Passions and Virtues in the Teachings of John of Damascus Cover Image
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Patimi şi virtuţi în învăţătura Sfântului Ioan Damaschin
Passions and Virtues in the Teachings of John of Damascus

Author(s): Teodor (Theodoros) Zisis
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion
Published by: Renaşterea Cluj
Keywords: Sacred Parallels; dogmatic works; Philokalia; passions; virtues

Summary/Abstract: This article attempts to succinctly present John of Damascus’ teachings about passions and virtues, as well as the papers where these teachings are presented. In the fi rst part, the author refers to the paper Sacred Parallels, considered by scholars the Holy Father’s essential work with regard to moral-ascetic teachings. Nothing more than a large anthology of Bible texts and patristic texts, the paper is not representative for the saint’s teachings. The author then presents the moral-ascetic elements from John of Damascus’ theological works, especially in his dogmatic writings. Through this step, it is once again acknowledged the fact that, in the Orthodox faith, the dogmatic and the moral attitude go hand in hand. The last part is specifi cally concerned with the moral-ascetic works of the saint, On the Eight Spirits of Evil and On Virtues and Vices. The author presents the contents of these two short writings, as well as the most important ideas, with a special focus on the second work, included by Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain in his Philokalia. Through this, John of Damascus – par excellence, the dogmatic mind of our Church – earned himself a consecrated place among the ascetic and neptic Church Fathers.

  • Issue Year: VI/2012
  • Issue No: 07
  • Page Range: 5-8
  • Page Count: 4
  • Language: Romanian