T8171A Church Fathers: An Introduction

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This graduate course unit engages the main themes and characteristics of the patristic tradition, which it examines within their historical context up to the early fifth century and from a comparative perspective. It assists students to appreciate the significance of various trends in traditional theology and spirituality for the general Christian experience.

Background
The Orthodox Church venerates the Fathers; saints that are immediate participants in Christ, some of whom were prolific authors and whose work was instrumental in the formulation of Orthodox theology. This course unit addresses the writings of the early Church Fathers; from the sub-apostolic martyr-bishops to the second century apologists and culminating in the writings of the Cappadocians in the fourth century, and their legacy that extends well into the fifth century and beyond.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course unit, students should be able to:

1. Evaluate the historical and ecclesial contexts of various trends in patristic tradition
2. Investigate the main themes pertaining to the patristic tradition
3. Understand recent developments of knowledge in relation to the primary and secondary sources addressing patristic themes
4. Investigate, analyse and synthesise themes pertaining to the patristic tradition within their immediate and distant literary and historical contexts
5. Apply with initiative the patristic tradition to contemporary scholarship and the Christian experience

Weekly Topics

1. Apostolic fathers and martyrdom literature
2. Greek and Latin apologists
3. Defenders of the apostolic tradition
4. The Alexandrians
5. Early Syrian fathers
6. The Cappadocians
7. Fathers from Jerusalem and Antioch
8. The Latin fathers