Hesychasm and Politics in Late Byzantium

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the Byzantine state and church, presents an overview of the Hesychastic method, and analyses the political ramifications of this method. Hesychasm was a philosophical and mystical movement that became popular during the tumultuous final centuries of Byzantium. The Hesychast movement might appear to be purely theological, but its flourishing necessarily involved politics. Adopting Hesychasm provided the church with a role that extended beyond its merely being a pillar within a God-protected state.

Keywords:

• Hesychasm
• Byzantium
• theocracy
• grace
• divine light
• ecstasy
• prayer