Constantinople synod on divine energies (1351)
The synod affirmed the Palamite account of real communion with God through His uncreated energies while the divine essence remains incomprehensible.
Historical context
The council belongs to the reception of hesychast theology in the Orthodox Church. Its status is important but distinct from the seven ecumenical councils.
Key points
- Distinguish essence from energy without splitting God into parts.
- Relate the decision to deification and prayer rather than treating it as an abstract philosophical puzzle.
Scripture
- 2 Peter 1:4 — Participation in divine life is a biblical anchor in Orthodox explanations of deification.
Primary sources
In the theology received by the synod, Palamas writes:
Palamas himself describes God's energy as uncreated and coeternal with God.
God's energy is uncreated and coeternal with God, according to the theologians.
Passage context and translation
Palamas distinguishes God's uncreated activity from its created effects while arguing against Gregory Akindynos. The sentence does not identify the divine energy with created results.
Before the excerpt
it is certainly not the energy of God, but its products and effects, however they might be named, which are creatures.
After the excerpt
With respect to the fact of its existence but not as to what it is, the substance is known from the energy