The Hesychast Tradition, from Egypt to Russia: a Journey into the Light of Christ

Author

Erin Ryan, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University

Date of Award

11-29-1999

Document Type

Graduate Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Church History

Department

School of Theology and Seminary

First Advisor

William J. Cahoy

Subject Categories

Christianity | History of Christianity | Religion

Abstract

I explore the emergence of the hesychast spirituality among the monks of the Egyptian desert, trace hesychasm to Mount Athos, where it is defended by Gregory Palamas, and follow it from there to the monks of Russia. I focus on how Christ's incarnation spoke to the importance of involving both body and mind in pursuit of the vision of the "divine light." Just as Christ appeared transfigured while losing nothing of his humanity, we humans can achieve deification through Christ, who is manifest in the Church and in the created world.

Comments

Access restricted to College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University on-campus users.

Recommended Citation

Ryan, Erin, "The Hesychast Tradition, from Egypt to Russia: a Journey into the Light of Christ" (1999). School of Theology and Seminary Graduate Papers/Theses. 1818.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/sot_papers/1818