Σχολιασμὸς καὶ Μετάφραση ἀπὸ τὰ Γαλλικὰ στὰ Ἑλληνικὰ τοῦ κεφαλαίου ΙΙ τοῦ βιβλίου Τὸ Κοινωνικὸ Μοντέλο τοῦ Ἁγίου Πατριάρχη Ἀθανασίου Α' μὲ τίτλο "Σύντομη βιογραφία τοῦ Πατριάρχη"
Date Issued
June 9, 2023
Type
Πτυχιακή Εργασία
Abstract
On the threshold of the 14th century, while Andronicus II (1282-1328) was ruling, Byzantium was in a state of political and economic decline. It was also facing ecclesiastical and social division (consequence of Michael VIII’s ecclesiastical policies). At this period of crisis, thanks to Andronicus expressive will, a radical reform-minded Patriarch, the monk Athanasius, headed the Throne of Constantinople twice (1289-1293, 1303-1309).
Athanasius was a man of ascetic nature and great experience of monastic ways (he had lived as a cenobite and as a hermit). At the moment of his election, he was the Abbot of the monastery at Xerolofos granted to him by Andronicus, whose spiritual father he was. Becoming a patriarch, he did not change his manner of living, remaining a true monk by hard fasting, keeping vigil... Through his spiritual approach, he considered Byzantium trials as a result of God’s wrath, because of the people sins. He suggested the only means of salvation, conversion and repentance, in order to rebuild the Church and society on the basis of evangelic and monastic way of life.
With the support of Andronicus he started performing zealously, ecclesiastical and social reforms, trying to eradicate everything contrary to the Gospel, ecclesiastical canons and good order. He attacked clerical and monastic decadence, demanding from bishops, priests and monastics strict discipline. On the social path, he battled against depravity, pleaded for righteousness. During the famine of 1306, as a New Chrysostom, he involved himself in social matters, defending the poor, feeding the starving by distributing gruel at the «soup kitchens» he had set up on the streets. Though greatly beloved by the people for his simplicity, his compassion and social welfare concerns, he was not popular among officials. His zeal and his austerity provoked resentment and he was twice forced to resign.
Subjects