Nikolaos Kabasilas

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Nikolaos Kabasilas

Nicholas Cabasilas (Greek Νικόλαος Καβάσιλας; * to 1319 /23; † after 1391) was a Byzantine theologian, philosopher and Mystic . He has been a saint of the Greek Orthodox Church since 1984 .

Life

Kabasilas was probably born in Thessaloniki around 1319/23 . There is uncertainty about his exact date of birth. He preferred the mother's name (Kabasilas) to the father's family name (Chamaetos). Nikolaos Kabasilas should not be confused with his uncle Neilos Kabasilas (1361-1363), who was Metropolitan of Thessalonica. Kabasilas received his education in Constantinople . He was a theologian and lawyer and very likely remained a layman throughout his life . Nevertheless, in 1353 he became a candidate for the patriarchal throne . A letter addressed to him in 1391 suggests that he was still alive that year.

Kabasilas was a contemporary of John VI. Kantakuzenos and Gregorios Palamas . The way of thinking of Palamas and that of his teacher Dorotheos Vlates , the hesychasm , influenced him significantly.

Works

His two main works Life in Christ and Explanations of the Divine Liturgy are still important for the allegorical interpretation and the spirituality of the Byzantine liturgy . His Marian homilies are less well known.

Text editions and translations

  • The book of the life in Christ. Transferred by G. Hoch, introduced by E. v. Ivanka, Einsiedeln 1991.
  • A commentary of the divine liturgy. Translation by JM Hussey, PA McNulty, London 1978.

literature

personal data
SURNAME Kabasilas, Nikolaos
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Byzantine mystic and theologian, Orthodox saint
DATE OF BIRTH around 1320
PLACE OF BIRTH Thessalonica
DATE OF DEATH after 1391