The theological interpretation of schism by patriarch Athanasius I of Constantinople (1289-1293, 1303-1309)

In this article, on the basis of the written legacy of Patriarch Athanasius I of Constantinople (1289-1293, 1303-1309), his theological views on the problem of schism are made clear. Te subject of reflection for Athanasius was, in the main, the Arsenite schism (1265-1310), but also a number of other schisms during his time as the Patriarch of Constantinople. Te most original part of the theology of the patriarch is the Christological and ecclesiological interpretation of schism. Te meaning of Christ’s incarnation is the reconciliation of humanity in Himself, in the Church as His Body. Te schismatic is rejected from the Body of Christ and thus resists the economy of Salvation. Te Patriarch resorts to the well-known image of the schism as a tearing up of the Body of Christ, which has parallels in contemporary anti-schismatic literature. But in this case, the patriarch does not appear as an abstract thinker, but as a spokesman for contemplated mystical reality. Te significance of schism from the soteriological point of view, in the patriarch’s opinion, lies in the fact that it is allowed by God to “test and glorify the faithful”. Te patriarch reveals the spiritual causes of schism - passions in the heart of the schismatic: insolence, impenitence, vanity, lust for power and self-interest and, ultimately, opposition to God. Te theology of St. Athanasius contains only minimal connections to historical specifics, and, therefore, remains relevant to this day