ΕΝΕΡΓΕΙΑ vs ΣΟΦΙΑ [the distinction between the Divine essence and energies]

Stoyan Tanev

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ΕΝΕΡΓΕΙΑ vs ΣΟΦΙΑ
The contribution of Fr. Georges Florovsky to the
rediscovery of the Orthodox teaching on the distinction
between the Divine essence and energies
Abstract
The objective of this essay is to discuss the re
–
emergence of the distinction
between Divine essence and e
nergies in Orthodox theology by focusing on
the sophiological controversy in the first half of 20th century with a
specific emphasis on the theology of Fr. Georges Florovsky and Fr. Sergei
Bulgakov. In the works of Bulgakov the concept of Sophia, Wisdom of
God,
emerged as a theological construction somehow in parallel to the three
hypostases of the Holy Trinity. Florovsky on the other hand viewed
Bulgakov’s sophiology as alien to Patristic theology. The two theologians
were highly respectful to each other a
nd engaged into an indirect
theological debate in which it was not the understanding of Sophia but its
implication for the Christian dogma on creation out of nothing that
emerged as the real stumbling block. Bulgakov addressed the doctrine of
creation from…