T7272A Early Byzantine Patristic Theology

⇒ Back Course Disciplines

This course unit engages the thought and methods of the early Byzantine Fathers, investigating the major trends within the Greek Christian tradition from the fourth to the ninth century, especially relating to Christology and the Fathers’ contribution to the ecumenical councils. Building on Early Church Fathers, it assists students to understand the connection between historical circumstances, the spiritual life and the formulation of Christian theology in the early Byzantine period.

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

1. Understand the historical and ecclesial contexts of various trends in early Byzantine tradition
2. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the main theological and spiritual themes developed by the early Byzantine Fathers
3. Critically review the primary and secondary sources in the analysis of early Byzantine themes such as Christology and mystical theology
4. Critically analyse themes developed by the early Byzantine Fathers within their immediate and distant literary and historical contexts
5. Apply the patristic Byzantine tradition within contemporary scholarship and the Christian experience 

Weekly Topics

1. Main Features of the Byzantine Patristic Tradition
2. Foundations of Byzantine Christology in St Athanasius, the Cappadocian Fathers, and the First and Second Ecumenical Councils (Part 1)
3. Foundations of Byzantine Christology in St Athanasius, the Cappadocian Fathers, and the First and Second Ecumenical Councils (Part 2)
4. St Cyril of Alexandria: His Life, Times and Theology
5. St Cyril’s Legacy and the Third and Fourth ecumenical councils
6. The Dionysian Corpus
7. Neo-chalcedonianism and the Fifth Ecumenical Council
8. St Maximus the Confessor: His Life, Times and Theology
9. St Maximus’ Legacy and the Sixth Ecumenical Council
10. St John of Damascus: His Life, Times and Theology
11. The Legacy of the Iconophiles and the Seventh Ecumenical Council
12. St Photius the Great: His Life, Times and Theology, Conclusions