Theocentric energetic anthropology of Gregory Palamas in the light of the theological and philosophical tradition of Byzantine Hesychasm

Abstract

The aim of this study is to formulate a theocentric energetic model of the anthropology of Byzantine Hesychasm as presented in the philosophy and theology of Gregory Palamas. The article analyzes his teaching on the apprehension of God, which serves as the basis for a doctrine of human knowledge – wherein the highest calling and primary meaning of human life lie in making the world more perfect. The scientific novelty of the article lies in substantiating the concept of Hesychast theocentric anthropology, grounded in the idea of human transfiguration (theosis). It has been established that, in the teaching of Palamas, human – as a unity of spirit (reason), soul, and body – is a dynamic reality. The “image and likeness” of God in human implies not only his “openness” to the Creator but also a vocation to make the world more perfect. Theosis is an ontological transformation wrought by Divine grace, in the course of which human, without losing his created nature, becomes like the Creator. A complete union with God takes place, constituting the ultimate meaning of human life.