Saint Venerable Confessor Arsenie of Prislop and the Revitalization of Patristic Thought in 20th-Century Romanian Theology Cover Image

Sfântul Cuvios Mărturisitor Arsenie de la Prislop și revitalizarea gândirii patristice în teologia românească din secolul al XX-lea
Saint Venerable Confessor Arsenie of Prislop and the Revitalization of Patristic Thought in 20th-Century Romanian Theology

Author(s): DANIEL ENEA
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Pastoral Theology
Published by: EDITURA ARHIEPISCOPIEI DUNĂRII DE JOS
Keywords: Arsenie Boca; patristic thought; Romanian theology; hesychasm; Christian confession; 20th century;

Summary/Abstract: The present work analyzes the contribution of the Saint Venerable Confessor Arsenie of Prislop to the revitalization of patristic thought in Romanian theology of the 20th century, in the context of the historical, social and ideological challenges specific to the era. The study starts from the premise that the patristic tradition, far from being a static corpus, is a living reality, capable of inspiring and shaping both academic theological discourse and the spiritual life of believers. Through an interdisciplinary analysis - historical, theological and pastoral - the fundamental elements of the spirituality of Venerable Father Arsenie Boca are investigated, related to the teaching of the Holy Fathers and to the context of communist repression. His role as a confessor of the faith, the ability to transpose hesychast themes into contemporary language and his influence on post-war Christian life are highlighted. The paper argues that the canonization in 2024 constitutes not only a recognition of his holiness, but also a moment of reorientation of Romanian theology towards its patristic roots. The main conclusion is that the life and work of Saint Arsenie represents a bridge between the ancient tradition and the spiritual needs of today’s Christians, with major implications for theology, catechesis and the mission of the Church in the 21st century.

  • Issue Year: XXIII/2025
  • Issue No: 23
  • Page Range: 104-122
  • Page Count: 19
  • Language: Romanian
Toggle Accessibility Mode