The Second Person of the Trinity in the Hymns of Synesius of Cyrene and Gregory of Nazianzus’ 'Poemata Arcana' and Orations

Kevin Wagner, PhD
Lecturer, University of Notre Dame, Sydney

Abstract: The early fifth century bishop, Synesius of Cyrene, was formed in the Neo-Platonic school of Hypatia of Alexandria. His writings disclose the fact that he struggled to integrate his Greek paideia and the Christian faith of his childhood. Most crucially we may note his infrequent use of the name of Jesus in his written corpus. Here we will examine his nine extant hymns – which are the most theological of his writings – in order to determine (within the limits of the genre) the orthodoxy of his Christology. To this end, we will investigate the influence of Gregory Nazianzen on Synesius. The juxtaposing of the Christologies of these two bishops offers a unique insight into Synesius’ acceptance of the Person after whom Christianity is named.

 

Introducing the Master of Greek Philosophy

Greek philosophy remains foundational to the history of ideas in the Western and Eastern traditions. It has shaped disciplines as diverse as theology, ethics, politics, science, and metaphysics. In particular, the writings of Plato, Aristotle, and the later Hellenistic and Byzantine philosophers have exercised enduring influence on Christian theology, especially in the Patristic and medieval Byzantine periods.

The Master of Greek Philosophy cultivates advanced capacity for critical engagement with the key figures, texts, and ideas of the ancient and Byzantine Greek philosophical tradition, preparing graduates to integrate these insights in further scholarly research, higher education, ministry, or other cultural and professional spheres.

Courses

How to Apply

Useful links

Subscribe to our Blog!


Subscribe to our blog written by our Faculty and learn more about your Orthodox Christian faith

Subscribe here