Eco-theological Ideas of Sts. Basil the Great and John Chrysostom in the Interpretations of the Book of Genesis

The present study is based on the works of the Holy Fathers, who were more or less involved in the exegesis of the texts of the Book of Genesis, particularly the first chapters on creation. Analyzing the texts of these works, the author attempts to overcome gravity of biblical anthropocentrism by relying on natural symbolism borrowed from the Holy Scripture, thereby revealing the significance of their creations for the development of Christian ecological theology. At the same time, he draws attention to the fact that Eastern Church Fathers are less studied in theological discourse from the perspective of ecological theological ideas compared to representatives of Western theology (scholastics). On the one hand, this shows the relevance of the chosen topic. On the other hand, there are significant limitations in the availability and elaboration of source base, which necessitates further development of research in this area. The results of the study allow us to conclude that the eco-theological concept of Saints Basil the Great and John Chrysostom’s ideas is a moderate anthropocentricism that implies a careful attitude toward nature.