Dragos Boicu | "Lucian Blaga" University of Sibiu (original) (raw)
Books by Dragos Boicu
The studies brought together in the present volume aim to follow the journey from a rigorous move... more The studies brought together in the present volume aim to follow
the journey from a rigorous movement to a schismatic entity
and its transformation into a heretical group. The main purpose is to highlight the fragility of ecclesial life and the effort that must be made to achieve the "unity of faith" (ἑνότης τῆς πίστεως) for which we pray at every Holy Liturgy.
Comparatively looking at this brief history of the Donatist schism and the evolution of any other "rebellious" group/faction, the reader will be able to determine whether, beyond the few landmarks and particular typologies, one can speak of a repetitive pattern that appears, more or less spontaneously, in the structure of the Church.
Romanian translation of Chrysologus' Sermons on the Creed (56-62A) and on the Lord's Prayer (67-72).
A short history of the Johannite schism starting with the conflict arose between John Chrysostom ... more A short history of the Johannite schism starting with the conflict arose between John Chrysostom and Severian of Gabala - a research developed around the homiletic triptych De regressu (CPG 4394), De recipiendo Severiano (CPG 4395) and Severian's De pace (CPG 4214) in both Greek and Latin versions. Then it follows the evolution of the schism from John's deposition until his death - comparing the Dialogue of Palladius of Helenopolis and Chrysostom's letters sent from exile. Another chapter represents the Johannites' struggle to restore John's name in the Eastern Church diptychs, and finally the return of Chrysostom's relics in Constantinople, announced by Proclus' Laudatio (CPG 5819).
Contents:
Warning........................ 7
Instead of argument: Intradenominational Religious Conflict and the Need for Self-Assertion........................ 13
The down of the Johannite Schism. Three homiletic stops on the way to the separation of the Constantinople's Church
Saint John – a Golden Mouth........................ 27
Chrysostom’s Homily De regressu – CPG 4394 ........................ 37
Context ........................ 40
Text........................ 52
Subtext ........................ 54
RomanianTranslation ...................... 62
Chrysostom’s Homily De recipiendo Severiano – CPG 4395..................... 74
Context ............................ 75
Text. ............................ 85
Subtext ..................... 86
Romanian Translation ..................... 91
Severian de Gabala's Homily De pace – CPG 4214 ........................ 95
Context. Severian de Gabala from the point of view of contemporary sources ................... 96
Text ........................ 112
Subtext .................... 117
Romanian Translation.................. 127
The Johannite Schism – a split passed under silence
The amplification of the tensions and the start of the Johannite Schism........................ 143
The Rehabilitation of Saint John Chrysostom between duty and necessity............... 177
Proclus’ Laudatio Sancti Ioannis Chrysostomi. Dating and authenticity of the text ........................ 195
Romanian Translation.............. 196
Annexes
Peter Chrysologus, Homily on Peace (CXLIX) ........ 201
Context ......................................... .............................. 201
Text ................ .................................................. .......... 203
Subtext ....................................... 205
Romanian Translation........................ 207
Chronological chart........................ 211
Bibliography ............................. 214
A short introduction to the decoration of church monuments painted by the artists trained in the ... more A short introduction to the decoration of church monuments painted by the artists trained in the so-called "Răşinari School" - an artistic movement influenced by the cultural phenomenon developed under the patronage of Constantin Brâncoveanu.
The published version of the PhD Thesis, regarding the Theodosian dynasty (379-453/457)
some glimpse of my PhD Thesis, submitted long ago
Ed. Agnos. Sibiu, 2017
The volume brings together a series of perspectives on the confession of faith in the communist e... more The volume brings together a series of perspectives on the confession of faith in the communist era (in Romania), following both the sufferings of those investigated and imprisoned and the persecutions their families have been subjected to.
The volume brings together a series of older texts on the theme of the Constantinian monarchy, a... more The volume brings together a series of older texts on the theme of the Constantinian monarchy, an attempt to systemate my opinions and intuitions not so much about the personality of Constantine the Great as for the Eusebian corpus and the way in which the perception of Christians evolved on the holy emperor.
Papers by Dragos Boicu
Mitropolia Ardealului, 2024
Some thoughts on the occasion of the untimely separation from the late dean of the Faculty of Ort... more Some thoughts on the occasion of the untimely separation from the late dean of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology "Andrei Şaguna" in Sibiu, Rev. Prof. Daniel Buda.
Teologie şi Viaţă, 2023
This paper aims to make a comparison between the eastern hymnographic creations incorporated in t... more This paper aims to make a comparison between the eastern hymnographic creations incorporated in the service of September 23 and June 24 (the conception and birth of John the Baptist) and the homilies LXXXVI-XCII of Saint Peter Chrysologus. The main purpose is to identify a series of topoi, highlighting the existence of a unitary tradition both in the East and in the West that used the same hermeneutic keys to interpret and develop the meanings of the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke.
Îndrumătorul bisericesc, 2024
A review of the categories of healing saints, highlighting the way in which the care and consolat... more A review of the categories of healing saints, highlighting the way in which the care and consolation of the suffering can be manifested in a much more common and concrete way starting from the establishment of the leprosarium in Bithynia by Saint John Chrysostom, as it turns out from Ps-Martyrius' Oratio funebris.
Părintele Mircea Ielciu, învăţătorul nostru despre Părinţii Bisericii : volum omagial la împlinirea vârstei de 65 de ani / coord.: pr. prof. univ. dr. Constantin Necula, lect. univ. dr. Dragoş Boicu, pr. asist. univ. dr. Radu Gârbacea. - Sibiu : Editura Andreiana, 2023 ISBN 978-606-989-150-6, 2023
Among the approximately 180 homilies of Saint Peter Chrysologus (†450), there are five pieces ded... more Among the approximately 180 homilies of Saint Peter Chrysologus (†450), there are five pieces dedicated to the Epiphany (CLVI-CLX of which Sermo CLIX is a pseudo-epigraph) which are part of the "nativity cycle" along with the speeches on Incarnation and Birth, on the flight to Egypt and on Herod and the infants. It stands out that the homilies CLVI and CLVIII do not contain any allusion to the Baptism of the Lord, while the rest of the sermons (CLVII and CLX) mention both the Baptism in the Jordan and the miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, along with the worship of the Magi. Therefore, in the first half of the fifth century we are faced with an evolution of the meaning of the Epiphany, which up to a certain point has as its object the worship of the Magi, so that later, after a number of years or decades, it also includes the theme of Baptism, respectively the wedding in Cana. The present text follows the theological argument that Peter Chrysologus builds to explain the tripartite character of the feast of the Epiphany.
Review of Ecumenical Studies Sibiu, 2023
The “Annunciation” Orthodox Church in Guşteriţa is the only church founded by Metropolitan Andrei... more The “Annunciation” Orthodox Church in Guşteriţa is the only church founded by Metropolitan Andrei §aguna in the surroundings ofSibiu. But it was not the first Orthodox church built in this little community. Despite the unfortunate historical context, the beginnings of the Orthodox parish in Guşteriţa were not as modest as one would think. This paper reconstructs the historical context and follows the traces of the first Orthodox church in Guşteriţa, pointing out that at the end of the eighteenth century, the Romanian community had managed to build a worship place made of stone. While the structure has long since been demolished and knowledge of its exact location has been lost, the site of this important structure can now be approximated based on available topographical evidence.
Despre isihasmul bizantin şi alte studii patristice: lucrările simpozionului internaţional "Tradiţia patristică în actualitate", Doxologia, Iaşi, 2023
Hesychasm has an undeniable empirical component and is based on an obvious ascetic experience, wh... more Hesychasm has an undeniable empirical component and is based on an obvious ascetic experience, which, in turn, is based on the lives of people with exceptional conduct. A special place among these ascetic models is occupied by Saint John the Baptist who embraced a very harsh lifestyle, and so Peter Chrysologus (†450) tries to identify the symbolic character of the defining elements for the hardship assumed by the Lord's Forerunner.
This paper attempts to highlight some topoi of St. John’s portrait, as emerging from the
homilies delivered by the bishop of Ravenna in the first half of the 5th century.
Îndrumător bisericesc (vol. 171), 2023
The Third Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (431) and the condemnation of Nestorius are difficult to ... more The Third Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (431) and the condemnation of Nestorius are difficult to integrate in the "church history" as they break patterns established by the previous Ecumenical Councils. Although the specialized textbooks (of Orthodox Churches) are presenting the history according to a structure designed to simplify the assimilation of information, things are by no means simple. That is precisely why it is necessary to go through the sources made available by the two parties involved in this dogmatic crisis.
JERTFELNICIE ÎN APOSTOLAT, DIDASCALIE ȘI LITURGHISIRE. Prinos de cinstire adus Înaltpreasfințitului Părintelui nostru Dr. Laurenţiu Streza, Arhiepiscopul Sibiului și Mitropolitul Ardealului, la împlinirea vârstei de 75 de ani, 2022
Of the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 4 sermons [CXL, CXLII-CXLI... more Of the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 4 sermons [CXL, CXLII-CXLIV] stands out, being dedicated to feast of Annunciation. These texts represent one of the most important collections of sermons on Annunciation, made by a Christian author of the "Golden Age" of Patristic Literature. On the other hand, the ideas expressed indicate a crystallization of a bold mariology, with profound Christological valences that correspond to the doctrine standardized after the Third Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (431 A.D.). In addition, we can recognize a set of hermeneutical keys that the venerable bishop of Ravenna applies for the exegesis of Luke’s first chapter, an interpretation meant to prepare his community before celebrating the Nativity of Christ.
Teologie şi Viaţă, 2022
This paper aims to sketch as accurately as possible the moral portrait of one of the recipients o... more This paper aims to sketch as accurately as possible the moral portrait of one of the recipients of Saint Isidore's epistles. In addition to the 15 letters addressed directly to Bishop Eusebius of Pelusium, we also find explicit references to him in another 54 letters, but also implicit references in several others. Starting from the observations of Pierre Évieux and Constantine Fouskas, this paper goes a little further in the analysis of the letters, systematizing the reproaches made by Saint Isidore in order to recover a series of details regarding the historical context in which he carried out his activity.
STUDIA UNIVERSITATIS BABEŞ‐BOLYAI THEOLOGIA ORTHODOXA, 2022
The union of the Romanian Principalities was a decisive moment in the history and evolution of th... more The union of the Romanian Principalities was a decisive moment in the history and evolution of the modern Romanian state, but its realization cannot be separated from the actions of the bishops and clergy, who were coopted in the electoral process from the very beginning. The activity of the clergy was not strictly limited to the bureaucratic management of the elections but revealed a set of political beliefs, actively supporting the idea of Romanians' national unity. This paper aims to insist on the political partisanship of the clergy respectively, on the immediate consequences of their involvement in political life.
The studies brought together in the present volume aim to follow the journey from a rigorous move... more The studies brought together in the present volume aim to follow
the journey from a rigorous movement to a schismatic entity
and its transformation into a heretical group. The main purpose is to highlight the fragility of ecclesial life and the effort that must be made to achieve the "unity of faith" (ἑνότης τῆς πίστεως) for which we pray at every Holy Liturgy.
Comparatively looking at this brief history of the Donatist schism and the evolution of any other "rebellious" group/faction, the reader will be able to determine whether, beyond the few landmarks and particular typologies, one can speak of a repetitive pattern that appears, more or less spontaneously, in the structure of the Church.
Romanian translation of Chrysologus' Sermons on the Creed (56-62A) and on the Lord's Prayer (67-72).
A short history of the Johannite schism starting with the conflict arose between John Chrysostom ... more A short history of the Johannite schism starting with the conflict arose between John Chrysostom and Severian of Gabala - a research developed around the homiletic triptych De regressu (CPG 4394), De recipiendo Severiano (CPG 4395) and Severian's De pace (CPG 4214) in both Greek and Latin versions. Then it follows the evolution of the schism from John's deposition until his death - comparing the Dialogue of Palladius of Helenopolis and Chrysostom's letters sent from exile. Another chapter represents the Johannites' struggle to restore John's name in the Eastern Church diptychs, and finally the return of Chrysostom's relics in Constantinople, announced by Proclus' Laudatio (CPG 5819).
Contents:
Warning........................ 7
Instead of argument: Intradenominational Religious Conflict and the Need for Self-Assertion........................ 13
The down of the Johannite Schism. Three homiletic stops on the way to the separation of the Constantinople's Church
Saint John – a Golden Mouth........................ 27
Chrysostom’s Homily De regressu – CPG 4394 ........................ 37
Context ........................ 40
Text........................ 52
Subtext ........................ 54
RomanianTranslation ...................... 62
Chrysostom’s Homily De recipiendo Severiano – CPG 4395..................... 74
Context ............................ 75
Text. ............................ 85
Subtext ..................... 86
Romanian Translation ..................... 91
Severian de Gabala's Homily De pace – CPG 4214 ........................ 95
Context. Severian de Gabala from the point of view of contemporary sources ................... 96
Text ........................ 112
Subtext .................... 117
Romanian Translation.................. 127
The Johannite Schism – a split passed under silence
The amplification of the tensions and the start of the Johannite Schism........................ 143
The Rehabilitation of Saint John Chrysostom between duty and necessity............... 177
Proclus’ Laudatio Sancti Ioannis Chrysostomi. Dating and authenticity of the text ........................ 195
Romanian Translation.............. 196
Annexes
Peter Chrysologus, Homily on Peace (CXLIX) ........ 201
Context ......................................... .............................. 201
Text ................ .................................................. .......... 203
Subtext ....................................... 205
Romanian Translation........................ 207
Chronological chart........................ 211
Bibliography ............................. 214
A short introduction to the decoration of church monuments painted by the artists trained in the ... more A short introduction to the decoration of church monuments painted by the artists trained in the so-called "Răşinari School" - an artistic movement influenced by the cultural phenomenon developed under the patronage of Constantin Brâncoveanu.
The published version of the PhD Thesis, regarding the Theodosian dynasty (379-453/457)
some glimpse of my PhD Thesis, submitted long ago
Ed. Agnos. Sibiu, 2017
The volume brings together a series of perspectives on the confession of faith in the communist e... more The volume brings together a series of perspectives on the confession of faith in the communist era (in Romania), following both the sufferings of those investigated and imprisoned and the persecutions their families have been subjected to.
The volume brings together a series of older texts on the theme of the Constantinian monarchy, a... more The volume brings together a series of older texts on the theme of the Constantinian monarchy, an attempt to systemate my opinions and intuitions not so much about the personality of Constantine the Great as for the Eusebian corpus and the way in which the perception of Christians evolved on the holy emperor.
Mitropolia Ardealului, 2024
Some thoughts on the occasion of the untimely separation from the late dean of the Faculty of Ort... more Some thoughts on the occasion of the untimely separation from the late dean of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology "Andrei Şaguna" in Sibiu, Rev. Prof. Daniel Buda.
Teologie şi Viaţă, 2023
This paper aims to make a comparison between the eastern hymnographic creations incorporated in t... more This paper aims to make a comparison between the eastern hymnographic creations incorporated in the service of September 23 and June 24 (the conception and birth of John the Baptist) and the homilies LXXXVI-XCII of Saint Peter Chrysologus. The main purpose is to identify a series of topoi, highlighting the existence of a unitary tradition both in the East and in the West that used the same hermeneutic keys to interpret and develop the meanings of the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke.
Îndrumătorul bisericesc, 2024
A review of the categories of healing saints, highlighting the way in which the care and consolat... more A review of the categories of healing saints, highlighting the way in which the care and consolation of the suffering can be manifested in a much more common and concrete way starting from the establishment of the leprosarium in Bithynia by Saint John Chrysostom, as it turns out from Ps-Martyrius' Oratio funebris.
Părintele Mircea Ielciu, învăţătorul nostru despre Părinţii Bisericii : volum omagial la împlinirea vârstei de 65 de ani / coord.: pr. prof. univ. dr. Constantin Necula, lect. univ. dr. Dragoş Boicu, pr. asist. univ. dr. Radu Gârbacea. - Sibiu : Editura Andreiana, 2023 ISBN 978-606-989-150-6, 2023
Among the approximately 180 homilies of Saint Peter Chrysologus (†450), there are five pieces ded... more Among the approximately 180 homilies of Saint Peter Chrysologus (†450), there are five pieces dedicated to the Epiphany (CLVI-CLX of which Sermo CLIX is a pseudo-epigraph) which are part of the "nativity cycle" along with the speeches on Incarnation and Birth, on the flight to Egypt and on Herod and the infants. It stands out that the homilies CLVI and CLVIII do not contain any allusion to the Baptism of the Lord, while the rest of the sermons (CLVII and CLX) mention both the Baptism in the Jordan and the miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, along with the worship of the Magi. Therefore, in the first half of the fifth century we are faced with an evolution of the meaning of the Epiphany, which up to a certain point has as its object the worship of the Magi, so that later, after a number of years or decades, it also includes the theme of Baptism, respectively the wedding in Cana. The present text follows the theological argument that Peter Chrysologus builds to explain the tripartite character of the feast of the Epiphany.
Review of Ecumenical Studies Sibiu, 2023
The “Annunciation” Orthodox Church in Guşteriţa is the only church founded by Metropolitan Andrei... more The “Annunciation” Orthodox Church in Guşteriţa is the only church founded by Metropolitan Andrei §aguna in the surroundings ofSibiu. But it was not the first Orthodox church built in this little community. Despite the unfortunate historical context, the beginnings of the Orthodox parish in Guşteriţa were not as modest as one would think. This paper reconstructs the historical context and follows the traces of the first Orthodox church in Guşteriţa, pointing out that at the end of the eighteenth century, the Romanian community had managed to build a worship place made of stone. While the structure has long since been demolished and knowledge of its exact location has been lost, the site of this important structure can now be approximated based on available topographical evidence.
Despre isihasmul bizantin şi alte studii patristice: lucrările simpozionului internaţional "Tradiţia patristică în actualitate", Doxologia, Iaşi, 2023
Hesychasm has an undeniable empirical component and is based on an obvious ascetic experience, wh... more Hesychasm has an undeniable empirical component and is based on an obvious ascetic experience, which, in turn, is based on the lives of people with exceptional conduct. A special place among these ascetic models is occupied by Saint John the Baptist who embraced a very harsh lifestyle, and so Peter Chrysologus (†450) tries to identify the symbolic character of the defining elements for the hardship assumed by the Lord's Forerunner.
This paper attempts to highlight some topoi of St. John’s portrait, as emerging from the
homilies delivered by the bishop of Ravenna in the first half of the 5th century.
Îndrumător bisericesc (vol. 171), 2023
The Third Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (431) and the condemnation of Nestorius are difficult to ... more The Third Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (431) and the condemnation of Nestorius are difficult to integrate in the "church history" as they break patterns established by the previous Ecumenical Councils. Although the specialized textbooks (of Orthodox Churches) are presenting the history according to a structure designed to simplify the assimilation of information, things are by no means simple. That is precisely why it is necessary to go through the sources made available by the two parties involved in this dogmatic crisis.
JERTFELNICIE ÎN APOSTOLAT, DIDASCALIE ȘI LITURGHISIRE. Prinos de cinstire adus Înaltpreasfințitului Părintelui nostru Dr. Laurenţiu Streza, Arhiepiscopul Sibiului și Mitropolitul Ardealului, la împlinirea vârstei de 75 de ani, 2022
Of the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 4 sermons [CXL, CXLII-CXLI... more Of the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 4 sermons [CXL, CXLII-CXLIV] stands out, being dedicated to feast of Annunciation. These texts represent one of the most important collections of sermons on Annunciation, made by a Christian author of the "Golden Age" of Patristic Literature. On the other hand, the ideas expressed indicate a crystallization of a bold mariology, with profound Christological valences that correspond to the doctrine standardized after the Third Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (431 A.D.). In addition, we can recognize a set of hermeneutical keys that the venerable bishop of Ravenna applies for the exegesis of Luke’s first chapter, an interpretation meant to prepare his community before celebrating the Nativity of Christ.
Teologie şi Viaţă, 2022
This paper aims to sketch as accurately as possible the moral portrait of one of the recipients o... more This paper aims to sketch as accurately as possible the moral portrait of one of the recipients of Saint Isidore's epistles. In addition to the 15 letters addressed directly to Bishop Eusebius of Pelusium, we also find explicit references to him in another 54 letters, but also implicit references in several others. Starting from the observations of Pierre Évieux and Constantine Fouskas, this paper goes a little further in the analysis of the letters, systematizing the reproaches made by Saint Isidore in order to recover a series of details regarding the historical context in which he carried out his activity.
STUDIA UNIVERSITATIS BABEŞ‐BOLYAI THEOLOGIA ORTHODOXA, 2022
The union of the Romanian Principalities was a decisive moment in the history and evolution of th... more The union of the Romanian Principalities was a decisive moment in the history and evolution of the modern Romanian state, but its realization cannot be separated from the actions of the bishops and clergy, who were coopted in the electoral process from the very beginning. The activity of the clergy was not strictly limited to the bureaucratic management of the elections but revealed a set of political beliefs, actively supporting the idea of Romanians' national unity. This paper aims to insist on the political partisanship of the clergy respectively, on the immediate consequences of their involvement in political life.
Religions, 2022
Some Christian texts, and especially hagiographic and hymnographic ones, record a miraculous phen... more Some Christian texts, and especially hagiographic and hymnographic ones, record a miraculous phenomenon at the violent deaths of several martyrs: from the beheaded bodies, milk flows instead of blood. After a superficial reading of the biographical passages in the synaxaria and iambic stichoi recorded in the Menaia, we can identify at least ten such cases, among which we find well-known saints, such as Apostle Paul and St. Katherine. This article attempts to revisit this unwonted topos of Christian literature, and to list its occurrences in the liturgical texts of the Orthodox Church and Acta Sanctorum.
STUDIA UNIVERSITATIS BABEŞ‐BOLYAI THEOLOGIA ORTHODOXA, 2021
The history of the Romanian Orthodox Church during the communist regime is still far from being k... more The history of the Romanian Orthodox Church during the communist regime is still far from being known and the historical circumstances are not yet fully understood. In addition to numerous historical sources that can shed light on this rather vast subject, an important resource proves to be the CIA archive. Recently declassified documents reflect a new set of information and describe circumstances that allow for a more nuanced interpretation of the position of Patriarch Justinian Marina in the 1940s and 1950s. This paper aims to explore the Information Reports and Staff notes prepared by the CIA analysts during this period.
Pedagogie şi duhovnicie: studii în onoarea părintelui nostru pr. lect. univ. dr. Mihai Iosu / coord.: pr. conf. univ. dr. Constantin Necula. - Sibiu : Editura Andreiana, 2022, ISBN 978-606-989-108-7
The enigmatic identity of the circumcellions is visibly distorted by historical sources that refl... more The enigmatic identity of the circumcellions is visibly distorted by historical sources that reflect the discriminatory language against the heterodox formulated during the Theodosian dynasty, through which a true stereotype of stigmatization was constructed. Over time, researchers have assigned different identities and roles to them, such as religious dissidents, terrorists, nationalist rebels, oppressed of fate, proletarians engaged in class struggle, natives who claim their right to a culture of its own, liberated from the Latin influence – infiltrated even deeper into North Africa through the Church. The circumcellions become in turn the exponents of various denominational, political, social or cultural positions endorsed by researchers, and so any research on this subject is rather a faithful mirror of the ideological background specific to the era in which they are written, building or deconstructing, mystifying or challenging concepts and representations.
HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies
Contribution: The article focuses on Father Scrima (1925-2000) and argues that this remarkable Ro... more Contribution: The article focuses on Father Scrima (1925-2000) and argues that this remarkable Romanian theologian is often overlooked. He was gifted with an incredible memory and an outstanding capacity to bring together information from different fields of knowledge-the so-called classical culture-with universal cultural elements, patterns, traits or institutions that are common to all human cultures worldwide, presenting them in a theological interpretation.
Transilvania, 2021
This article aims to present a significant episode in the history of migrations in Europe: the pa... more This article aims to present a significant episode in the history of migrations in Europe: the passage of the Visigoths into the Roman Empire south of the Danube (376 A.D.) and their transformation from afflicted refugees into fearsome insurgents. Beyond this spectacular evolution, the paper evaluates the position of the Church and the attitude of Bishop John Chrysostom towards these migrants in a context in which xenophobic feelings have reached a climax.
Fides et sapientia: studii în onoarea părintelui nostru pr. prof. univ. dr. Nicolae Chifăr / coord.: pr. prof. univ. dr. Daniel Buda, asist. univ. dr. Dragoş Boicu – Sibiu : Editura Andreiana, 2021, ISBN 978-606-989-106-3
This text aims to approach the issue of Greek fire from a different perspective. Historical sourc... more This text aims to approach the issue of Greek fire from a different perspective. Historical sources often show natural phenomena that are signaled during the use of Greek fire, amplifying the disastrous effects attributed to the miraculous weapon. The study explores the possibility that Greek fire was never an effective weapon, but an elaborate bluff
A short investigation regarding the main motives revolving the "traditio symboli" in Ravenna, acc... more A short investigation regarding the main motives revolving the "traditio symboli" in Ravenna, according to Peter Chrysologus
Although they are appreciated more for their intellectual qualities than for their experience of ... more Although they are appreciated more for their intellectual qualities than for their experience of the Jesus Prayer, both Father Stăniloae and Father Scrima contributed significantly through their works to a better knowledge of the hesychast phenomenon. Moreover, through their vast cultural horizon, they have achieved a mature reception of the philokalic tradition.
Religions, 2021
Living and teaching among different cultures, Father André Scrima found a favourable environment ... more Living and teaching among different cultures, Father André Scrima found a favourable environment that challenged him to understand the complex dynamic of the relationship with the ‘alien’, the ‘other’. He developed a fresh theological position and proposed a responsible openness to otherness. Through his entire diplomatic and didactic activity, and especially through the ideas he promoted in his courses, he tried to set in motion an approach to interfaith and interreligious dialogue that was as humble as possible, but creative and free. The purpose of this paper is to present, as authentically as possible, a part of his outstanding thinking on the matter of interdenominational dialogue and interreligious openness.
IMPERIUM ET SACERDOTIUM: dinamica raporturilor biserică-stat în Imperiul Romano-Bizantin (306-867). Pr. Prof. Dr. Nicolae Chifăr, Dr. Dragoş Boicu (Coord.), ASTRA Museum, Sibiu, 2015
Chapter dedicated to the Theodosian dynasty and its religious policy
Revista Teologică, 2024
Of the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 2 sermons [CLII and CLIII]... more Of the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 2 sermons [CLII and CLIII] stands out, being dedicated to the massacre (or slaughter) of the Innocents, a feast based on the Nativity narrative of the Gospel of Matthew (2:16-18). These texts dating from the first half of the fifth century represent the oldest testimony regarding a specific day dedicated to the commemoration of the "holy infants", predating by at least half a century the Carthaginian calendar, which is generally considered the earliest mention of this celebration.
Revista Teologică, 2024
Among the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 12 sermons [LXXIII-LXXX... more Among the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 12 sermons [LXXIII-LXXXIV] is dedicated to the Lord’s Resurrection, representing one of the most important collections on this subject of a Christian author of the “golden age” of patristic literature. From these 12 Pascal homilies we render in Romanian translation the sermons based on John's Gospel, chapter 20 and 21 (LXXVIII and LXXXIV).
Misiunea Bisericii Ortodoxe în lumea contemporană : omagiu pr. prof. dr. Aurel Pavel la împlinirea vârstei de 65 de ani / coord.: pr. conf. univ. dr. Constantin Oancea, conf. univ. dr. Ciprian Iulian Toroczkai, pr. asist. univ. dr. Radu Gârbacea. - Sibiu : Editura Andreiana, 2024 ISBN 978-606-989..., 2024
Going through the homiletic corpus of Saint Peter Chrysologus, the reader can encounter several g... more Going through the homiletic corpus of Saint Peter Chrysologus, the reader can encounter several groups of thematic speeches dedicated to the same feast or the same text of Holy Scripture, approaching different levels of exegesis through which the bishop of Ravenna tries to decipher the Gospel from both a historical-literary and an allegorical point of view.
Such a set of three speeches has also been preserved on the pericope about the “sinful woman”, from Luke 7, 36-50.
Revista Teologica, 2024
Of the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 4 sermons [CLVI, CLVII, CL... more Of the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 4 sermons [CLVI, CLVII, CLVIII, CLX] stands out, being dedicated to Epiphany feast. These texts prove that in the first half of the fifth century we are faced with an evolution of the meaning of the Epiphany, which up to a certain point has as its object the worship of the Magi, so that later, after a number of years or decades, it also includes the theme of Baptism, respectively the wedding in Cana.
Revista Teologică, 2023
Of the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 4 sermons [VII, VIIbis, VI... more Of the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 4 sermons [VII, VIIbis, VIII, IX] stands out, being dedicated to Quiquagesima. These texts represent one of the most important collections of sermons ever composed by a Christian author of the "Golden Age" of Patristic Literature on this liturgical landmark, anticipating the Lent or Quadragesima.
Revista Teologică, 2022
The personality of Saint John the Baptist is often evoked by the bishop of Ravenna, so that of th... more The personality of Saint John the Baptist is often evoked by the bishop of Ravenna, so that of the approximately 180 homilies preserved from Saint Peter, 13 are dedicated to the Forerunner of Jesus Christ. From these 13 sermons we render in Romanian translation the 7 homilies focused on Zacharia's angelophany and the marvelous conception of Saint John (Sermones LXXXVI-XCII).
Revista Teologică, 2022
The personality of Saint John the Baptist is often evoked by the bishop of Ravenna, so that of th... more The personality of Saint John the Baptist is often evoked by the bishop of Ravenna, so that of the approximately 180 homilies preserved from Saint Peter, 13 are dedicated to the Forerunner of Jesus Christ. From these 13 sermons we render in Romanian translation the homilies focused on either to his tragic end or to his preaching and activity in the Jordan desert (CXXVII, CXXXVII, CLXVII, CLXXIII, CLXXIV and CLXXIX).
Pr. Prof. Univ. Dr. Vasile Grăjdian – O viaţă închinată muzicii şi teologiei româneşti: volum omagial la împlinirea vârstei de 70 de ani, 2023
A brief exploration of the context in which the homilies at Calendae (155 and 155A) were delivere... more A brief exploration of the context in which the homilies at Calendae (155 and 155A) were delivered by St. Peter Chrysologus and their translation into Romanian.
Revista Teologică, 2022
Among the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 12 sermons [LXXIII-LXXX... more Among the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 12 sermons [LXXIII-LXXXIV] is dedicated to the Lord’s Resurrection, representing one of the most important collections on this subject of a Christian author of the “golden age” of patristic literature. From these 12 Paschal homilies we render in Romanian translation the sermons based on Luke's Gospel, chapter 24 (LXXIX and LXXXI).
Revista Teologica, 2022
Of the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 4 sermons [CXL, CXLII-CXLI... more Of the approximately 180 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 4 sermons [CXL, CXLII-CXLIV] stands out, being dedicated to the feast of Annunciation. These texts represent one of the most important collections of sermons on this feast, made by a Christian author of the "Golden Age" of Patristic Literature. On the other hand, the ideas expressed indicate a crystallization of a bold mariology, with profound Christological valences that correspond to the doctrine standardized after the Third Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (431 A.D.). In addition, we can recognize a set of hermeneutical keys that the venerable bishop of Ravenna applies for the exegesis of Luke's first chapter, an interpretation meant to prepare his community before celebrating the Nativity of Christ..
Revista Teologică, 2021
Of the approximately 190 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 6 sermons [LXVII-LXXII] st... more Of the approximately 190 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 6 sermons [LXVII-LXXII] stands out, being dedicated to explaining the Lord's Prayer. These texts represent one of the most important collections of sermons on the Lord's Prayer, made by a Christian author of the "Golden Age" of Patristic Literature. On the other hand, the ideas expressed indicate a crystallization of the expositio orationis dominicae, as well as the existence of a pattern that was probably further developed in catechesis, a set of hermeneutical keys that the venerable bishop of Ravenna regularly handed over to Christians in his community.
Revista Teologica, 2021
Among the approximately 190 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 12 sermons [LXXIII-LXXX... more Among the approximately 190 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 12 sermons [LXXIII-LXXXIV] is dedicated to the Lord's Resurrection, representing one of the most important collections on this subject of a Christian author of the "golden age" of patristic literature. From these 12 Pascal homilies we render in Romanian translation the sermons based on Mark's Gospel, chapter 16 (LXXXII and LXXXIII).
Revista Teologică, 2021
Of the approximately 190 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, two sermons [CXI-CXII] stand out, bei... more Of the approximately 190 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, two sermons [CXI-CXII] stand out, being dedicated to explaining the problematic question of the original sin, as it is presented in St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans. Although they are not meant to explain in detail the problem of original sin, as Augustine does, the two homilies reveal specific aspects of the Church of Ravenna to relate to this doctrine.
Revista Teologica, 2020
Of the approximately 190 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 8 sermons [LVI-LXIIa] stan... more Of the approximately 190 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 8 sermons [LVI-LXIIa] stands out, being dedicated to explaining the Apostles Creed. These texts represent one of the most important collections of sermons on the Old Roman Creed, ever made by a Christian author of the "Golden Age" of Patristic Literature. On the other hand, the ideas expressed indicate a crystallization of the expositio Symboli, as well as the existence of a pattern that was probably further developed in catechesis, a set of hermeneutical keys that the venerable bishop of Ravenna regularly handed over to Christians in his community. .
Revista Teologică, 2020
Among the 11 themes of Liber XVIth that concludes the Theodosian Codex is an extremely interestin... more Among the 11 themes of Liber XVIth that concludes the Theodosian Codex is an extremely interesting section on performing the Baptism, prohibiting the repetition of the holy sacrament as practiced in North Africa by the Donatist schismatics. There are also included the restrictions and sanctions to be applied to Donatists. These measures are based on the group of decrees that constitute the section Ne sanctum baptisma iteretur, which we render in Romanian translation for the first time.
Revista Teologica, 2020
Among the approximately 190 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 12 sermons [LXXIII-LXXX... more Among the approximately 190 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 12 sermons [LXXIII-LXXXIV] is dedicated to the feast of the Resurrection, representing one of the most important collections on this subject of a Christian author of the "golden age" of patristic literature. From these 12 Pascal homilies we render in Romanian translation the anniversary Easter discourse (LXXIII) and the sermons based on Matthew's Gospel, chapter 28 (LXXIV, LXXV, LXXVI, LXXVII, LXXX).
Mitropolia Ardealului (serie nouă), 2021
Of the approximately 190 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 8 sermons [LVI-LXIIa] stan... more Of the approximately 190 homilies of St. Peter Chrysologus, a group of 8 sermons [LVI-LXIIa] stands out, being dedicated to explaining the Apostles Creed. Although strongly supported by Alejandro Olivar, the authenticity of the eighth homily [LXIIa (CPL 229a)] is still disputed, but even if the authorship of the text remains a topic of discussion, the content of this short expositio Symboli represents a model for a concise interpretation of Christian doctrine.
The Latin version of the severian homily De pace (CPG 4214) reveals the complicated and unexpecte... more The Latin version of the severian homily De pace (CPG 4214) reveals the complicated and unexpected ways of transmitting the patristic texts. Known as Sermon 149 of Collectio Feliciana and attributed to Saint Peter Chrysologus, the bishop of Ravenna († 450), the severian text is along with Sermon 138 and Sermon 53 a proof of the unusual circulation of patristic exhortations, that have distinguished themselves through their brevity and enthusiasm.
Revista Teologica, 2019
The homily De pace (CPG 4214) is one of the severian sermons with an undeniable authenticity that... more The homily De pace (CPG 4214) is one of the severian sermons with an undeniable authenticity that gives us an insight of his conflict with John Chrysostom. The homily was composed on occasion of their reconciliation's celebration and it's a reply to Chrysostom's speech on the previous day. Severian skilfully constructs this text by subtly highlighting the shortcomings of John's pastoration. He also emphasizes that the peace of the community does not have its origin so much in the authority of the bishop who claims it-as Chrysostom did in his De recipiendo Severiano homily-but in the grace of Christ who offers it.
Revista Teologică, 2019
The homily De recipiendo Severiano (CPG 4395) is one of the chrysostomic sermons with an undeniab... more The homily De recipiendo Severiano (CPG 4395) is one of the chrysostomic sermons with an undeniable authenticity that gives us an insight of his conflict with Severian, bishop of Gabala. Under the pretext of proclaiming the peace John Chrysostom actually warns his community about the schemes of Severian and buils a new demonstration of strenght in order to prevent further attacks from Severian's sustainers.
Romanian translation by Dumitru Stăniloae
Romanian translation by Dumitru Stăniloae
Romanian translation by Teodor Bodogae
Romanian translation by Dumitru Stăniloae
Romanian translation by Gh.I Şerban.
Romanian translation by Ioan I. Ică jr.
Romanian translation by Dumitru Fecioru
Romanian translation by Teodor Bodogae & Alexandru Mihăilă
Romanian translation by Iorgu Ivan.
Romanian translation by Dumitru Fecioru.
Romanian translation by Aurel Tita
Romanian translation by Dumitru Stăniloae
Ephrem the Syrian – Hymns on Resurrection Romanian translation by Ioan I Ică jr
Caecilius Firmianus Lactantius (c. 250-c. 325) reprezintă "o referinţă imposibil de ignorat în st... more Caecilius Firmianus Lactantius (c. 250-c. 325) reprezintă "o referinţă imposibil de ignorat în studiul creştinismului vechi sau al Antichităţii târzii" 1 . Datele biografice sunt relativ puţine lăsând loc pentru numeroase incertitudini privind viaţa sa. "Astfel, este greu de spus unde şi-a petrecut anii de prigoană -dacă a rămas în Nicomidia sau dacă s-a refugiat în Italia, Galia sau chiar Africa, ulterior întorcându-se la Nicomidia. În orice caz, el pare să fi fost martor al promulgării edictului de toleranţă al lui Galerius la Nicomidia, în aprilie 311, şi al intrării în oraş a împăratului Licinius după victoria împotriva lui Maximinus Daza, urmată de «Edictul de la Milano» (litterae Licinii), în iunie 313. La sfârşitul aceluiaşi an, după toate probabilităţile, Lactanţiu începe să scrie De mortibus perecutorum, lucrare pe care o va termina, se pare, în Apus la Treveri, la curtea occidentală a împăratului Constantin, spre jumătatea anului 316" 2 .
Romanian translation by Constantin Corniţescu
Romanian translation by David Popescu
Romanian translation by David Popescu.
Romanian translation by Dumitru Fecioru
Romanian translation by Olimp Căciulă
Translation by Dumitru Fecioru
În plină perioadă de frământări şi incertitudini, de derută şi rătăcire, părintele Vasile Gafton ... more În plină perioadă de frământări şi incertitudini, de derută şi rătăcire, părintele Vasile Gafton ne propune să parcurgem împreună "Drumul cel lung spre noi înşine", pentru a ne regăsi şi pentru a ne redescoperi direcţia. Cum sublinia şi Părintele Profesor Constantin Necula în prefaţa volumului (p. 7-10), cele "10+1 Cuvinte la Perioada Triodului" scot în evidenţă calitatea autorului de pelerin pe calea înţelegerii, care nu se instalează într-o exegeză tradiţională, ci iese din zona de confort şi aplică textelor scripturistice şi liturgice chei hermeneutice îndrăzneţe. Poate mai mult decât în celelalte cinci volume din colecţia de autor, publicată la Editura Andreiana, Părintele Gafton ne conduce în zona filosofiei şi a psihologiei, corelând temele de morală creştină cu constatările făcute de Paul Ricoeur, Howard Gardner, Jean Piaget, Erich Fromm, Karen Horney şi alţi specialişti. Problema introspecţiei sau a descoperirii sinelui autentic este o preocupare constantă a autorului, trădată în numeroase alte texte şi cuvântări de-ale sale, iar în volumul de faţă ea se împleteşte atât de natural cu temele Triodului, încât devine greu de descifrat dacă acestea din urmă provoacă dezvoltarea tâlcuirilor sau sunt mai degrabă sunt pretexte şi argumente pentru evidenţierea unor observaţii sistematice anterioare. Încă din introducere, Omul şi purtarea de grijă a lui Dumnezeu (p. 11-25), Părintele Gafton ţine să precizeze că "dacă nu reuşim să-L găsim pe Dumnezeu în lume, este în primul rând pentru că nici noi, nici omul modern nu mai vrem să Îl găsim pe Dumnezeu în lume [...] pentru că Dumnezeu, pur şi simplu, ne incomodează" (p. 14-15). "Din lipsă de credinţă în Dumnezeu, din orgoliu, mândrie, prostie şi autonomie, oamenii se îndepărtează prin propria alegere de Dumnezeu şi de ei înşişi" (p. 22). Prin urmare nu trebuie să ne mai mirăm de starea în care se află omenirea atâta timp cât devenim agenţi ai suferinţei, iar acţiunile cu care ne facem remarcaţi în societate vizează continuu crearea de situaţii al căror rezultat este suferinţa celorlalţi. Reluând sub altă formă afirmaţia lui Imanuel Kant (Nu te plânge că ești strivit, dacă te-ai făcut vierme!), aceste rânduri introductive au o puternică notă apologetică, reprezentând o concentrată teodicee. Soluţia pentru a ieşi din logica "autonomizării" şi a "izolării" este desigur o conversie a întregii noastre vieţi prin întoarcerea dinspre lume spre sine şi, mai apoi, prin sine spre Dumnezeu (p. 25). Având tot caracter introductiv, meditaţia intitulată Drumul spre regăsirea de sine (p. 26-48), accentuează şi mai mult înstrăinarea sau rătăcirea de la menirea noastră "prin cultivarea cu predilecţie a orientării spre exterior, spre lume şi cele ale lumii" (p. 30). Consecinţele acestei îndepărtării "afectează, din păcate, până şi voinţa de a încerca măcar o apropiere de cele impuse de disciplina, să zicem, exterioară a postului" (p. 30). Slăbirea voinţei indică absenţa responsabilităţii şi a credinţei: "Nu mai ai responsabilitatea de a creşte, de a te forma, de a deveni întru fiinţă, aşa cum spunea Constantin Noica. Nu te mai raportezi la nimic din ce a fost sau din ce este, ci raportezi totul la tine. Nu trebuie să te mai potriveşti unor norme, unor moduri de a fi sau unor obiceiuri străvechi, ci totul trebuie să ţi se potrivească ţie" (p. 36). Tocmai pentru că "ne căutăm pe noi înşine" în tot felul de surogate şi alternative facile ar trebui să profităm de Perioada Triodului pentru a ne întoarce spre noi înşine şi apoi spre Dumnezeu-o altă faţă a pocăinţei. Doar că atingerea dimensiunii noastre autentice şi reale presupune "efortul considerabil şi determinarea care sunt necesare pentru a lăsa deoparte ceea ce este negativ, rău, nefolositor şi a păstra şi fructifica doar ceea ce ne poate servi pentru a ne atinge scopul" (p. 43). Iar dacă nu îţi asumi voluntar efortul, pocăinţa
Probabil nu este teolog care să nu fi auzit de Willem Adolf Visser 't Hooft (1900-1985), unul din... more Probabil nu este teolog care să nu fi auzit de Willem Adolf Visser 't Hooft (1900-1985), unul dintre fondatorii Consiliului Mondial al Bisericilor (World Council of Churches) şi cel dintâi secretar general al acestei instituţii între anii 1948 şi 1966, o personalitate care a marcat profund mişcarea ecumenică şi dialogul religios. Dar dincolo de aceste informaţii, viaţa lui Visser 't Hooft ne este de cele mai multe ori necunoscută. Preocuparea pentru realizarea unei biografii s-a conturat destul de timpuriu, dar paşi concreţi pentru redactarea ei au fost făcuţi abia de către istoricul bisericesc şi misiologul emerit Prof. dr. Pieter Nanne Holtrop, care a început să strângă materialul bibliografic necesar şi să-l fişeze. Dar moartea sa, survenită la 3 august 2012, a curmat aceste eforturi. Totuşi Fundaţia pentru biografia Dr W.A. Visser 't Hooft (Stichting Biografie Dr. W.A. Visser 't Hooft), constituită în anul 2011 a încurajat continuarea proiectului, încredinţându-l în ianuarie 2013 teologului olandez Jurjen A. Zeilstra, care sub forma unei cercetări doctorale a reconstituit fascinantul curs al vieţii lui Visser 't Hooft, teză susţinută în anul 2018. Cele 10 capitole ale lucrării sunt precedate de o scurtă introducere în care sunt prezentate succint subiectul, biografiile deja existente şi provocările metodologice (p. 19-30). Întâi de toate a fost nevoie de o sortare riguroasă a materialului scris, a înregistrărilor, dar şi consemnarea numeroaselor mărturii orale pe care apropiaţii sau foştii colaboratori ai lui Visser 't Hooft au ţinut să le ofere, aspect pe care autorul îl evidenţiază şi în interviul oferit jurnalistei Susan Kim 1. Cu acest prilej accentuează necesitatea de a realiza o cercetare intensivă care să nu se axeze pe ceea ce s-a scris deja despre Visser 't Hooft, ori să fie mult prea dependent de memoriile acestuia. Totuşi, cea mai mare provocare evocată de Jurjen Zeilstra este relaţia cu subiectul lucrării, pentru că nicio biografie nu poate fi întocmită fără o oarecare afinitate sau fascinaţie faţă de protagonistul ei şi, deşi nu l-a întâlnit niciodată, autorul vede aici avantajul pe care i-l conferă distanţa naturală, care nu-l obligă să aibă o atitudine reverenţioasă ce ar putea să-i ştirbească din obiectivitate. De altfel, Dr. Zeilstra abordează biografia strict dintr-o perspectivă istorică şi critică, punctând însă şi elemente ale viziunii teologice particulare a lui Visser 't Hooft. Din această abordare "bidisciplinară", istorică şi teologică, decurg cele zece sinteze care alcătuiesc tot atâtea capitole ale cercetării biografice. Cel dintâi capitol, intitulat "The World Opens Up, 1900-1924" (p. 31-66), urmăreşte evoluţia vieţii lui Wim Visser 't Hooft de la naşterea sa, la începutul secolului al XX-lea în Haarlem, Olanda, până la stabilirea sa în Geneva ca secretar general al Asociaţiei Tinerilor Creştini (Young Men's Christian Association) în anul 1924. Este accentuat rolul pe care îl are mediul aristocrat în care s-a născut şi rolul pe care l-a avut în formarea sa conştientizarea acestui statut şi obligaţiile pe care le impunea în societatea olandeză. De asemenea, sunt urmărite importantele influenţe timpurii asupra viziunii şi teologiei sale, exercitate de Karl Bart, dar şi de Nederlandse Christen Studenten Vereniging (Societatea Studenţilor Creştini Olandezi). Încă de timpuriu se remarcă prin capacităţile sale de a crea punţi de dialog între diferiţi parteneri, dar mai ales de a obţine surprinzătoare soluţii de conciliere, calităţi care se vor dovedi decisive pentru cariera sa la Consiliul Mondial al Bisericilor. Al doilea capitol reuneşte sub titlul "The School of International EncounterWorking with Youth and Students, 1924-1939" (p. 67-146) informaţii despre activitatea desfăşurată de Visser 't Hooft până în ajunul celui deal Doilea Război Mondial. Se pare că lucrarea pe care o realizează ca secretar internaţional la Young Men's Christian Association şi mai apoi la
STUDIA UNIVERSITATIS, THEOLOGIA ORTHODOXA,, 2020
Revista Teologică, 2018
Recenzii 336 gânditorilor de forță ai filosofiei europene. Urmează apoi o muncă asiduuă de reflec... more Recenzii 336 gânditorilor de forță ai filosofiei europene. Urmează apoi o muncă asiduuă de reflecție, care face din Viața spiritului o meditație, un eseu filosofic, nu o lucrarea sistematică tradițională.
STUDIA UNIVERSITATIS, THEOLOGIA ORTHODOXA,, 2019
Review of Ecumenical Studies, 2019
STUDIA UNIVERSITATIS, THEOLOGIA ORTHODOXA, 2010; Antitezele pauline din 1Cor. 15 in antropologia Sf. Irineu, 2019
STUDIA UNIVERSITATIS, THEOLOGIA ORTHODOXA, 2019
Documentul final, încununarea luptei antitrinitare a Bisericii, prezintă completarea mărturisirii... more Documentul final, încununarea luptei antitrinitare a Bisericii, prezintă completarea mărturisirii de credinţă de la Niceea prin ultimele articole ale Crezului păstrat şi mărturisit până în prezent de Biserica Ortdoxă. O notă deosebită a acestei părţi a lucrării este conferită prin analiza comparată a textelor mărturisilor adoptate la primele două sinoade, subliniindu-se adăugirile şi îmbogăţirile de conţinut şi sens aduse textului niceean dei cei 150 de părinţi întruniţi la Constantinopol, în anul 381. Adrian Covan nu consideră înnoirile ca fiind "regruparea stilistică a unor expresii niceene, ci mai ales, fixarea şi stabilirea învăţăturii de credinţă în dogmă‖ (p. 226). O atenţie sporită este acordată fixării terminologiei care defineşte lucrarea de viaţă făcătoare a Duhului Sfânt şi deofiinţimea şi împreună-slăvirea Lui cu Tatăl şi cu Fiul. În final, sunt amintite şi celelate articole formulate la Constantinopol.
Pr. Dr. Vasile Gafton, Omul în lume, icoană a Chipului lui Dumnezeu sau iluzie a propriilor gându... more Pr. Dr. Vasile Gafton, Omul în lume, icoană a Chipului lui Dumnezeu sau iluzie a propriilor gânduri, prefaţă de IPS Dr. Laurenţiu Streza, Ed. Andreiana, Sibiu, 2017, 200 p., ISBN 978-606-989-013-4 Credinţa autentică este întotdeauna la început şi acest început se manifestă printr-o perpetuă iniţiere în învăţătura de credinţă, aprofundând aspecte tot mai rafinate ale înţelegerii dogmei pe măsură ce reuşim să ne purificăm, exorcizând proprii idoli ai prejudecăţilor noastre. Aşa cum ne-a obişnuit deja prin meditaţiile sale asupra Spovedaniei ca probă a maturităţii duhovniceşti -deopotrivă a preotului şi a penitentului -, asupra morţii, ca prag între vieţi, dar şi asupra textelor biblice cu caracter didactico-poetic, Părintele Vasile Gafton realizează şi de această dată un pas remarcabil în identificarea şi mai ales problematizarea unor teme mai puţin accentuate în antropologia ortodoxă. Sub titlul Omul în lume, icoană a Chipului lui Dumnezeu sau iluzie a propriilor gânduri, autorul reuneşte o suită de observaţii clădite pe convingerea că "doar acceptarea unui singur gând, acela al lui Hristos, poate realiza ceea ce îşi propune psihanaliza sau oricare alt demers psihoterapeutic sau chiar teologic" (p. 28). Nevoia omului de recunoaştere socială, necesitatea de a se simţi special, unic şi important nu pot fi satisfăcute decât în propriul for interior, ţesând o lume a gândurilor care de fapt ne izolează de restul semenilor. În acest context înţelegerea importanţei pe care ne-o acordă Dumnezeu (p. 25) devine un imperativ terapeutic pentru toţi cei amăgiţi de iluzia propriilor gânduri. Eseul intitulat "Câteva elemente de antropologie paulină" (p. 30-73) aduce în atenţia cititorilor o sinteză asupra principalelor afirmaţii cuprinse în epistolele Apostolului Neamurilor, cum ar fi delimitarea între "omul din afară" şi "omul lăuntric", relaţia dintre materie şi suflet, "uniunea lor dinamică, perihoretică, de nedesfăcut, prin care omul este constituit ca fiinţă aflată în perpetuă mişcare, mişcare ce îi este imprimată de către Creatorul său" (p. 56), permanenta raportare a omului la Dumnezeu, precum şi dialogul dinamic cu mediul. Toate acestea sunt premise pentru realizarea unei radiografii spirituale, care ne ajută să înţelegem cum interacţionează şi se intercondiţionează puterile sufleteşti. Subliniind etapele în care apar şi se concretizează gândurile (p. 74-80), dar şi distincţia dintre realitatea gândurilor şi cea trăită, confuzia şi autoiluzionarea de care suntem izbăviţi prin lucrarea restauratoare a Mântuitorului (p. 81-110), autorul atinge o problemă foarte delicată şi actuală, dictată de complexitatea relaţiilor sociale, impersonale prin natura lor, care se substituie simplităţii fireşti a relaţionării personale (p. 111-126). Fie sub influenţa mediului, fie ca urmare a retragerii harului, omul ajunge să îşi împuţineze / răcească credinţa şi să îşi piardă dorinţa de mântuire, o desensibilizare faţă de un aspect esenţial al vieţii noastre, iar redobândirea acestei dorinţe este în ultimă instanţă consecinţa unei lucrări de autodescoperire sub asistenţa divină (p. 127-142) prin credinţa, ai cărei indicatori formali sunt "apropierea" şi "îndepărtarea" noastră de Dumnezeu (p. 143-151). Ultimele patru materiale care întregesc volumul sunt tot atâtea îndemnuri la îmbrăţişarea unei gândiri simple, debarasată de "zorzoanele spiritului", eliberată de înşelarea construită prin propriile impresii, pentru a asculta şi a înţelege cum se cuvine chemarea spre Împărăţia lui Dumnezeu, gata de a ne asuma "un angajament existenţial legat de încercarea de a ne modela propriile noastre vieţi după exemplul" celor care s-au nevoit pe calea armonizării propriilor gânduri cu cele ale lui Dumnezeu (p. 195), asemănându-se pe cât posibil Chipului după care au fost creaţi. Aşa cum se indicase cu modestie în prefaţă, textele nu au menirea de a trata exhaustiv temele şi nici de a da răspunsuri clare, ci, mai degrabă, de a sugera întrebări, teme de discuţii şi, cel mai important, noi perspective asupra vieţii noastre spirituale, dar, în urma lecturii, cititorul ajunge inevitabil să îşi evalueze propria stare, problematizând aspecte considerate de altfel epuizate sau neinteresante, ceea ce conferă o valoare deosebită muncii depuse de autor pentru realizarea acestui volum. Asist. Dr. Dragoş Boicu
Cel de-al optulea volum al seriei Biserica şi dreptul. Studii de drept canonic, coordonate şi îng... more Cel de-al optulea volum al seriei Biserica şi dreptul. Studii de drept canonic, coordonate şi îngrijite de către Pr. Conf. Dr. Irimie Marga, aduce în atenţia cititorilor o serie de trei lucrări mai puţin cunoscute, realizate de către Pr. Prof. Liviu Stan. Este vorba despre un curs de Drept Canonic Ortodox, şi două studii extinse despre relaţiile Biserică şi stat în decursul timpului, respectiv despre situaţia istorică şi canonică a locurilor sfinte din Răsărit.
A possible hermeneutical key according to Andre Scrima's vision about the nomads and sedentary pe... more A possible hermeneutical key according to Andre Scrima's vision about the nomads and sedentary people.