Marcus Plested: The Reception of the Macarian Writings in the Hesychast Controversy

This paper will examine the reception of the works of Macarius-Symeon (pseudo-Macarius) in the Byzantine Hesychast Controversy within both Palamite and anti-Palamite circles. The Macarian writings were among the most important patristic sources cited by St Gregory Palamas and his supporters in support of the doctrine of theosis (deification) and the possibility of the vision of God as uncreated light. Macarius is indeed something of an archetypal figure for the Palamite party - something recognized by both John Meyendorff and Juan-Nadal Canellas albeit for rather different reasons and with rather different sympathies. Close examination of this instance of patristic reception promises to expand our understanding of the theological methodology and patristic foundations of both sides of the Hesychast Controversy.