ST. MAXIMUS the GREEK (ARTA, CA. 1470 – MOSCOW, 1556) and HIS BYZANTINE WORLDVIEW AS HIS CONTRIBUTION to SLAVIC INTELLECTUAL ETHICAL ENCODING

Abstract

The paper investigates the foundations of the ethical values that shaped the deeply personal theology of St. Maximus the Greek. By providing the original evidence from his writings (as well as from manuscripts) and the precise biographical context, the author reveals significant disagreement between Maxim’s Russian co-speakers and his previous philological, ascetic and monastic experience, concerning the Byzantine system of education, especially the Byzantine consideration of divine wisdom and human knowledge. In particular, this paper analyses Maxim’s understanding of (Greek) grammar. It also discusses the question of ‘the Jesus prayer’ and its possible literal traces in the writings of Maxim the Greek. In conclusion, it seems that Maxim the Greek created a completely unique ethical system of intellectual knowledge that should be connected to the Athonite prayer and liturgical practice.