Greek Theologians

[Servus Iesu]

Who would you consider to be the pre-eminent Greek theologian? If someone asked me who was the greatest of the Latins, I'd probably say Aquinas. Anyway, I'm wondering if the Greeks have any systematic theologians, or who you would suggest reading to gain a good overall grasp of Greek/Eastern theology (I would prefer someone pre-schism). Right now I'm reading Chrysostom's Homilies on Acts and I've read Athanasius On the Incarnation in the past, but beyond that I confess that I'm ignorant.

[icxn]

St. Gregory the Theologian
St. Basil the Great
St. Maximus the Confessor
St. John Damascene
St. Cyril of Alexandria
St. Dionysios the Areopagite

DISCLAIMER

Given that Orthodox Theology is empirical reading those Church Fathers is best done in an Orthodox context, i.e. under the guidance of a spiritual father and with the intention not to fill your mind with knowledge but to purify your soul by imitating their life so that you too can experience the things that they teach. The study of Theology in combination with prayer is the healing pill for the intellectual aspect of the soul. Self-control is the medication of the body/incesive aspect while love for the exciting. When these three parts are healed/purified then we can actually begin to understand Theology, "for where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Mt. 18:20). And "It is not safe to swim in one's clothes, nor should a slave of passion touch theology." - St. John Climacus

[Servus Iesu]

Is Gregory the Theologian the same as St. Gregory of Nyssa? I apologize if that is an ignorant question.

[Orthosdoxa]

I believe there's only 3 people who we Orthodox call "Theologian":

St. John the Theologian (the Evangelist)
St. Gregory the Theologian (I'm sorry- I can never remember which Gregory is which)
St. Symeon the New Theologian

Rdr Moses

ps - I seem to be logged in as my wife :D

[icxn]

St. Gregory the Theologian is the one from Nazianzus not Nyssa.

[Orthocat]

The Philokalia provides a great understanding.

However some suggest these should be read under the instruction of a spiritual advisor.

It was these books that converted and performed such a metanoia in me that I actually wondered how I had considered myself a Christian before...

[Kripost]

Is Gregory the Theologian the same as St. Gregory of Nyssa? I apologize if that is an ignorant question.

St Gregory the Theologian is also known as Gregory Nazianzus. St Gregory of Nyssa is the brother of St Basil the Great, and is also a friend of Gregory Nazianzus. The three of them are known together as the Cappadocian Fathers.