The Doctrine of the Theotokos in Gregorios Palamas

Abstract

The present chapter is designed to furnish the reader with new insights into the doctrine of Theotokos within the works of Gregorios Palamas (c.1296–d.1357). The study uncovers new facets of Palamas’ doctrine of Mary. Palamas’ spiritual renewal of Orthodox monasticism and his defence of Hesychasm or the traditional practice of prayer and spirituality of the monks on Mount Athos are chronicled in numerous studies. Diversely, this study concentrates on Marian reflections unique to Palamas that have been either neglected or only partially explored in modern studies. The disquisition concludes by orienting readers toward peculiar Marian doctrines that are important for the Palamite synthesis. In fact, these new discoveries are essential for understanding Palamas’ famous doctrine of the essence-energies, as culminating in Palamas’ doctrine of deification and divine vision. Gregorios sees divinization best exemplified in Mary, in whose vocation the apostles and other righteous Christians seek to participate by imitating her life of vision, prayer, and virtue.