The One and the Three: Nature, Person and Triadic Monarchy in the Greek and Irish Patristic Tradition

""The One and the Three" explores parallels between Byzantine and early Irish monastic traditions, finding in both a markedly trinitarian theology founded on God's contemplation and ascetic experience. Chrysostom Koutloumousianos refutes modern theological theses that affect ecclesiology, and contrasts current schools of theological thought with patristic theology and anthropology, in order to approach the meaning and reality of unity and otherness within the Triadic Monad and the cosmos. He explores such topics as the connection between nature and person, the esoteric dimension of the Self, the relation and dialectic of impersonal institutions and personal charisma, and perennial monastic virtues as ways to unity in diversity. Chrysostom Koutloumousianos is a Senior Elder at the Koutloumous Monastery, Mount Athos, and holds a BA in English Literature and a BA, MA and PhD in Theology from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He has been a visiting fellow at the Hellenic Institute at Royal Holloway, London. He is also the author of several books and articles on early monasticism. "Fr Chrysostom offers here a rich and penetrating analysis of the ways in which the mysteries of the Trinity and Incarnation intersect with ecclesial life. Calling into question the claim that 'person transcends nature', and the authoritarian approach to ecclesiology this has fostered, the author opens up a much more expansive and balanced understanding of the 'monarchy' within the Trinity, and, correspondingly, the relation between person, nature, and communion, with all the implications this has for ecclesial structure and functioning and the spiritual life. This is a work of great learning and profound reflection, which will merits deep study and careful attention." John Behr, Dean and Professor of Patristics, St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, New York. "Fr Chrysostom not only returns us to the authentic voice of the patristic sources, but draws new attention to consonances with the ascetic trinitarian theology of the early Irish monastic tradition. Twentieth-century Orthodox discourses of 'East' and 'West' will be inexorably challenged by this important and timely contribution." Sarah Coakley, Norris-Hulse Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge. "Fr Chrysostom's richly nuanced exposition is particularly impressive in the depth of its treatment of the Irish sources, which are, for the most part, little known. This book has much to offer to all who are concerned with the inwardness of Christianity." John Carey, Professor of Early and Medieval Irish, University College Cork."

Publisher -

Language - English

Paperback

Contributors

Author

Chrysostom Koutloumousianos

Published Date -

ISBN - 9780227175149

Dimensions - 23.4 x 15.6 x 1.4 cm

Page Count - 254