Blachernae 1351 as a Constitutive Moment: A Comparison with Nicaea 325 and Chalcedon 451
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/BPTh.2026.004Keywords
Council of Nicaea 325, Council of Chalcedon 451, Council of Blachernae 1351, Gregory Palamas, hesychasm, constitutive moment, ecclesiology, theology of energiesAbstract
The article examines the Council of Blachernae (1351) as a constitutive moment in the history of the Orthodox Church, comparing it with the earlier ecumenical councils of Nicaea (325) and Chalcedon (451). The first part presents the historical context, proceedings, and consequences of Nicaea and Chalcedon, which shaped Trinitarian ontology and the Christological definition. The second part discusses the hesychast controversy and the doctrine of Gregory Palamas, codified by the Blachernae synod in its definition of the distinction between God’s essence and energies. The third part compares the three constitutive moments: ontological (Nicaea), Christological (Chalcedon), and mystagogical (Blachernae). The conclusion argues that Nicaea and Chalcedon constitute universal Christianity, whereas Blachernae constitute Orthodox identity, offering a dogmatization of spiritual and mystical experience.
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