Forum Theologicum Sardicense - ISSN 3033-1811 (online) / 1310-7909 (print) is a periodical published by the Faculty of Theology at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.” Founded in 1994 under the title Bogoslovska Misŭl (“Theological Thought”) with the aim of advancing the academic field of “theology and religion” in Bulgaria. The editorial board comprises representatives from various universities in Bulgaria and abroad. It is published in two issues per year and from its inception, the journal has been open to specialists from different academic fields relevant to theology and religious studies.
The Gnosticism as a Prototype of the New Age
This article offers a comparative analysis between ancient Gnosticism and the contemporary spiritual movement known as New Age, aiming to demonstrate their deep doctrinal, structural, and worldview continuity. The cen- tral thesis argues that New Age spirituality does not represent a fundamentally new religious phenomenon but rather a modern reinterpretation and transformation of the Gnostic paradigm, adjusted to the cultural context of postmodern society. The study outlines the historical development and main doctrinal features of Gnosticism, including its radical dualism, the concept of the divine spark within the human being, salvation through hidden knowledge (gnosis), the negative attitude toward matter, and its pronounced syncretic character. These elements are systematically compared with the key principles of New Age spirituality, such as the impersonal understanding of God, self-deification, spiritual evolution, reincarnation, occult and esoteric practices, and the concept of “Christ consciousness.” Special attention is giv- en to Manichaeism as a transitional form between ancient Gnosticism and medieval dualistic movements, as well as to the role of Theosophy and figures such as Helena Blavatsky and Alice Bailey in shaping New Age ideology. The article also examines the socio-cultural reasons for the growing popularity of syncretic spirituality in contemporary society, including the existential vacuum, identity crisis, secularization, and the search for quick and accessible forms of “spiritual fulfilment.” In conclusion, the study emphasizes the fundamental incompatibility between the Christian understanding of salvation as a gift of divine grace and the Gnostic–New Age model of self-redemption through knowledge, inner awakening, and spiritual techniques.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tsvetelina Tsekova https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The ‘People’s Court’ of 1944–1945 and the ‘Second People’s Court’ of 1948
On 9 September 1944, Bulgaria was occupied by the Red Army, and an atheist regime, modelled on that of Soviet Russia, was imposed. State institutions were rapidly brought under full control. Within only a few months, hundreds of clergy passed through the prisons. During the so-called “First Wave” (9 September 1944 – 1 February 1945)—often described as the Bartholomew Nights of mass killings in Bulgaria—thousands of people disappeared without trial or sentence. Yet can a person truly be made to “disappear” physically? With the establishment of the People’s Court on 20 December 1944, through the Ordinance-Law for the prosecution of those deemed responsible for involving Bulgaria in the world war against the Allied nations and for the atrocities associated with it, the murders committed after 9 September 1944 were effectively given a veneer of legality. The autodafés now served a new purpose: through “legal” executions, terror, the cultivation of fear, and systematic repression, to uproot and eradicate the Christian identity of the Bulgarian people and their belonging to the Church of Christ. The God-opposing spirit of the communist authorities did not spare even the clergy of the Bulgarian Church.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tsvetomir Penkov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The time in which we live presupposes easy and broad access to information. This circumstance also affects church life. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church makes active use of media channels to provide information related to its activities. This necessitates a proper understanding and prudent use of the available means for publicizing the decisions, initiatives, and work of our lo- cal Church. In this sense, it is necessary to review the requirements of the Statute of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Bulgarian Patriarchate (Statute of the BOC–BP) concerning the right to information. The article offers an analysis of the provisions that require the publicity of the acts of the individ- ual organs of church authority. The emphasis is placed on the normatively established obligation to publish these acts. In this connection, several examples are examined that illustrate the realization of the right to information and the manner of its functioning, while certain deviations from the lawful exercise of this right are also noted, with a view to their prevention and timely correction. The effect that the right to information—and its neglect—produces on the organizational life of the BOC–BP is also underscored.
Copyright (c) 2025 fr. Mihail Mihaylov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Autonomy, autocephaly and Patriarchate – key notions in understanding a centenary
Autonomy, autocephaly and Patriarchate – key notions in under- standing a centenary In light of the centenary celebration of the Romanian Patriarchate, this study considers it essential to highlight the key concepts necessary for understanding the complexity of this institutional development and its role. Accordingly, the present research defines the notions of autonomy, autocephaly, the Patriarchate, and the Patriarch, examining their historical significance, func- tions, and evolving dynamics over time. Drawing on canonical sources as well as relevant secondary literature, the study approaches these topics through historical, cultural, and political perspectives, while also interpreting them as expressions of Byzantine heritage and as integral to contemporary understandings of Orthodoxy and its role in the modern world. A central focus is placed on the interrelationship among these concepts, understood as stages in the gradual evolution of a Church shaped by social, ethnic, and territorial realities, as well as by the spiritual maturity of its leaders. Keywords: Autocephaly, Autonomy, Patriarchate, Byzantine Empire, Religious Studies, Canon Law, Conciliarity, Ecclesiology
Copyright (c) 2025 Iuliu-Marius Morariu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Prosopographical Notes on Theodore II Doukas Laskaris
The article examines the environment of Theodore II Laskaris (1222–1258), emperor of Nicaea, and traces the reflection of family, friends, teachers, tutors on his further life Through a systematic review of different layer of his life the study seeks to outline the development of academic perspectives on Laskaris’s intellectual legacy and political image. Special attention is devoted to main formative elements—Nicephorus Blemmydes, Mouzalon brothers, Michael Palaiologos—have evaluated his contribution to the intellectual life of the Empire of Nicaea, his philosophical education, and his role as both ruler and thinker. By contextualizing these evolving interpretations, the article highlights the gradual transformation of Theodore II Laskaris from a marginal historical figure into a subject of nuanced scholarly appreciation within contemporary Byzantine studies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kiril Galev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Philosophical Background of Gregory of Nyssa’s Treatise De hominis opificio
This article examines the philosophical context in which St Gregory of Nyssa composed his treatise De hominis opificio (“On the Making of Man”) and elucidates the manner in which various ancient schools and authors converge within his theological anthropology. It analyzes the structural dependence upon Plato’s Timaeus, the methodological influence of Aristotle’s concept of akolouthia, and the assimilation of Galenic medical theory. The study further traces the role of Philo of Alexandria in harmonizing the biblical Hexaemeron with Hellenic cosmogony, as well as the distinct notions of “image” and “likeness.” It argues that philosophy functions not as a primary source, but rather as a conceptual background—a cultural matrix through which Gregory articulates the revealed doctrine of the human person as the image and likeness of God. In this way, De hominis opificio emerges as a syncretic yet genuinely original work that reframes classical ideas in the service of theology and exerts a lasting influence upon Christian anthropological thought.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vladimir Iontchev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Τhe Ideal of the Ascetic Community in the Monastic Writings of St Basil the Great
The present study examines the ideal of the ascetic community (adelphotēs) in the monastic writings of St Basil the Great, collectively known as the As- cetica. At its centre lies the question of how Basil conceives the human person within community, the internal organisation of such a community, and its relation both to the Church and to the world. The first part addresses the complex textual history of the Ascetica, arguing that the anthology sent to the Pontic communities represents Basil’s final authorial recension. The second part elucidates Basil’s anthropology, according to which the “image” is given while the “likeness” is the goal to be attained through ascetical effort within community. The key notions of mnēmē (“memory”) and diathesis (“dispo- sition”) are presented as interrelated dynamisms through which the human person becomes conformed to God. This leads to the conclusion that salva- tion is not an individual undertaking but the fruit of communal life lived in love and in eutaxia (“good order”). The third part analyses the internal structure of the ascetic community, including the ordered yet cooperative coexistence of men and women, the role of the superior, and the mechanisms by which authority is supervised and corrected. It is shown that authority within the community is conceived theocentrically, is never absolute, and is continually subject to discernment according to the divine commandments. The study demonstrates that, for St Basil, the ascetic community is not merely a monastic institution but an image of the renewed apostolic community—a model for the entire Church and a path toward recovering the original unity of Christian life.
Copyright (c) 2025 Kalin Angelov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Review of: Morarius, Iuliu-Marius: Ecumenism, Primacy, Authority, and Love. Faces of a Complex Theological Reality
This review examines the monograph Ecumenism, Primacy, Authority and Love: Faces of a Complex Theological Reality by Archimandrite Maxim (Iuliu-Marius Morariu), a scholar with doctorates in theology and social scienc- es, extensive publications, and pastoral experience in the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Canada. The book, structured as an anthology of interrelated studies, addresses primacy and conciliarity in Orthodox–Catholic dialogue, challenges of church life in the diaspora, ethnophyletism, and historical case studies such as the Legionary Movement and church–state relations under communism. The review commends the work’s breadth and integration of pastoral insight, while noting the need for a clearer Christocentric grounding of its universalist vision.
Copyright (c) 2025 Theodor Avramov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Religious Education according to Prof. Hristo Dimitrov and Its Present State
Prof. archpriest Hristo Dimitrov of blessed memory (†1973) is a titular professor, among the founders of the Faculty of Theology in Sofia, and a prolific author in the disciplines of Practical Theology, among which stands Religious Education. His studies and efforts throughout the decades of the past century present his vision and understanding how to formulate religious education in an orthodox context, as well as how to teach it. This study focuses on key aspects of his thought and research, using them as a model to gauge the con- temporary problems with which is faced religious education in the country of Bulgaria with its most recent developments and proposed amendments of the main educational law.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ivaylo Vasilev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Personhood and Economy: A Look at the Theology of Prot. Georges Florovsky
This study analyzes Fr. Georges Florovsky’s theology of personhood as a her- meneutical key to the Divine Economy, with special attention to Creation, the Fall, Redemption, the Incarnation, and Mariology. It argues that the person, created as an energy of love and “more than existence,” is distorted by evil un- derstood as depersonalized personal activity. Salvation, therefore, entails the re-personalization of human nature through the Hypostatic Love of Christ, binding the theology of will to the theology of love. Mariology emerges as an anthropology of holiness and catholicity, where the Virgin Mary’s free assent conditions the Incarnation. The hypostatic entry of the eternal Son into hu- man life restores the God-imaged personal reality, establishing personhood as a central framework for understanding the events of salvation history.
Copyright (c) 2025 Roussina Torosyan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Theodore II Laskaris in World Historiography (19th–21st Century)
The article examines the literary and philosophical writings of Theodore II Laskaris (1222–1258), emperor of Nicaea, and traces their reception and interpretation in international historiography from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century. Through a systematic review of scholarly works pro- duced over the last 170 years, including those of Dimiter Angelov, Christos Krikonis, Sophia Georgiopoulou and others, the study seeks to outline the development of academic perspectives on Laskaris’s intellectual legacy and political image. Special attention is devoted to how different historiograph- ical traditions—Byzantine, Western European, and modern Greek—have evaluated his contribution to the intellectual life of the Empire of Nicaea, his philosophical education, and his role as both ruler and thinker. By contextu- alizing these evolving interpretations, the article highlights the gradual trans- formation of Theodore II Laskaris from a marginal historical figure into a subject of nuanced scholarly appreciation within contemporary Byzantine studies.
Toward a Practical Christology: St. Nicholas Cabasilas and Thomas à Kempis
The present study places in dialogue two spiritual authors of the late Mid- dle Ages—St. Nicholas Cabasilas (1319–1392) and Thomas à Kempis (1380– 1471), representatives respectively of the Eastern hesychast tradition and the Western Devotio Moderna movement. Although situated in different cultural and ecclesial contexts, both share the conviction that life in Christ consti- tutes the central core of Christian existence. Cabasilas grounds his vision in the sacraments, through which the believer is truly united with Christ and participates in the divine energies. Thomas, in turn, emphasizes the inner life—humility, obedience, and imitation of the Cross of Christ—as the path to appropriating grace. When compared, their teachings prove not mutual- ly exclusive but complementary: sacramental participation in Cabasilas and interior transformation in Thomas together offer a model of practical Chris- tology that unites the objective and subjective dimensions of Christian life. This synthesis carries significant ecumenical potential, opening horizons for deeper mutual understanding between East and West.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ioannis Kaminis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Manuscripts, Translations and Printed Editions of De hominis opificio by St.Gregory of Nyssa
Most of St. Gregory of Nyssa’s works have been issued in critical editions of the Greek text in the series Grigorii Nysseni opera, renowned for its precision. The text most widely known and read under the traditional title De hominis opificio is also the most popular and most frequently copied of his works, yet until recently it lacked a modern critical edition. The distinguished scholar John Behr has now published a new critical edition of the Greek text with an English translation. In his edition Behr questions the traditional title assigned to this treatise, composed in 379, and proposes an alternative. This article surveys the manuscripts, early printings, and translations of Gregory’s work in order to assess the grounds for changing the title. The author argues for a particular Bulgarian rendering of the recently proposed Greek title and gives reasons supporting that translation choice.
The Influence of Women on the Monastic Movement of the Fourth Century According to St. Jerome
The study examines the role of Christian female patrons in the development of the monastic movement in the fourth century, based on the letters and activity of St. Jerome. The author demonstrates that aristocratic women such as St. Paula, St. Marcella, and St. Melania the Elder played a decisive role through their wealth, patronage, and spiritual mentorship. They supported the building of monasteries, sustained Jerome’s literary work, and facilitated the transfer of asceticism from Rome to Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The analysis emphasizes the interplay of gender, power, and religious practice, showing how elite women became key mediators in popularizing the “angelic life” and in consolidating clerical celibacy. Despite cultural constraints, their support and spiritual authority reveal that early Christian monasticism was inconceivable without the active participation of women.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rebecca Ruth Faber https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Die Bulgarische Orthodoxe Kirche im Dialog zwischen Orthodoxen und Altkatholiken in der zweiten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts
After the first pan-orthodox conference on the island of Rhodes (1961), relations between the Orthodox Church and the Old Catholic Church were increasingly activated and strengthened, with the Bulgarian Orthodox Church (BOC) playing an active role. It has an established tradition in this direction, which was advanced by the work of Professor Protopresbyter Stefan Tsankov between the two world wars. His work was continued by other theologians representing the BOK in negotiations with the Old Catholics regarding unification, which were conducted in various forums. Between the 1960s and the 1980s, these negotiations were extremely intense. Despite these activities and efforts, the negotiations with the Old Catholics did not lead to the desired unification. On the contrary, the differences persist and may even deepen further. However, the hope for a unification of Orthodox and Old Catholics still endures to this day. This is evidenced by the working group established for this purpose by the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Archdiocese of Utrecht, which is intended to give new impetus to the discussion on unification.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ivan Yovtchev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
In the fourth century Eternal City, a bizarre event occurred. A murmur and rumor of innovation came when Jerome, an itinerant scholar, lectured for a patron in an Aventine palace. What was appalling was that the students of 382-385 CE were female. Marcella who led Psalms recitations in Hebrew, to them, morning and evening was active before Jerome arrived. She rose to rebuke his arrogance to Roman clergy. Marcella had a not-tangential role in an ascetic dispute, in 390’s Rome over Origen’s works. This article sketches the matrix of bible study, education and gender, asking about the fourth century trend.
Copyright (c) 2024 Rebecca Ruth Faber https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Clash Between Christianity and the Concept of Genius in Roman Society
This study offers a critical examination of the complex conflict between early Christianity and the Roman conception of Genius—a foundational spiritual and ideological construct that permeated the social, religious, and political fabric of the Roman world. Traditionally understood as the protective spirit presiding over individuals, families, and institutions, Genius found its most politically potent expression in the cult of the Emperor’s Genius (Genius Augusti), which served to legitimize and reinforce imperial authority and civic loyalty. With the emergence and expansion of Christianity, this longstanding tradition came under increasing scrutiny and rejection. Christian monotheism, with its exclusive devotion to the one true God, directly opposed the veneration of spiritual intermediaries such as the Genius, leading to significant religious, social, and political friction. These tensions played out in both public ritual and private life, contributing to broader patterns of cultural and ideological transformation during late antiquity. This study investigates these intersecting dynamics, analyzing how Christian resistance to the cult of the Genius not only reflected theological commitments but also catalyzed a re-configuration of Roman identity, authority, and religious space. Through this lens, the research sheds light on the shifting contours of imperial ideology and the profound cultural reorientation that marked the transition from classical paganism to a Christianized empire.
Copyright (c) 2024 Stoycho Staykov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
St. Gregory of Nyssa – Reflections on the Uncertainties in His Biography
St Gregory of Nyssa remains one of the most enigmatic figures among the Church Fathers. Although multiple accounts of his life have come down to us, they are riddled with ambiguities that leave ample room for speculation. Theological scholarship from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries tended to depict Gregory as a contemplative thinker, ill-suited to secular engagement and inclined to favour repose over action—claims frequently advanced without firm evidential basis. This paper re-examines such portrayals in light of biographical material that suggests a far more complex, turbulent, and, at times, controversial life. It asks whether the dominant image of Gregory promoted during this period represented an interpretive strategy aimed at harmonising the apparent contradictions in his life and conduct—contradictions which clashed with contemporary expectations of sanctity.
Copyright (c) 2024 Vladimir Iontchev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Confession and Pastoral Care in the Eponymous Pastoral Study by Archpriest Christo Dimitrov
Fifty years after the passing away of the notable professor of pastoral theology prof. archpriest Christo Dimitrov we look at his teaching on confession and spiritual guidance and glean out the pearls and essence of his work: his mys-tagogical approach to the sacraments of the Church, as well as his apologetic contributions. Fr. Christo Dimitrov is one of the first and very prolific professors of the Faculty of Theology in Sofia and his legacy is iconic, considering his lasting presence in the curricula of the practical theological disciplines in the Bulgarian theological school up until the present day.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ivaylo Vasilev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
On the Biography of Nicephorus, Metropolitan of Philippopolis (Plovdiv) in the period 1824 – 1850
Both civic and ecclesiastical history contain figures and events that are sometimes overlooked—either because they are deemed insignificant and unworthy of scholarly attention, leading to their mention only when necessary, or because the available sources are so scarce that it seems almost impossible to say or write anything meaningful about them. However, both of these assumptions are flawed. Every individual leaves a mark—whether as a fruitful contribution to society or as a wound upon its body. When such a trace exists, it is essential to document, remember, and study it, for history is humanity’s greatest teacher, even though people often prove to be its poorest students. With diligence and curiosity, even a single image, letter, or brief note can serve as the starting point for unraveling a life—or even an entire era. In the case of Nicephorus, Metropolitan of Philippopolis (Plovdiv) from 1824 to 1850, the challenge is not the scarcity of sources on his life and service, but rather their dispersion and diversity. Approaching these sources is akin to solving a complex puzzle—one that, despite the time it requires, ultimately reveals a fresh perspective on a deeply emotional and transformative period: the 19th century, a time of great significance not only for Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire but for all of Europe.
Copyright (c) 2024 Emil Paralingov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Orthodox Pastoral Approach in Caring for people with addictions and their families
The paper explores the connection between the nature of family relationships and getting into substance abuse disorder both from a pastoral Orthodox and psychological perspective. Dysfunctional family relationships are a major cause of falling into addiction. The paper studies a number of today’s family problems, using the approach of modern Orthodox theology and psychotherapy to uncover their spiritual dimensions and to back up some key elements in the Orthodox pastoral and liturgical approach to support substance abuse users. Distinctive to this approach is to provide spiritual support both to the addict and his or her relatives.
Copyright (c) 2024 Georgi Fotakiev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Spiritual as a Fundamental Anthropological Premise of Logotherapy
This article aims to explore the essential framework of the spiritual dimension as a fundamental anthropological premise of logotherapy, emphasizing its key role in overcoming the materialistic and reductionist limitations of conventional psychological paradigms. The analysis addresses the core aspects of the spiritual dimension, encompassing its essence, scope, and the underlying philosophical principles that define it.
Copyright (c) 2024 Maya Hristova https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Fr. Mivhail Apostolov – a Confessor from Ovtshartsi (archimandrite Makariy)
On September 9, 1944, Bulgaria was occupied by the Red Army and an atheistic regime similar to that in Russia was introduced. In a short time, all state institutions were taken over. The anti-religious spare the Bulgarian Orthodox Church either. Within a few months, hundreds of clergy members passed through prisons, and many were killed without trial and sentence during what is called the People’s Court. One such sufferer for the faith is priest Michael Apostolov, sentenced to death by firing squad.
Copyright (c) 2024 Tsvetomir Penkov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Creativity and Personhood in the theology of prot. Georges Florovsky
The author endeavors to create a synthesis within the broader theological system of prot. Georges Florovsky of his understanding of personhood and creativity as task and duty of the human being. After considering the larger theological setting of the question another approach is then suggested, outlining a contextualization of the theology of personhood within the ecclesiological understanding of Florovsky, but without stepping into the latter debates and developments of his students.
Copyright (c) 2024 Roussina Totorysan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Prof. Hristo Dimitrov and his contribution in the efforts of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church for religious education among children in the period 1944-1948
The article presents the Bulgarian Orthodox Church’s efforts to oppose the atheist government, which removed religious education from Bulgarian schools in 1944. Prof. Hristo Dimitrov offers various options to ensure religious instruction for children and youth in this period of Bulgaria’s history. The article chronologically presents the different options for religious education in schools and outside of them, which prof. Dimitrov proposes - more active involvement of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in the religious education of children and the inclusion of priests in the educational process.
Copyright (c) 2024 Polina Spirova https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Archimandrite Irinei Pop Konstantinov – A Little Known Witness to the Christian Faith
Several articles have been written on the subject, a number of documentaries about Archimandrite Irenaeus have been broadcast, and yet it is not enough. Firstly, the idea of writing this modest contribution to the subject arose in the process of researching the archives at the Records Commission. The documents found there, gave me the opportunity to complete the missing piece of the puzzle. Some of documents are still inaccessible. Secondly, perhaps the main reason for writing the article is to keep the memory alive.
Psychological aspects of the confession according to the work of Prof. Protoiyerey Hristo Dimitrov
The purpose of this study is to examine the psychological dimensions of sacramental confession as analyzed in depth by Prof. Hristo Dimitrov. His exploration focuses particularly on the third section of his work, Private Soul-Healing-Soul-Guiding Pastoral Care, where he delves into the intricate relationship between confession, personal spiritual healing, and pastoral guidance. Dimitrov not only considers the theological and doctrinal aspects of confession but also highlights its profound psychological effects on the penitent, emphasizing the inner transformation, relief, and moral renewal that the sacrament brings. Furthermore, his study sheds light on the pastoral role of the confessor, who must navigate both spiritual and psychological dimensions in guiding the faithful toward repentance and reconciliation. He examines how the act of confession influences the emotional and mental state of the believer, addressing feelings of guilt, remorse, and eventual spiritual liberation. By emphasizing the therapeutic potential of confession, Dimitrov’s work contributes to a deeper understanding of the sacrament not only as a religious obligation but also as a significant aspect of personal psychological well-being and spiritual growth. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychological dimensions of sacramental confession as analyzed in depth by Prof. Hristo Dimitrov. His exploration focuses particularly on the third section of his work, Private Soul-Healing-Soul-Guiding Pastoral Care, where he delves into the intricate relationship between confession, personal spiritual healing, and pastoral guidance. Dimitrov not only considers the theological and doctrinal aspects of confession but also highlights its profound psychological effects on the penitent, emphasizing the inner transformation, relief, and moral renewal that the sacrament brings. Furthermore, his study sheds light on the pastoral role of the confessor, who must navigate both spiritual and psychological dimensions in guiding the faithful toward repentance and reconciliation. He examines how the act of confession influences the emotional and mental state of the believer, addressing feelings of guilt, remorse, and eventual spiritual liberation. By emphasizing the therapeutic potential of confession, Dimitrov’s work contributes to a deeper understanding of the sacrament not only as a religious obligation but also as a significant aspect of personal psychological well-being and spiritual growth.
Chronology of the Theological Works of Theodore II Laskaris
The article "Chronology of the Theological Works of Theodore II Laskaris" explores the theological writings of Theodore II Laskaris (1222–1258), emperor of Nicaea, and their chronological development within the intellectual and political landscape of 13th-century Byzantium. Emphasizing his major polemical work Eight Orations Against the Latins, this study situates his theological arguments within the broader context of Byzantine-Latin relations, church doctrine, and imperial ideology. By drawing on the works of Dimiter Angelov, Christos Krikonis, and Sophia Georgiopoulou, the article reassesses existing scholarly positions on the dating of Laskaris’ texts and provides a refined timeline based on textual analysis, historical events, and manuscript evidence. The study highlights Theodore II’s theological contributions as a scholar-emperor, reflecting both his personal convictions and the political exigencies of his reign.
Copyright (c) 2024 Cyril Galev https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Romanian Orthodox Church and Ecumenism – an overview
Although, called together with the all the other Eastern Orthodox Churches to join World Council of Churches in 1948, the Romanian Orthodox Church will come later, in 1961 in the Movement, together with all the other Churches from the Communist countries. Their arrival will change even the carta of the WCC, which will become from this moment a Trini-tarian one. Still, the history of the road of the Romanian Orthodox Church in the Ecumenical field starts earlier, with the conferences of Nathan Soder-blom. Noticing these aspects we will try in the present research to see which were the main aspects that defined the role of it in the Ecumenical and which were its major contributions. Theologians like Fr. Ioan Bria, who travelled in "Faith and Order" commission of WCC, or Fr. Dumitru Stăniloae, recently declared Saint by his Church come to speak about a deep concern and a honest commitment in the ecumenical pilgrimage. Also, starting from his activity as a professor in the Ecumenical Institute of Geneva (1980-1988), Dan-Ilie Ciobotea, who is today the Patriarch Daniel, had an important word to say in this field.
Copyright (c) 2024 Iuliu-Marius Morariu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Constructed in opposition to the Pelagian heresy, Augustine’s doctrine of man’s free will and God’s grace caused – both in the thinker’s lifetime and in the centuries that followed – not a little controversy and accusations of pre-destination – not only in ecclesiastical but also in philosophical circles. Some theologians have accused Augustine of taking a diametrically opposed position in the context of the dogmatic dispute with Pelagianism – a doctrine that stresses the real self-value of human existence and man’s ability to achieve good on his own (independently) and in his own strength. Accused of going to the extreme of disregarding the freedom of the human will at the expense of grace and divine predestination in order to secure salvation for some and retribution for others – he is considered the forerunner of Calvin’s doctrine of predestination, which many believe paved the way. Does his thought really warrant such assessments, and why do many stumble over it, failing to consider the context in which his doctrine of freedom and grace emerged and unfolded, on the one hand, and its inherently dynamic structure, on the other?
Copyright (c) 2024 Dimitria Cherneva https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0