The Influence of Origenism on the Theology of the Iconoclastic Heresy

The influence of the early Christian theologian and exegete Origen of Alexandria on the genesis of Christian theology is difficult to overestimate. However, it was Origen who stood at the origins of the heterodox movement of the Ecumenical Councils era — Origenism, which existed for almost four centuries and brought the Church many troubles. At the same time, there is information that, to one degree or another, connects Origenism with almost all the heresies of the Ecumenical Councils era. In this regard, the iconoclastic heresy stands apart, the history of which has not preserved direct indications of its connection with Origenism. However, the theological views of individual Origenists have multiple intersections with the theology of iconoclasm. The article examines the views of Origen and his prominent followers — Eusebius of Caesarea and Evagrius Ponticus, on the possibility of venerating images and pictures in Christianity, and also examines their connection with the teachings of the iconoclastic heresy. The analysis of this issue allows for a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted theology of Origenism, as well as to expand the traditional understanding of its boundaries. The author comes to the conclusion that the theology of Origenism had points of intersection with the iconoclastic doctrine and one can speak of the influence of Origenism on the formation of this doctrine.