Părintele Dumitru Stăniloae și traducerea Filocaliei grecești – între mărturisire și opresiune
Father Dumitru Stăniloae and the Translation of the Greek Philokalia – Between Confession and Oppression

Author(s): Răzvan Perșa
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion
Published by: Editura Doxologia
Keywords: Dumitru Stăniloae; Philokalia; Romanian Orthodoxy; patristic theology; hesychasm; Orthodox mysticism; theological translation; communist persecution; Eastern Christian spirituality;
Summary/Abstract: This study examines the theological, cultural, and historical significance of Fr. Dumitru Stăniloae’s translation of the Philokalia within the context of twentieth-century Romanian Orthodoxy. It argues that Stăniloae’s work represents not merely a linguistic rendering of Greek patristic texts, but a creative and integrative theological act that reshaped the spiritual language of Romanian Orthodoxy. By adapting complex patristic terminology to Romanian linguistic and cultural sensibilities, he preserved doctrinal precision while making Orthodox mysticism accessible to modern readers. The article analyses the two principal stages of publication (1946–1948 and the 1970s), highlighting both the enthusiastic ecclesiastical reception of the early volumes and the severe disruption caused by the communist regime, including Stăniloae’s arrest in the Rugul Aprins case. Particular attention is given to the later volumes (especially V–VIII), which reflect his mature theological vision and editorial rigor. Despite ideological constraints, Stăniloae succeeded in safeguarding the authenticity of Orthodox thought, integrating Romanian hesychastic traditions into a broader patristic synthesis. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that Stăniloae’s Philokalia constitutes one of the most important achievements of twentieth-century Orthodox theology, revitalizing monastic and theological life in Romania and contributing significantly to the universal reception of Eastern Christian spirituality.

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