Antirrhetics against Akindina

“Antirrhetics against Akindinus” is one of the most important and most extensive polemical works of St. Gregory Palamas, written in 1342-1345. during a period of fierce hesychast disputes. These works represent a response to the theological errors of Gregory Akindinus, who, once a supporter of the saint, then became his most significant opponent after the departure of Barlaam of Calabria from Byzantium, continuing his criticism of Orthodox hesychasm. The main purpose of the essay is a comprehensive defense of the dogmas of the Orthodox faith about God, His uncreated energies and the real possibility of knowledge of God and the deification of man. Each of the 7 antirrhetics (“objections”) is devoted to certain aspects of Akindinus’ theology. The first antirhetic (14 chapters) is a response to the saint’s accusation of bitheism (ditheism) and the introduction of “two deities” due to the distinction between the Divine essence and uncreated energies. St. Gregory Palamas shows that Orthodoxy professes one God, who, being one in essence, manifests himself in his uncreated energies. These are not two essences, but the essence and Its natural, uncreated manifestations. The 2nd antirhetic (chapter 21) is devoted to the defense of the concept of uncreated Divine energies on the basis of Holy Scripture and Tradition. The author accuses Akindinus of Arianism, since he recognizes the created nature of grace. The 3rd antirhetic (23 chapters) contains the doctrine of deification and the real communion of man with God. Saint Gregory asserts that deification is possible only through real participation in uncreated Divine energies, and not through participation in the Divine essence itself (which is absolutely unparticipated). He proves the reality of the presence of the Divine in the Body of Christ and in His members - people who have been granted grace. The 4th antirrhetic (22 chapters) talks about the nature of the Tabor light and the possibility of contemplating the Divine. The author dwells on the key issue of hesychast disputes - the nature of the light that the apostles saw on Tabor during the Transfiguration of the Lord, and the light that the hesychasts, purified in heart, contemplate. The saint claims that this light is uncreated Divine energy, and not any created phenomenon or symbol. The 5th antirhetic (28 chapters) is devoted to the proof of the uncreatedness of Divine grace and the defense of the hesychast practice of mental doing and contemplation. The author refutes Akindin's accusations that these practices are “magical,” “material,” or lead to illusions. The 6th antirretic (25 chapters) talks about the relationship of Divine properties (goodness, wisdom, omnipotence, justice) to the essence and energies of God. The saint proves that these properties are uncreated Divine energies through which God manifests Himself to the world. The 7th Antirhetic (16 chapters) contains a synthesis of previous arguments, a final refutation of Akindinus and a statement of Orthodox teaching. Along with criticism of pagan philosophy, it contains historical digressions about Akindinos and Irene Humnene and about the expulsion of Akindinas from Athos. See also: Controversy with Akindinos St. Gregory Palamas You might be interested in: