The Great Lavra Monastery

Studia Theologica No. II (XX) / 2025 The experience of divine light and true authority in the Church Lecturer, Dr Bogdan Ivanov

Authority in the Byzantine Church of the 11th century is analysed through the conflict between institutional authority and charismatic-mystical authority, with a focus on the figure of Saint Symeon the New Theologian. The tension between the secular humanism of Michael Psellos and the charismatic mysticism of Simeon, his dispute with Metropolitan Stephen of Nicomedia, and the modern interpretations of Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev, paint a picture of authority gained through the mystical experience of the vision of God.

Colloquium No. II (VI) / 2018 Interview with Archimandrite Athanasius Prodromitus, Abbot of the Romanian Prodromu Skete on Mount Athos (III) Rev. Dr. Ștefan Zară, Monk Gherasim Prodromitul

The interview reconstructs the spiritual life of the Prodromu Skete on Mount Athos under the abbotship of Father Petroniu, presenting the Athonite practices he introduced in accordance with the Typikon of Saint Sava, the strained relations with the Great Lavra, and the restoration work carried out in a negligent manner. More recent crises are also discussed, including the breakaway of some monks from the Orthodox Church due to fanatical zealotry and the unauthorised use of the internet.

Colloquium No. I (V) / 2018 Interview with Archimandrite Athanasius Prodromitus, Abbot of the Romanian Prodromu Skete on Mount Athos (II) Rev. Dr. Ștefan Zară, Monk Gherasim Prodromitul

This article presents the spiritual life and monastic order of the Prodromu Skete on Mount Athos, under the abbotship of Father Petroniu, and their continuation by his successor. It describes in detail the principles of the community – the liturgical programme according to the Typikon of Saint Sava, the daily duties, weekly confession and the abbot’s way of life – as well as the process of electing the new abbot and the spiritual and administrative challenges facing the skete.

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