws: , , , , , , .
Difficulty 41 Five Polarities or Divisions Five Syntheses or Unions 1 uncreated and created 2 noetic and sensorial realities 3 sky and earth 4 paradise and inhabited land 5 male and female 5 uncreated and created 4 noetic and sensorial realities 3 sky and earth 2 paradise and inhabited land 1 male and female
Difficulty 41 The unifying task: , , , , , ,
Difficulty 41 Completing the task (1) The virtuous wiping out of all divisive stains from nature by way of a gentle approach , (2) Bridging spiritual life and the civilised world by a saintly behaviour (3) Ascending through creation by adopting an angelic (=monastic lifestyle) (4) Reaching an equality with the angels (=monastic standards) with reference to knowledge (5) Communing with God through love
Difficulties 10.31a.5 and 41 Difficulty 10.31a.5: Moses/marriage and Elijah/celibacy/monasticism; there is room for all Difficulty 41: one person (Elijah) or a couple (Moses and his wife)? Holy life and interiorised monasticism (Paul Evdokimov)
