Herméneutique et mystagogie. Pluralité des hiérarchies selon Grégoire le Sinaïte

Abstract

Hermeneutics and Mystagogy: Plurality of hierarchies according to Gregory the Sinaite

This article investigates the reception of Dionysius Areopagita’s hierarchical conception by one of the most famous spiritual authors in Byzantine and post-Byzantine times: Saint Gregory the Sinaite (ca 1275-1346). Written in the last period of his life, the text On the Four Hierarchies represents a synthesis of his spiritual and liturgical thought and a witness to the importance of the Dionysian notion of hierarchy for Byzantine theology. Gregory the Sinaite responds to the question concerning the place of monasticism in the Church's hierarchical structure in a way that is hermeneutically more original than that of Niketas Stethatos but at the same time more liturgical oriented. A key concept for understanding the creation and the Church, the hierarchy is also a hermeneutical tool for reassembling ecclesiastical life's sacramental and liturgical structure with the preeminent role of monastic spirituality.

Keywords: Gregory the Sinaite, hierarchy, angels, authority, hermeneutics, mystagogy, monasticism, liturgy