The place of the Macarian writings in the Eastern Christian tradition to AD 700
This thesis represents an assessment the place of the Macarian writings within the Eastern Christian tradition during the first three hundred years of their circulation. Part I (Chapters 1-4) is essentially introductory, beginning with an account of the manuscript tradition, the date and location of the (anonymous) author, and his relation to the Messalian tendency. I argue that the Macarian element within the anti-Messalian lists constitutes an additional layer of material drawn from the Macariana because of its superficial affinities with the primary layer of the anti-Messalian lists and on at least one point inconsistent with that layer. In order to emphasise the patently moderating and reforming character of the Macarian writings within the amorphous Messalian tendency, I underline the association between Macarius-Symeon and the Cappadocian Fathers. As a further prelude to the study of the Macarian legacy, I attempt a revision of the dichotomy conventionally posited of Macarius-Symeon and Evagrius of Pontus. Part II (Chapters 5-8) constitutes the main body of the thesis, an examination of the relations obtaining between the Macariana and the works of Mark the Monk, Diadochus of Photice, Abba Isaiah and
Plested, Marcus
Pseudo-Macarius ; Orthodox Eastern Church ; Christian literature, Early
The place of the Macarian writings in the Eastern Christian tradition to AD 700. This thesis represents an assessment the place of the Macarian writings within the Eastern Christian tradition during the first three hundred years of their circulation. Part I (Chapters 1-4) is essentially introductory, beginning with an account of the manuscript tradition, the date and location of the (anonymous) author, and his relation to the Messalian tendency. I argue that the Macarian element within the anti-Messalian lists constitutes an additional layer of material drawn from the Macariana because of its superficial affinities with the primary layer of the anti-Messalian lists and on at least one point inconsistent with that layer. In order to emphasise the patently moderating and reforming character of the Macarian writings within the amorphous Messalian tendency, I underline the association between Macarius-Symeon and the Cappadocian Fathers. As a further prelude to the study of the Macarian legacy, I attempt a revision of the dichotomy conventionally posited of Macarius-Symeon and Evagrius of Pontus. Part II (Chapters 5-8) constitutes the main body of the thesis, an examination of the relations obtaining between the Macariana and the works of Mark the Monk, Diadochus of Photice, Abba Isaiah and
place writing eastern christian tradition represent assessment place writing within eastern christian tradition first circulation part essentially introductory begin account manuscript_tradition date location anonymous author relation tendency argue element_within anti list constitute additional layer material drawn superficial affinity primary layer anti list least_one point inconsistent layer order emphasise moderate reform character writing within amorphous tendency underline association fathers prelude study legacy attempt revision dichotomy conventionally posit part_constitute main_body examination relation obtain work mark monk isaiah