Τό κοινωνικὸ μοντέλο τοῦ Πατριάρχη Ἀθανασίου Α'
Date Issued
February 21, 2019
Type
Πτυχιακή Εργασία
Abstract
While Andronicus II (1282-1328) was ruling, Byzantium was in a state of political, economic, military decline and facing social division, as a result of Michael VIII’s ecclesiastical policies. At this period of crisis, a reform-minded Patriarch, an ascetic man, the monk Athanasius, headed the Throne of Constantinople twice (1289-1293, 1303-1309). As ecclesiastical leader, he did not change his ways, remaining a monk and continuing asceticism by fasting, keeping vigils... Through his prophetic approach, he considered Byzantium trials (the threads to its survival) as a result of God’s wrath, because of Christians’ sins. The only mean of salvation was repentance, to which he exhorted every one, in order to rebuild Church and society on the basis of evangelic and monastic way of life. Therefore he performed reforms, trying to eradicate everything contrary to the Gospel and ecclesiastical canons: attacking clerical decadence, demanding from bishops, priests and monastics discipline, urging everybody to live virtuously, attend Church services, battling against corruption. During the famine of 1306, he involved himself in social matters, defending the poor, feeding the starving at his «soup kitchens». Beloved by the people, venerated by his disciples, he was not popular among officials. His austerity, his lack of compromise provoked his resignation. Nevertheless, Athanase played important role. His political-social involvement contributed to increasing influence of the Patriarchate. His call for return to God prepared the soil for the hesychasts. His prophetic voice was completely justified by Patriarch Gennadios, who attributes the causes of the Fall to Christians’ lack of repentance.
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