Famous Greek Theologians

Byzantine philosopher, historian, monk, and statesman Michael Psellos merged Platonic philosophy and Christian beliefs in his teachings. He also headed the philosophy faculty in the imperial university of Constantine IX. His best-known work was Chronographia, which charted history from the reign of emperor Basil II to that of Nicephorus III.

Byzantine Greek humanist and theologian Bessarion later became a cardinal and the Latin Patriarch of Constantinople. He is also known as Basil. Known for his study in Neoplatonic philosophy, he is remembered for his work In calumniatorem Platonis, written against George of Trebizond, a critic of Plato.

Demetrios Kydones was a Byzantine Greek translator, theologian, statesman, and author. An influential personality, Kydones served three consecutive terms as Mesazon (Chancellor or Imperial Prime Minister) of the Byzantine Empire. He held the position under three emperors: John VI Kantakouzenos, Manuel II Palaiologos, and John V Palaiologos.

Andreas of Caesarea was a Greek theological writer whose commentary on the Book of Revelation is regarded as his principal work. His work is widely considered the earliest Greek patristic commentary on the Book of Revelation. Andreas of Caesarea is also credited with preserving several Eastern traditions associated with the Apocalypse of John.

John XI of Constantinople served as the Patriarch of Constantinople from 1275 to 1282. He was also the chief Greek advocate during the reunion of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches in Byzantine times. John XI of Constantinople served in the court of Emperor Michael VIII Palaeologus, who depended on John for maintaining his empire's tranquility with the West.

Macarius Magnes is best remembered for his apology against a Neo-Platonic philosopher. The apology, which seems to be written in the early period of fourth century, was discovered along with a manuscript of the 15th century in Athens in 1867. This work, which was edited by Blondel, is considered valuable because of its agreement with the views of Gregory Nyssen.

Isidore of Kiev was a Greek Orthodox patriarch of Russia, Roman cardinal, humanist and theologian who was a prominent advocate of the reunion of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Western Catholic Church. He, however, faced opposition, imprisonment and was forced into exile. Later, Pope Pius II gave him two titles - Latin Patriarch of Constantinople and Archbishop of Cyprus.

Byzantine theologian and historian Michael Glycas was from the Greek island of Corfu. Accused of conspiring against emperor Manuel I Komnenos, he was partially blinded and imprisoned but continued to write even while in prison. Verses from Prison and his chronicle remain his best-known works.

Patriarch Metrophanes of Alexandria was a Greek theologian and monk. Between 1636 and 1639, he was the Greek Patriarch of Alexandria. Metrophanes constructed an important library during his term as patriarch of Alexandria. Patriarch Metrophanes of Alexandria is also credited with educating the West of Orthodoxy and aspired to unify the churches of Western Europe with the Orthodox Church.

Dositheos II of Jerusalem was the Patriarch of Jerusalem between 1669 and 1707 and is known for supporting the Eastern orthodoxy over Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Earlier, after being ordained deacon, he was made archdeacon of Jerusalem and thereafter consecrated archbishop of Caesarea Palestinae. His work History of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem was published after his death.