The beginning of Greek university theology in the writings of Nicholas Damalas (1842-1892)

The article talks about the theological writings of one of the first teachers of the Faculty of Theology of University of Athens, Nicholas Damalas. First of all, his work “On the Principles of Scientific and Church Orthodox Theology” is considered, which became the first attempt among university professors to create a review of Orthodox dogmatic teaching, mainly in the context of polemics with heterodox. His other works on various theological issues are also used. His attitude towards the Old Catholics and Anglicans, with whom the Orthodox Church at that time was actively negotiating about the possibility of unification, is examined. This attitude was sharply polemical and did not recognize the presence of grace in heterodox confessions. At the same time, there is also a certain influence on his theological views of Protestantism and rationalism, especially during his studies at Western universities. Critical remarks that some of his contemporaries, primarily Ch. Androutsos, made regarding his theological views are also given. In general, N. Damalas at a certain stage played a role in the development of the teaching of dogmatic and comparative theology at the University of Athens. However, later his theological works were supplanted by more significant manuals on these subjects and were no longer republished.