The foundation of personhood
Trinitarian theology in the thought of John Zizioulas
Article summary proposed by the Contacts review with LLM assistance
This article by Michel Stavrou presents a systematic study of the trinitarian theology of Metropolitan John Zizioulas, centered on the ontological foundation of the notion of person. Drawing on the dogmatic writings of the Cappadocian Fathers, the author analyzes the triple distinction between the existence of God, his incomprehensible essence and his personal modes of existence, as well as the distinction between ousia, energy and hypostasis. The article examines in particular the "ontological revolution" accomplished by Saint Basil, which confers a relational dimension upon the hypostasis, and the significance of the "monarchy of the Father" as personal and free causality at the origin of trinitarian life. The main contribution lies in the demonstration that, for Zizioulas, the person constitutes the ultimate ontological category in God, conditioning all anthropological reflection on the human person and its vocation to communion.
This article has not been translated yet — it is available in its French version here.
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