Religious anthropology of eastern (Greek-byzantine) patristics

The article is dedicated to reviewing the understanding of an individual found in the works of the Eastern Patristics‟ representatives at the times of Trinity and Christology disputes occurring in the Byzantine Empire from the 4th till 7th century. Also presented are the ideas of some of the earlier Church Fathers who, during the period of the apologetics of Christianity, laid the foundations of the early Medieval Christian anthropology. The author analyses the provisions of the Greek-Byzantine thinkers on the purpose of Man in his personal relationship with God, shows the Patristics‟ justification of the Old Testament understanding of an individual in his „image‟ and „likeness‟ of God. Special attention is paid to the study of the teachings of the Eastern Church Fathers revealing the contradictory essence of each individual, consisting of the confrontation of the soul (spirit) and body. The principle of antinomianism is derived as the main method of comprehension of human nature in relation to the Creator. The ideas of „deification‟ and „salvation‟ are designed as basic categories, outlining the cherished goal and the righteous path for a person who directs his thoughts to self-improvement, self-knowledge and comprehension of God, and the achievement of spiritual unity with Him. The article is based on the analysis of primary sources – texts of the Church Fathers of Greek-Byzantine Christianity. © Ecozone, OAIMDD. All rights reserved.