St Kosmas the Aitolian (1714-1779) as an Educator

Abstract

Though St Kosmas the Aitolian (1714-1779) is widely acknowledged to be one of the most noteworthy educators of his era and particular social context, his relevance to our age has rarely been asserted. The present article will demonstrate that behind the Saint's undeniable success as a teacher lie a great number of pedagogical principles of universal relevance which might be readily gleaned from both his educational activities and those theories he articulates in his Didachēs, or Teachings. Moreover, it will be shown that these principles which contributed so greatly to his pedagogical prowess were not achieved accidentally. The Saint labored in learning in order to render himself a more effective educator, conscientiously and effectively blending kath'imas and exothen learning, which in itself represents a pedagogical principle of inestimable value.