St Gregory Palamas: Feast Day and Defense of Hesychasm
The post commemorates the feast of St Gregory Palamas on 14 November. Born in Constantinople in 1296 and raised near the imperial court, he abandoned a promising secular career for monastic life on Mount Athos. There he devoted himself to prayer. When the hesychast practice of prayer came under attack, Palamas defended it, teaching that through prayer the saints truly behold the uncreated light of God.
His defense led to imprisonment. Later appointed Archbishop of Thessaloniki, he faced initial rejection from his own city but remained faithful, humble, and loving toward his flock. The post notes that he is also honoured on the Second Sunday of Great Lent. It concludes with a reflective question: what are we willing to leave behind to draw closer to God?
Main points
- Born 1296 in Constantinople, raised near imperial court
- Left secular prospects for monastic life on Mount Athos
- Defended hesychast prayer and the vision of uncreated light
- Imprisoned for his defense; later made Archbishop of Thessaloniki
- Also commemorated on the Second Sunday of Great Lent