Mystical and transcendental meanings of Christian (Byzantine) hesychasm

The article presents a holistic philosophical analysis of the phenomenon of Christian (Byzantine) hesychasm. The very concept of hesychasm, its etymological foundations and features as an ideology and practice are revealed. The genesis of Christian hesychasm is presented in the study according to the historical principle, which chronologically includes several stages from the 4th century to the present day. It is shown that hesychasm is not an obsolete theological doctrine, but a dynamic theological, ethical, philosophical and cultural phenomenon of society. Emphasis is placed on two main approaches to understanding the art of hesychastic practice and knowledge of God. Sinaitism as a spiritual practice of “noetic doing”, containing the mystical aspect of hesychasm, and Palamism as a way of cognition of the otherworldly transcendent principle are characterized. The categorical apparatus of hesychasm is specified, including not only theological terms, but also philosophical concepts, since the phenomenon of hesychasm today acquires a pronounced philosophical dimension.