Changes

Jump to: navigation, search

Apostolos Makrakis

13,083 bytes added, 19:45, October 15, 2011
External Links
{{cleanup}}'''[[Image:Apostolos Makrakis.JPG|right|thumb|230px| Apostolos Makrakis''' (1831-1905): Greek lay theologian, preacher, ethicist, or philosopher and writer.]]Dr. '''MakrakesApostolos Makrakis''' (''family from [[Mystras]] region, 1778''1831-1905), was a charismatic and controversial and charismatic Greek Orthodox [[laity|lay]] [[theology|theologian]], preacher, ethicist, and philosopher and prolific writer. He who was born in 1831 a leader of the "awakening movement" in the village of Katavati on [[Sifnosw:Greek War of Independence|post-revolutionary Greece]] island, and arguably one of the most important religious personalities of the 19th century. He was an extremely prolific writer whose works were translated widely outside of Greece, and died on however his vigorous religious movement eventually turned the [[December 25Holy Synod]]against him, 1905 resulting in Athenshis being condemned and jailed several times.<ref>Tolika, buried in his family chapel dedicated to the Virgin MaryOlympia N. ''Epitomo Enkyklopaidiko Lexiko Tes Byzantines Musikes.''s [[Annunciation]]Athena, 1993. His bust is in the square bearing his name at the entrance of the village</ref>.
[[Image:Makrakis.JPG|right|thumb|230px| Apostolos Makrakis 1831-1905: Greek theologian, preacher, ethicist, philosopher and writer.]]
==Life==
Apostolos Makrakis was a charismatic lay theologian gifted with many talents and a leader born in 1831 in the village of the "awakening movement" in Katavati on [[w:Greek War of IndependenceSifnos|post-revolutionary GreeceSifnos island]], Greece. He finished his secondary school training in his birthplace , and later studied in [[Constantinople]], where he worked for a short time as a teacher and published his first treatises. Being a person of with a strong character and with who was inclined towards a disposition towards vigorous detailed inspection of things, he came to a collision course eventually collided with the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] and with the parents of his students, on the grounds being of his teaching of frequent [[Eucharist|communion]]. In 1862 he went to Paris, where he worked as a private tutor, remaining there for two years and learning about modern European philosophy up to Hegel. His defensive disposition was expressed quickly with the writing in French of four treatises against Western (and especially Cartesian) philosophy, and in favour of Christianity. After a brief trip to Athens, he returned in 1865 to Constantinople, where he continued his work for a year, and in 1866 he settled permanently in Athens, where he also reposed.
Makrakis was manifested upon the Greek nation during In 1862 he went to Paris, where he worked as a multifarious private tutor, remaining there for two years and therefore very difficult epochlearning about modern European philosophy from Descartes to Hegel in the French language. The re-emerging civilizationHe wrote four treatises in French against Western philosophy, particularly the foreign military presence''[[w:Cartesianism|Cartesian]]'', and founded his philosophy by contrast on the irregular political situation, principles of the activity doctrine of foreign influences [[Christ]] (especially religious propagandai.e in favour of Christianity), the attachment to "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment Enlightened Europe]This work was entitled ''", The Tree of Life and the uninterrupted adulteration Tree of Knowledge of traditional criteria were problems that would not leave a spirit as restless as his indifferent or in peaceGood and Evil, (i.e. Christian Philosophy and Modern Philosophy"'').
And so MakrakisAfter a brief trip to Athens, wanting he returned in 1865 to contribute to the [[One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church|Catholic]] rebirth of the nationConstantinople, regarded as the most basic element in this the rebirth of the [[One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church|Church]]where he continued his work for a year, as the [[w:Noah's Ark|ark]] and instrument of the new national life<ref>Metallinos, G.D. ''Ekpaideutike Hellenike Enkyklopaideia: Pankosmio Biographiko Lexiko.'' Athenain 1866 he settled permanently in Athens, 1983-1988. Tom. 1-9B.</ref>where he also reposed.
===ChristologyMakrakis was manifested upon the Greek nation during a multifarious and therefore very difficult epoch. There was the re-Philosophy emerging civilization, the foreign military presence, the irregular political situation, the activities of foreign influences (especially religious propaganda), the attachment to "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment Enlightened Europe]", and Controversythe uninterrupted adulteration of traditional criteria,<ref group===He criticized contemporary prelates "note">"Greece has a long history of traditional Orthodox piety. During his studies, [[Nectarios of Pentapolis|Nektarios]] tried to learn about this so that he could better understand the spirit of the people of this newly freed motherland. However, what he found was abundant confusion in the people and in the church. The [[w:SimonyGeorge I of Greece|new Bavarian King's court]] and foreign influences corrupted the traditional Orthodox values. This confusion greatly affected the [[Presbyter|Simonypriests]], and also upheld who struggled to lead the nation in its newly found freedom, just as they has during the theory hard years of the ''Trisyntheto'' (triple constitution [[Ottoman rule and Eastern Christianity|Turkish oppression]]. Now, however, their values were steadily becoming more secular. The priesthood had become, in fact, nothing more than a routine vocation with many despots. The [[laity]], in its instinctive wisdom, was aware of humanitythis but could do nothing since it was bound by politicians, ischolars, and demagogues. So it turned satirical towards everything, including the church.eIndeed, what a sad state of affairs it is when people mock their religious leaders."<br>:* {Sotos Chondropoulos. ''PsycheSaint Nektarios: The Saint of Our Century.'' (soul)Transl. Peter and Aliki Los. Athens, ''Pneuma'' (1997. p.48.}</ref> all of which were problems that would not leave a spirit), ''Somaas restless as Makrakis'' (body)indifferent or in peace. He was arguably one And so Makrakis, wanting to contribute to the [[One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church|Catholic]] rebirth of the nation, regarded as the most important religious personalities basic element in this the rebirth of the 19th century[[One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church|Church]], as the [[w:Noah's Ark|ark]] and one whose innovations turned instrument of the Holy Synod against him. He was condemned and jailed several timesnew national life<ref>TolikaMetallinos, Olympia NG.D. ''Epitomo Enkyklopaidiko Ekpaideutike Hellenike Enkyklopaideia: Pankosmio Biographiko Lexiko Tes Byzantines Musikes.'' Athena, 19931983-1988. Tom. 1-9B.</ref>. He was also an extremely prolific writer whose works were widely translated outside of Greece.
He founded the School of ===Preaching===Apostolos Makrakis made ten Gospel tours across the Logos country in Athens in 1876 and titled himself ''Professor of philosophy and total during his lifetime, becoming the philosophical sciences in most influential figure on the Greek nation'' (i.e. "Philosophy", as "Love development of the [[w:Christ the LogosChurch of Greece|LogosGreek Church]]", so that in this sense philosophy becomes applicable to the 19th and interchangeable with the theological discipline of [[Christology]]). In a peer-reviewed book review of five of Makrakis' volumes, R.Pearly 20th centuries. Scharlemann states that:
:"Makrakis intended to be As a preacher, he was a teacher of the people of new phenomenon in newly reborn Greece,...this child Preaching during that period mostly was an activity of the [[w:Greek War marginal competitors of Independence|revolution of 1821]]. The [[w:Søren Kierkegaard|Kierkegaard]] who speaks here has a Hellenistic soul. Philosophythe Church, so that preaching, "the love and science of especially outside the [[w:Christ the LogosParish|God-equal WORDtemples]]by non-authorized figures, or [[w:Christ the Logos|Logos]]", has as its purpose "the acquisition of God's omnisciencewas violently repressed...and the deification of the philosophical investigator". Its object is the same as that of religion and government. The system traces the journey of the soul This was in its ascent from the "primary cognition [noein]" through line with the philosophical sciences to its deification. The means tradition of ascent are provided by the "right reason" that is the object of logic and is incarnate in [[Jesus Christ]].....right reason being the nexus between temporal fact and eternal being. In this system, the primary cognition, or what [[w:PhenomenologyTimeline of Church History (Nicene Era (325-451))|phenomenologyChurch of Late Antiquity]] might call the basic intellectual intuition, is in that I exist, the world existsonce Christian Churches were solidly established, clerics' activities were regulated and God exists... The soul is conscious of its own existence, perceives the world, and knows God's existence, but it does not know the nature of each of them. The aim of science is disciplined in order to make the unknown known. Philosophy as [[w:Christology|Christology]] and Christology as Philosophyavoid ecstatic innovations, it which is at least a theme that makes one thinkwhat Makrakis was in fact criticized for."<ref>ScharlemannAnastassiadis, RAnastassios. [http://www.Pceri-sciencespo.com/publica/question/qdr11. Peer Reviewed Book Review of Makrakis': ''The Logos pdf Religion and Holy Spirit Politics in the Unity of Christian Thought, 5 Vols: Vol 1Greece:The Orthodox Approach to Philosophy, Vol 2:Psychology An Orthodox Christian Perspective, Vol 3: Logic An Orthodox Christian Approach, Vol 4: Theology An Orthodox Standpoint, Vol 5:Philosophy An Orthodox Christian Understanding.Greek Church's 'Conservative Modernization' Translated from in the Greek by Denver Cummings: Orthodox Christian Education Society1990's]. Research in Question, 1977No. ''Journal of Religion'' 59 no 4 O 197911, p 488-490January 2004.</ref>
===Preaching===Apostolos Makrakis was the most influential figure In May 1866, he came to Athens, where for six months he delivered twenty speeches in Concord Square on the development subject of ''The Work of the Greek Church Fathers of 1821 and How it Can Best and Quickest Be Brought to a Conclusion'', which were published in the 19th newspaper ''Justice'', and 20th centuriesrepublished in book form in 1886. As a preacher he was  Given occassion by a new phenomenon in newly reborn Greece. Preaching during that period mostly was an activity threatening letter of the marginal competitors of the Church[[w:Freemasonry|Free Masons]], so that preachingwho had been incensed by his speeches, especially outside he wrote two books against Freemasonry: ''Freemasonry'' and ''Masonry Exposed by the temples by non-authorized figures, was violently repressedMasonic Certificate. This '' The first was published in 1867 and the second in line with 1868. At the tradition instigation of the Church of Late AntiquityMasons, in that once Christian Churches were solidly establishedwho had political influence at the time, clerics' activities were regulated he was twice arrested and disciplined in order to avoid ecstatic innovationsjailed, the first time for twenty-four hours, which is what Makrakis was in fact criticized and the second for sixteen days forallegedly insulting the King.<ref>AnastassiadisAndronis, Anastassios. [http://www.ceri-sciencespoConstantine (Ed.com/publica/question/qdr11).pdf Religion and Politics in Greece: The Greek Church's 'Conservative ModernizationApostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century.' in the 1990's]. Research in QuestionChicago: Orthodox Christian Educational Society, No.11, January 20041966 pp.14</ref>.
Makrakis also preached to large crowds in [[Metropolis of Patra|PatraPatras]], who came out in awe to listen to his "nation-saving" teachings on [[June 18]], [[June 24|24]], [[June 27|27]], and [[July 16]], 1876, having as his <ref group="note">His most fervent followers were Theodoros Kapetanon, Ioannis Arnellon, and Nikolaos Christogiannopoulos.</ref><ref>Triantaphyllu, Kostas N. ''Historikon Lexikon Ton Patron. 2. ekd.'' Patrai, 1980.</ref>. After this a number of publications such as ''Achaia'', ''Phoenix'', and ''Aratos'' strongly attacked his teachings, while others other periodicals such as the ''Peloponnesus'' supported him. Defenders of Makrakis included a theologian of Patras named Ieronymos, as well as the spiritual father of Patras, Fr. Athanasios Georgiou, who recommended that he be exiled for two years lest he be judged by the [[Holy Synod|Synod]]. For Makrakis visited Patras for a period of thirty years Makrakis visited Patras, in 1876 remaining there for forty-days preaching to the people. Continuing his quest of preaching to the nation, he arrived on the island of [[Metropolis of Zakynthos and Strofades|Zakynthos]] in July 1892, and again in August 1893, teaching out of exile.<ref group="note">A critic of Makrakis from Zakynthos was the peopleprimary school teacher Ioannis Siderokastritis, who wrote ''O Anamorphotis Makrakes (The Uneducated Makrakis).''</ref><ref>Zoes, Leonidas Ch. ''Lexikon Historikon Kai Laographikon Zakynthu.'' Athenai, 1963. Tom. 1.</ref>.
Continuing In the summer of 1894 he made his quest of preaching to the nationtenth and last Gospel tour, visiting Thebes, St. Theodore, Levadeia, Atalante, Chalkis, Kyme, Aliverion, Kariston, he arrived Gaurion on the island islands of [[Metropolis of Zakynthos and Strofades|Zakynthos]] in July 1892Andros, Syros, and again in August 1893, teaching out of exilehis birthplace Siphnos. A critic of Makrakis from Zakynthos was the primary school teacher Ioannis Siderokastritis, who wrote ''O Anamorphotis Makrakes (The Uneducated Makrakis)''<ref>ZoesAndronis, Leonidas ChConstantine (Ed.). ''Lexikon Historikon Kai Laographikon ZakynthuApostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century.'' AthenaiChicago: Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 19631966 pp. Tom. 120.</ref>.
===CriticismChristology===* British Orientalist He founded the '' '''School of the Logos''' '' in Athens in September 1876 and titled himself ''Professor of Theology at philosophy and the University of Oxford [[w:Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare|Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare]], writing philosophical sciences in 1903, proposed that if we cut through the many mists of spiteful exaggeration often attributed to MakrakisGreek nation'' life story, ::we can discern that his teaching exactly agrees with that ascribed to philosophical subjects. He taught "Philosophy" from the [[w:Ebionites|Ebionites]] and to [[w:Theodotus perspective of Byzantium|Theodotus the "Love of Rome]] by [[Hippolytus]] in his the [[w:Refutation of all HeresiesChrist the Logos|PhilosophumenaLogos]] (Refutation of all Heresies)", Book VII, chap. 34. A not very dissimilar form so that philosophy in this sense became interchangeable with the theological discipline of [[Adoptionism|Adoptionist doctrineChristology]] still survives among the dissenters of Russia and . In a peer-reviewed book review of Armenia, and I suspect that Makrakis had come into contact with them.' philosophical system<refgroup="note">*''The [[w:Frederick Cornwallis ConybeareChrist the Logos|Conybeare, Frederick CornwallisLogos]]. Reviewed Worksand the Holy Spirit in the Unity of Christian Thought: ''The Student's History According to the Teachings of the Greek Orthodox Church'' by Rev. A5 Vols.HChicago : Orthodox Christian Educational Society, c. Hore (M1977.A:: Vol 1.)''The Orthodox Approach to Philosophy''. London and Oxford:: James Parker, 1902Vol 2. 514 pp.; ''Geschichte der Orientalischen Kirchen von 1453-1898Psychology: An Orthodox Christian Perspective'' by Prof. AISBN 9780938366058:: Vol 3. Diomedes Kyriakos''Logic: an Orthodox Christian approach''. Leipzig, 1902:: Vol 4. ''Theology: An Orthodox Standpoint'American Journal of Theology, '. ISBN 9780938366034:: Vol5.7, No,3 (July 1903). p.562.''Philosophy: An Orthodox Christian Understanding''.</ref>R.P. Scharlemann states that:
* Dr. Constantine Cavarnos although referring :"Makrakis intended to Makrakis as "perhaps be a teacher of the most outstanding philosopher and religious teacher people of modern Greece," in reviewing Makrakis' important treatise on ...this child of the [[w:Greek War of Independence|revolution of 1821]]. The [[Soteriologyw:Søren Kierkegaard|Kierkegaard]]<ref group="note">'''Kierkegaard, the Soren,'''Divine and Sacred Catechism''b. Copenhagen, states that MakrakisDenmark, 1813; d. 1855'' teaching is marred by . Philosopher and religious writer. He was a precursor of the exaggerated importance he attributes to existentialists and a major influence on Protestant theology. He argued that advancing through the Devil, by his narrow conception three stages of Orthodoxythe aesthetic, the ethical and his invective against other the religious denominationsby means of an "existential dialectic" brings the individual closer to God. A leap of faith is required; reason is not a help. :On But awareness of the relationship to God leads to despair as the other hand he identifies that there are individual contrasts temporality with eternal truth. His major works include ''Either/Or'' (1843) and ''Fear and Trembling'' (1843). (''The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge''. 1st Ed.. St. Martin's Press, NY, Oct. 2004. pp.1020.)</ref> who speaks here has a number Hellenistic soul. Philosophy, "the love and science of things in his vigorously written book that should interest the student of religion[[w:Christ the Logos|God-equal WORD]], including or [[w:Christ the lucid Logos|Logos]]", has as its purpose "the acquisition of God's omniscience...and systematic exposition the deification of the doctrines philosophical investigator". Its object is the same as that of religion and government. The system traces the Eastern Church by a conservative representative journey of it; the firm belief soul in perfect divine justice; its ascent from the "primary cognition [noein]" through the very high conception philosophical sciences to its deification. The means of man — man, according to Makrakis ascent are provided by the "right reason" that is the most perfect work object of God, higher even than logic and is incarnate in [[Jesus Christ]].....right reason being the angels; nexus between temporal fact and eternal being. In this system, the profound conviction inprimary cognition, and or what [[w:Phenomenology|phenomenology]] might call the attempt throughout basic intellectual intuition, is that I exist, the book to showworld exists, and God exists... The soul is conscious of its own existence, perceives the perfect harmony between experienceworld, reasonand knows God's existence, but it does not know the nature of each of them. The aim of science is to make the unknown known. Philosophy as [[w:Christology|Christology]] and religionChristology as Philosophy, it is at least a theme that makes one think."<ref>CavarnosScharlemann, Constantine (Dr)R.P.. Peer Reviewed WorkBook Review of Makrakis': ''Divine The Logos and Sacred Catechism by Apostolos MakrakisHoly Spirit in the Unity of Christian Thought, 5 Vols: Vol 1:The Orthodox Approach to Philosophy, Vol 2:Psychology An Orthodox Christian Perspective, Vol 3: Logic An Orthodox Christian Approach, Vol 4: Theology An Orthodox Standpoint, Vol 5:Philosophy An Orthodox Christian Understanding.''. Transl. Translated from the Greek by the Hellenic Denver Cummings: Orthodox Christian Education Society, Chicago, Illinois. New York: Cosmos Greek-American Printing Co., 19461977. '''Journal of the American Academy of Religion''' 59 no 4 O 1979, 1949; XVII-265p 488-266490.</ref>
* Blessed Elder ===Controversy===Besides criticizing contemporary [[Philotheos (Zervakos)w:Prelate|prelates]] has written ''The Errors of [[w:Simony|Simony]], Apostolos Makrakisalso upheld the theory of the triple constitution of humanity - i.e. ''Psyche'' This is not yet in English translation(soul), but it is summarized in part in Dr. Constantine Cavarnos's book 'Pneuma'' (spirit), ''Blessed Elder Philotheos ZervakosSoma''. In his criticism the Elder emphasises that (body) - for which he does was criticized, causing some confusion as to whether or not mean to say that there is nothing of value Makrakis was in Makrakis' writings, especially fact [[Excommunication|excommunicated]] by the earlier ones, but that they must be approached with cautionChurch or not.
===The sources show that while he was condemned by the [[Council of Athens (1878)|Council of Athens]] (1878), he was not formally [[Excommunication===According to |excommunicated]] by them. The Very Rev. Archimandrite Isaias Simonopetritis explains in ''The Orthodox Church and Proselytism'' that ''"while Makrakis was condemned by the official Church and the monasteries of [[Mount Athos]], he was not excommunicated, for fear that his numerous followers among the middle classes of Athens would turn him into a [[martyr]] figure"''.<ref>Simonopetritis, Very Rev. Archiman. Isaias. "[http://www.aegeantimes.gr/pigizois/agglika/inegl_27.htm The Orthodox Church and Proselytism]." ''Orthodox Herald'', Official Publication of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, September–October 2001, No. 120-121.</ref> Dr. [[Christos Yannaras]]however gives a slightly different account, writing that ''"The Synod excommunicated [Makrakis] to silence him, invoking ludicrous theological arguments, such as his views on the tripartite composition of man. When "'' and that ''"when he died, however, the Synod agreed to give him a church funeral"."''<ref>Yannaras, Christos. ''Orthodoxy and the West: Hellenic Self-Identity in the Modern Age''. Transl. Peter Chamberas and Norman Russell. Holy Cross Orthodox Press, Brookline, Mass., 2006. p.224.</ref>
A slightly different account Nevertheless Makrakis' biography by Constantine Andronis clarifies that the Very Revexcommunications were published by one particular Bishop, and not by the entire Synod: :"... Archimandrite Isaias Simonopetritisso long as Makrakis combated only [[w:Freemasonry|Freemasonry]] and neither said nor wrote anything against the high priests, he was recommended by the latter as the Saviour of Orthodoxy, but when he proved certain high priests to be guilty of the crime of [[w:Simony|Simony]] and demanded their dismissal in [httpaccordance with the sacred regulations of the Church, war began to be waged upon him as a heretic teaching that man consists of body, soul, and spirit. Makarios, Bishop of Karystia, published excommunications and anathemas in opposition to this belief.<ref>Andronis, Constantine (Ed.). ''Apostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century.'' Chicago://wwwOrthodox Christian Educational Society, 1966 pp.aegeantimes16.gr</pigizois/agglika/inegl_27ref>  As for the [[Holy Synod]], on December 18th, 1878, the [[Council of Athens (1878)|Council of Athens]] was convened and presided over by Metropolitan Bishop [[Procopius I (Georgiadis) of Athens|Procopius I of Athens]] (1874-1889), resulting in the formal condemnation of the Makrakists.htm The Orthodox Synod succeeded in obtaining from the governement of [[w:Alexandros Koumoundouros|Koumoundouros]] a decree dissolving Makakris' ''' ''"School of the Logos"'' ''' on the pretext that it taught doctrines opposed to the tenets of the Church , that is, that man is composed of body, soul, and Proselytism]spirit, has it and that Christ attained perfection in the Jordan. The Holy Synod likewise addressed an encyclical to the whole body of Christians in Greece that "while was read in the churches, charging Makrakis with attempting to introduce innovations. On January 8, 1879, his trial was held, and without his presence he was condemned by default to three months' imprisonment. On February 6, 1879, the official Church and Holy Synod also issued a decree condemning the clergy of the College to confinement (exile) for five to ten years in various monasteries and refrainment from all sacramental acts.  On June 13, 1879 Makrakis' term of [[Mount Athos]]imprisonment for resistence and insolence to the authorities expired, but he later insulted the Holy Synod again, and on November 26, 1879 he was not excommunicatedagain sentenced to imprisonment, this time for fear that eight months. From the jail in Amphissa he wrote letters to all his numerous followers among brethren in Christ urging them to be of good cheers and to feel glad because he was suffering in behalf of truth and justice. In many cities of Greece the citizenry expressed indignation at the persecution of the educator, and submitted a petition to the middle classes Chamber of Athens would turn him into Deputies bearing 4530 signatures. Makrakis himself submitted a memoir to the Minister of Justice Athanasios [[martyrw:Petimezas|Potmezas]] figurefrom jail with the hope of obtaining his release. In 1880 he was absolved by decree of the court of appeals in Athens, and beginning on October 6, 1880, he resumed instruction in the ''' ''"School of the Logos"'' ''' after a two year interruption.<ref>SimonopetritisAndronis, Very RevConstantine (Ed. Archiman). Isaias''Apostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century. "[http'' Chicago://wwwOrthodox Christian Educational Society, 1966 pp.aegeantimes16-17.gr</pigizois/agglika/inegl_27.htm The ref> It was around this time that Saint [[Nectarios of Pentapolis]] was studying at the University of Athens (graduated in 1885), who also became interested in Apostolos Makrakis: <blockquote>There was, at the time when [[Nectarios of Pentapolis|Nektarios]] was studying in Athens, a person named Apostolos Makrakis who zealously preached for [[catharsis]], if you will, of the [[Church of Greece|Greek Orthodox Church ]]. He was a learned lay man, whose education was rooted in his profound knowledge of [[Holy Scripture|Scriptures]]. In his eloquent manner he spoke out against the Masonic Order and Proselytism]all the materialistic theories that were circulating in the university." ''Orthodox Herald''However, Official Publication he also touched upon some extreme theories regarding the essence of the Archdiocese soul, and he became entangled in politics as well. Although Nektarios disagreed with his extreme positions, and had, in fact, examined them in one of Thyateira his studies, he nevertheless considered this man a most heroic Christian advocate. He liked following his writings and his newspapers and Great Britainwould have liked to have personally met him. He never had the chance though, and he even had to eventually give up following his writings because the Church Synod formally disagreed with his extreme positions. As a cleric it was, of course, September–October 2001his duty to obey the elders.<ref>Sotos Chondropoulos. ''Saint Nektarios: The Saint of Our Century.'' Transl. Peter and Aliki Los. Athens, No1997. p. 120-12150.</ref></blockquote> Apostolos Makrakis died on [[December 25]], 1905 in Athens. He was buried in his family chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary's [[Annunciation]], and today his bust is in the square bearing his name, at the entrance of the village of Katavati on [[w:Sifnos|Sifnos island]].
===Legacy===
Apostolos Makrakis was a highly cultured layman and patriotic visionary whose vigorous religious movement became an interesting a popular phenomenon of its time that shook the religious and national establishmentof his time. From believing that he had been divinely chosen as the liberator of Byzantium from the Turk, to his preaching tours throughout Greece focusing on [[Soteriology]], advocating his unique and controversial Christological-Philosophical teachings, to his fight against Freemasonry and [[w:Simony|Simony]], <ref group="note">In combating Freemasonry he was going up against certain elements within the State; and in combating Simony he was going up against certain elements within the Church. Therefore he incurred enemies from both Church and State.</ref> he effectively became a leader of the awakening religious and national movement in modern Hellas. In the process he also became a symbol for the freedom of religious thought and expression.  While his message found strong support amongst many in the masses on the one hand, it was not received very well by the religious establishment, as Dr. Cavarnos, [[Philotheos (Zervakos)|Elder Philotheos]], Professors Professor Yannaras, Professor Conybeare and others have explained. His movement can be viewed as a unique example in the history of the Orthodox Church of a type of proselytism from ''within'' the ranks of Orthodox Church Orthodoxy (rather than from without by foreign religious forces). Ultimatelty all of this led to an intense conflict between Makrakis and the Church authorities. Makrakis' ideas and the particular pietistic ethos which he promoted however did survive him in the [[Brotherhoods|Brotherhood]] Movements, which in the 20th century played a significant role in education and catechetical schools.<ref group="note">These however unguardedly allied themselves with right-wing dictatorships, pure Greek patriotism being a key element in their ideology.</ref><ref>Simonopetritis, Very Rev. Archiman. Isaias. "[http://www.aegeantimes.gr/pigizois/agglika/inegl_27.htm The Orthodox Church and Proselytism]." ''Orthodox Herald'', Official Publication of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, September–October 2001, No. 120-121.</ref> ==Criticisms==* British Orientalist and Professor of Theology at the University of Oxford [[w:Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare|Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare]], a contemporary of Makrakis writing in 1903, proposed that if we cut through the many mists of spiteful exaggeration often attributed to Makrakis' life story, ::we can discern that his teaching exactly agrees with that ascribed to the [[w:Ebionites|Ebionites]] and to [[w:Theodotus of Byzantium|Theodotus of Rome]] by [[Hippolytus of Rome]] in his ''[[w:Refutation of all Heresies|Philosophumena]] (Refutation of all Heresies)'', Book VII, chap. 34. A not very dissimilar form of [[Adoptionism|Adoptionist doctrine]] still survives among the dissenters of Russia and of Armenia, and I suspect that Makrakis had come into contact with them.<ref>*[[w:Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare|Conybeare, Frederick Cornwallis]]. Reviewed Works: ''The Student's History of the Greek Church'' by Rev. A.H. Hore (M.A.). London and Oxford: James Parker, 1902. 514 pp.; ''Geschichte der Orientalischen Kirchen von 1453-1898'' by Prof. A. Diomedes Kyriakos. Leipzig, 1902. '''American Journal of Theology, Vol.7, No,3 (July 1903). p.562.'''</ref>. * Dr. Constantine Cavarnos although referring to Makrakis as "perhaps the most outstanding philosopher and religious teacher of modern Greece," in reviewing Makrakis' important treatise on [[Soteriology]], the ''"Divine and Sacred Catechism"'', states that Makrakis' teaching is marred by the exaggerated importance he attributes to the Devil, by his narrow conception of Orthodoxy, and his invective against other religious denominations.<ref name=Cavarnos>Cavarnos, Constantine (Dr). Reviewed Work: ''Divine and Sacred Catechism by Apostolos Makrakis''. Transl. from the Greek by the Hellenic Christian Society, Chicago, Illinois. New York: Cosmos Greek-American Printing Co., 1946. '''Journal of the American Academy of Religion''', 1949; XVII-265-266.</ref> * Blessed Elder [[Philotheos (Zervakos)]] has written ''The Errors of Apostolos Makrakis.'' Although not yet in English translation, it is summarized in part in Dr. Constantine Cavarnos's book ''"Blessed Elder Philotheos Zervakos"''. In his criticism the Elder emphasises that he does not mean to say that there is nothing of value in Makrakis' writings, especially the earlier ones, but that they must be approached with caution. ==Apologetics==* Dr. Constantine Cavarnos identifies that there are a number of things in his vigorously written book the ''"Divine and Sacred Catechism"'' that should interest the student of religion, including the lucid and systematic exposition of the doctrines of the Eastern Church by a conservative representative of it; the firm belief in perfect divine justice; the very high conception of man — man, according to Makrakis is the most perfect work of God, higher even than the angels; and the profound conviction in, and the attempt throughout the book to show, the perfect harmony between experience, reason, and religion.<ref name=Cavarnos/>
Makrakis' ideas and the particular pietistic ethos which he promoted however did survive him in the [[Brotherhoods|Brotherhood]] Movements, which in the 20th century played a significant role in education and catechetical schools. These however unguardedly allied themselves with right-wing dictatorships, pure Greek patriotism being a key element in their ideology).<ref>Simonopetritis, Very Rev. Archiman. Isaias. "[http://www.aegeantimes.gr/pigizois/agglika/inegl_27.htm The Orthodox Church and Proselytism]." ''Orthodox Herald'', Official Publication of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, September–October 2001, No. 120-121.</ref>
==Complete List of Works==The following catalog of Makrakis' massive writing repertoire is based on the list found in Constantine Andronis' ''Apostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century'' (1966).<ref>Andronis, Constantine (Ed.). ''Apostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century''. Chicago: Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1966. pp.337-339.</ref>.===Periodcals===* ''Justice'', 1866-67.*''The Bible Logos'', 1868-1905.* ''Peace'', 1874-76.===In English Translation===* 1) ''A New Original Philosophical System'', [3 Vols, Divided into 6 Books], viz., ''Introduction to Philosophy; Psychology; Logic; Ethics; Theology;'' and ''Philosophy''. Athens, 1876, 1883, and 1886. 2,075 pp. :: Transl: Vol. I, ''An Invitation to Philosophy, Psychology and the worldLogic''; Vol. II, ''Ethics''; or God Vol. III, ''Theology and Philosophy''. 1940. :1a) Re-printed as:::* ''s Great Book studied in A New Philosophy and the Light of His Small OnePhilosophical Sciences: A New Original Philosophical System'' [2 Vols]. Triluminal ScienceNew York, Surveying the Universe and Explaining EverythingG.P. Putnam's Sons, etc1940. Proofs  :1b) Five of the Authenticity of Six Books above (excepting the book on ''Ethics''), were re-issued as:::* ''The [[Septuagintw:Christ the Logos|Logos]].*The City and the Holy Spirit in the Unity of Christian Thought: According to the Teachings of Zion, or the Orthodox Church Built Upon the Rock''. 5 Vols. Chicago : iOrthodox Christian Educational Society, c.1977.e::: Vol 1. ''The Human Society in ChristOrthodox Approach to Philosophy''.::: Vol 2. ''Psychology: An Orthodox Christian Perspective''.::: Vol 3. ''Logic: an Orthodox Christian approach''.::: Vol 4. ''Theology: An Orthodox Standpoint''.::: Vol 5. ''Philosophy: An Orthodox Christian Understanding''. *2) ''A Commentary On The Psalms on the Revelation of DavidJohn the Divine''.*Concerning 3) ''Interpretation of the Gospel Law'', and, ''Our Duties to Godand Christ''. b) ''A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews''. Two vols. in one.*4) ''Divine and Sacred Catechism: As Taught by the Holy Spirit and its Official Instruments from the Day of the Pentecost until the Last Ecumenical Synod; Expounded in Comparison and Contrast with the Contradictions and Misinter-pretation of the Devil''. *5) ''The Foundation Of of Philosophy''.*Hellenism 6) ''The Bible and the Unfinished Revolution: Twenty Addresses Delivered World, An interpretation of the first three chapters of Genesis '''in Concord Squareextenso''' and from a philosophical point of view'', Athensand, Greece in 1866.*The Holy Orthodox Church: Her Nature, Salvationary Doctrines''Triluminal Science, Surveying the Universe and Fountain of FaithExplaining Everything'' (1 vol).*Homily on 7) ''Interpretation of the Eight Beatitudes, or The Sermon on Entire New Testament'' (except the Mountain: A Summary Teaching Delivered by Apostolos Makrakis in the Island ''Book of Leukas, Greece, on August 29, 1886, During his Second Gospel-TourRevelation''). 2 vols.*The Human Nature 8) ''An Interpretation of Christ; Growth and Perfection According to the Teaching Book of the Orthodox Catholic ChurchRevelation''.*9) ''The Innovations Paramount Doctrine of the Roman ChurchOrthodoxy'' (3 books in one vol).*Interpretation Of 10) ''Commentary on the Book Of Revelation.*Interpretation Psalms of David and the Entire New TestamentNine Odes''.*11) ''Kyriakodromion (, or Sunday Sermonary): a Collection , and Festal Sermons''. (A collection of Sermons sermons on the [[Gospels]], the Acts of the Apostles, and the [[Apostolos|epistles]] Appointed appointed to be Read read in Orthodox Christian Churches Every every Sunday from [[Pascha|Easter]] to [[Palm Sunday]]).*Logic12) All in one volume:: An Orthodox Christian ApproachI.''Three Great Friday Sermons''; *The [[w:Christ II. ''Three Sermons on the Death on the Logos|Logos]] Cross and the Holy Spirit in the Unity of Christian ThoughtGlorious Resurrection''; : According to the Teachings of the Orthodox ChurchIII.''The Ascension into Heaven''; *Memoir On The :IV. ''Christ, Announcing His Nature ''; :V. ''All the Parables of the Church of ChristGospel''; :VI. Trans''The Truth in Christianity''; : DVII. Cummings. New York: Christian Brotherhoods Zealots of Orthodoxy and John ''Testimonies Concerning the Baptist, 1947Super Holy Virgin''.*Orthodox Christian Meditations13) ''Freemasonry Known by Masonic Diploma''.*An Orthodox-Protestant Dialogue14) ''Papal Primacy and Innovations of Roman Catholic Church''.*The Paramount Doctrines 15) ''Scriptural Refutations of OrthodoxyPope's Primacy'', and, ''Misc. Studies and Speeches''.*Philosophical Discussions, Comprising Articles Concerning 16) ''Memoir on the New Philosophy & Philosophical Sciences Nature of Apostolos Makrakis; And, the Philosophy Church of Spinoza and its Pernicious ErrorsChrist''.*Political Philosophy Of 17) ''The Orthodox ChurchTwo Contrariant Schools'', and, ''Concerning the Establishment of a Christian University''.*Psychology: 18) ''An Orthodox Christian Perspective-Protestant Debate''.*19) ''A Revelation of Treasure Hid: , Together with Three Important Lectures: I. Concerning Freedom - II. Concerning the Motherland. - III. Concerning Justice and Apostolical Canons Respecting Baptism''.* 20) ''Proofs of the Authenticity of the [[Septuagint]]''.* 21) ''God's Law and Commandments, the Decalogue and the Gospel''.* 22) ''The Repose of Our Most Holy and Glorious Lady the Theotokos''.*23) ''The City of Zion, or The Church Built Upon the Rock''.* 24) ''Philosophical Discussions''.* 25) ''The Real Truth Concerning Apostolos Makrakis''.* 26) ''[[The Rudder|The RUDDER]] or PEDALION, of the Orthodox Metaphorical Ship of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church: The Compilation of Orthodox Christians (All the Holy Sacred and Divine Canons )''. (Editor).*A Scriptural Refutation 27) ''The Trial of Jesus Christ (by Abba Aristarchus)''.* 28) ''The Idea of Being''.* 29) ''The Roman Rite in Orthodoxy''.* 30) ''Spiritual Discourses for the PopeOrthodox Christians''.* 31) ''s Primacy The Orthodox Doctrine on Development and Miscellaneous Studies Advancement'', and Speeches, ''Perfection of the Human Nature of our Lord Jesus Christ''. Transl* 32) ''The Orthodox Definition of Political Science''. out * 33) ''Appraisals of the original Greek Works of Apostolos Makrakis by DEminent Authorities''. Cummings - Chicago (III300 pp.* 34): ''Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1952. - VIII, 175 pMeditations''.*Theology35) ''Hellenism and the Unfinished Revolution: An Orthodox StandpointTwenty Addresses Delivered in Concord Square, Athens, Greece in 1866''.*Three Great Friday Sermons36) ''Homily on the Eight Beatitudes, or The Sermon on the Mountain: A Summary Teaching Delivered by Apostolos Makrakis in the Island of Leukas, Greece, on August 29, 1886, and Other Theological DiscoursesDuring his Second Gospel-Tour''. *37) ''[http://www.orthodoxresearchinstitute.org/articles/dogmatics/makrakis_truth_christianity.htm The Truth in Christianity: The One True Doctrine and The Many False Ones].''===Untranslated or Unpublished===* 1) ''A New Educational System'', in three volumes, comprising the Formation, Meaning, and Use of Words. 885 pp.* 2) ''Interpretative Logical System''; or, ''Interpretation of the Whole New Testament, verse by verse, including Revelation''. 3,100 pp.* 3) ''A Commentary on the Gospel According to St. Matthew'', from notes taken at his lectures. Unpublished. About 1000 pp.* 4) ''A Commentary on the Gospel of St. John'', from lecture notes. Unpublished. About 500 pp.* 5) ''A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles''. Unpublished. About 500 pp. * 6) ''A Commentary on the Song of Songs''. 150 pp.* 7) ''Three Philosophical Dissertations and the Tree of Life''. Written in French, and translated into Greek by Dr. A. Lekatsas. 388 pp.* 8) ''An Apology Concerning the Soul''. 310 pp.* 9) ''The Tricompositeness of Man Proved by Fathers of the Church''. 284 pp. <small>(articleA brilliantly written and scholarly dissertation)</small>.*The Two Contrariant Schools: Contrasted with 10) ''Logical Refutation of an Ironclad Refutation''. 196 pp. <small>(An answer to a View critic who undertook to criticize Makrakis' doctrine concerning the Comprehension threefold nature of Bothman)</small>. Concerning * 11) ''History of Human Happiness and Unhappiness''. 630 pp.* 12) ''Trial of Philosophy and of the Establishment Doctrines of Western Schools''. 160 pp.* 13) ''Miscellaneous Thoughts and Orations''. Total some 300 pp.* 14) ''The Nationally-Glorified Work of a 1821''. 94 pp.* 15) ''Freemasonry''. 150 pp.* 16) ''The Christian University in Athens: To Supersede the Existing Satanic PerversityReligion''.
==Further reading==
 *Andronis, Constantine (Ed.). ''Apostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century.'' Chicago: Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1966. '' (A complete list of the staggering amount of works of Makrakis is given in English, pp.337-339).'':* [http://pseudo-apostolosmakrakis.blogspot.com/ Biography: Apostolos Makrakis An Evaluation of a Century] on Blogspot. (''Includes a lengthy biography of Makrakis apparently taken from pp.13-21 of Andronis' work; also links to this OrthodoxWiki article).''
*Stephanou, Archim. Eusebius A.. ''The Importance of Apostolos Makrakis to Orthodoxy''. Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological School, 1958.
*Stephanou, Archim. Eusebius A.. ''Apostolos Makrakis, the Prophet and Thinker of Modern Greece.'' 1954.
*[[Philotheos (Zervakos)|Zervakos, Blessed Elder Philotheos]]. ''The Errors of Apostolos Makrakis.'' ==Notes==<ref>While Elder Philotheos's book on Makrakis has not been translated yet, there is a very careful summary of its contents, as well as those of two shorter publications of his on the subject, in Dr. Constantine Cavarnos's book '''Blessed Elder Philotheos Zervakos''', Vol. 11 in the Modern Orthodox Saints series (ISBN 0914744941) from the Institute for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies. Note that Elder Philotheos emphasises that he does not mean to say that there is nothing of value in Makrakis' writings, especially the earlier ones, only that they must be approached with caution.<references group="note" /ref>
==References==
<div class="small"><references/></div> ==Sources and External links==
==Sources==
* Andronis, Constantine (Ed.). ''Apostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century.'' Chicago: Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1966.
* Anastassiadis, Anastassios. [http://www.ceri-sciencespo.com/publica/question/qdr11.pdf Religion and Politics in Greece: The Greek Church's 'Conservative Modernization' in the 1990's]. Research in Question, No.11, January 2004. (pdf format).
*Cavarnos, Constantine (Dr). Reviewed Work: ''Divine and Sacred Catechism'' by Apostolos Makrakis. Transl. from the Greek by the Hellenic Christian Society, Chicago, Illinois. New York: Cosmos Greek-American Printing Co., 1946. '''Journal of the American Academy of Religion''', 1949; XVII-265-266.* Chondropoulos, Sotos. ''Saint Nektarios: The Saint of Our Century.'' Transl. Peter and Aliki Los. Athens, 1997. ISBN 960-7374-08-8*[[w:Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare|Conybeare, Frederick Cornwallis]]. Reviewed Works: ''The Student's History of the Greek Church'' by Rev. A.H. Hore (M.A.). London and Oxford: James Parker, 1902. 514 pp.; ''Geschichte der Orientalischen Kirchen von 1453-1898'' by Prof. A. Diomedes Kyriakos. Leipzig, 1902. '''American Journal of Theology, Vol.7, No,3 (July 1903). pp.555-563.'''* Le Guillou, Marie Joseph. ''Aux sources des mouvements spirituels de l'Églises de Grèce.'' in '''Istina''' 7 1960, p 95-128,133-152,261-278. (in French)
* Maloney, George A., S.J. ''A History of Orthodox Theology Since 1453''. Norland Publishing, Massachusetts, 1976.
* Redington, Norman Hugh (Ed). "[http://www.voskrese.info/spl/Xapost-makrakis.html Apostolos Makrakis]." ''The [http://www.voskrese.info/spl/index.html Saint Pachomius Library]: A First Draft for a Living Encyclopaedia of Orthodox Christianity.''
* Scharlemann, R.P.. Peer Reviewed Book Review of Makrakis': ''The Logos and Holy Spirit in the Unity of Christian Thought, 5 Vols: Vol 1:The Orthodox Approach to Philosophy, Vol 2:Psychology An Orthodox Christian Perspective, Vol 3: Logic An Orthodox Christian Approach, Vol 4:Theology An Orthodox Standpoint, Vol 5:Philosophy An Orthodox Christian Understanding.'' Translated from the Greek by Denver Cummings: Orthodox Christian Education Society, 1977. '''Journal of Religion 59 no 4 O 1979, p 488-490'''.
* Simonopetritis, Very Rev. Archim. Isaias. "[http://www.aegeantimes.gr/pigizois/agglika/inegl_27.htm The Orthodox Church and Proselytism]." Orthodox Herald, Official Publication of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, September–October 2001, No. 120-121.
* ''The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge''. 1st Ed.. St. Martin's Press, NY, Oct. 2004.
* Todt, Klaus-Peter. "[http://www.bautz.de/bbkl/m/makrakis.shtml Markaris, Apostolos]" in ''Biographisch-Bibliographisches KIRCHENLEXICON'', Band V (1993) Spalten 599-602. (in German)
* Yannaras, Christos. ''Orthodoxy and the West: Hellenic Self-Identity in the Modern Age''. Transl. Peter Chamberas and Norman Russell. Holy Cross Orthodox Press, Brookline, Mass., 2006.
==='''Biographical References Sources in Greek==='''
* Metallinos, G.D. ''Ekpaideutike Hellenike Enkyklopaideia: Pankosmio Biographiko Lexiko.'' Athena, 1983-1988. Tom. 1-9B.
* Tolika, Olympia N. ''Epitomo Enkyklopaidiko Lexiko Tes Byzantines Musikes.'' Athena, 1993.
* Triantaphyllu, Kostas N. ''Historikon Lexikon Ton Patron. 2. ekd.'' Patrai, 1980.
* Zoes, Leonidas Ch. ''Lexikon Historikon Kai Laographikon Zakynthu.'' Athenai, 1963. Tom. 1.
 
==External Links==
'''Wikipedia'''
* [[w:Christian anthropology|Christian anthropology]]
* [[w:Age_of_Enlightenment|Age of Enlightenment]]
* {{el icon}} [http://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%91%CF%80%CF%8C%CF%83%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%BF%CF%82_%CE%9C%CE%B1%CE%BA%CF%81%CE%AC%CE%BA%CE%B7%CF%82 Απόστολος Μακράκης]. Βικιπαίδεια.
[[Category:Modern Writers]]
8,921
edits

Navigation menu