Abstract: Since 10th Century Mount Athos continuously represented a center of Orthodoxy that impacted not only on a Byzantine religious life, but also on politics, society and arts. In 14th century the practice of Hesychia was dominant. It was a kind of monasticism, mainly concentrated on the intensive contemplation that usually resulted with hypostatic union with God. At the same time under the influence of some heterodox propaganda, the Massalian as well as Bogomil tendencies penetrated, claiming to experience the essence of God, but also rejecting the sacraments of the official Christianity in respect of its institutional meaning. The controversy intensified when Barlaam of Calabria criticized Hesychasm as heretical, leading to a series of theological debates. Ultimately, Palamas’ teachings were upheld by the Palamite Councils (1341 – 1351), affirming Hesychasm as Orthodox doctrine, while the Bogomils were condemned. This conflict shaped Byzantine spirituality and solidified Hesychasm’s influence in Orthodox monasticism, particularly on Mount Athos.

Author: Angelovska-Panova, Maja

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2025.18.1.76-84

Publication order reference: Prof. Maja Angelovska-Panova; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Institute of National History, Grigor Prlichev 3, 1000 Skopje, R. N. Macedonia; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; ORCID ID: 0000-0001-7100-7523

Source: Konštantínove listy, 2025, vol.: 18, issue: 1, pages: 76-84 (PDF file)

Keywords: MOUNT ATHOS, BOGOMILISM, HESYCHASM, MONASTICISM, ASCETICISM

Language: ENGLISH

Recommended Citation:

Angelovska-Panova, Maja. 2025. Mount Athos and the Bogomil-Hesychastic Controversy. In Konštantínove listy [Constantine’s Letters] 18/1, 76-84.