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Адам әлемі | 4 (74) 2017
These conclusions were found in the Christological system of Apollinarius
of Laodicea in 60s of the IV century and only in 70‘s of the IV century the church
began a struggle against the Apollinarian doctrine. Thus, the historical sources on
dogmatic debates, as well as the theological and ecclessiological writings point
out that the first stage of the Christological debate is connected with the name of
one of the most prominent anti-Arian figures of this timeperiod – Apollinarius of
Laodicea. German theologian A. Harnack, for example, considered Apollinarius
as „the founder and the first coordinator of the orthodox doctrine on Trinity.“
[Harnack 1894, p. 285]. Theologian W. Frend insists that equal to Athanasius
the Great and Basil of Caesaria, the Apollinarius was regarded as one of the best
theologians of the era. The author is also critical that Apollinarius dealt with
Christological problems within the framework of the Nicean confession when
he tried to answer two questions – if Jesus Christ is consubstantial (homusius)
with God the Father, then what is his true human nature, and second, how divine
and human natures interact within Christ. Is Christ‘s human spirit (rational –
H.H.) not replaced by divine Logos? In other words, to what extent can Christ be
considered consubstantial (homusius) to God? [Frend 1982, pp. 165-166].
First of all, it should be noted that the theologians‘ opinions about
Apollinarius of Laodicea are not only very different, but also opposed to teach
other using completely different methodologies. A. Lebedev argues that at the
beginning of his theological activities Apollinarius had acted as a fierce defender
of the Nicean faith and he had been standing in the front line of the Nicean
apologists throughout his lifetime. Because of such a clear theological position he
had enjoyed respect and support of the church and clergy [Lebedev 1896, p. 86].
According to A. Kartashev Apollinarius was the „brilliant theologian of his era,“
„a persistent old Nicean, the most stable anti-Arian and a talented writer,“ who
had a great number of prominent descendants. Basil of Caesarea had a respectful
relationship with him at the young age, and the Athanasius the Great personally
valued Apollinarius for his zeal support to the Nicene Creed „[Kartashev 2002,
p. 196].
A number of other theologians express an opposite view on the Apollinarius.
Chalcedonian Theodoret writes that „hiding under the cover of piety and showing
support to apostolic dogmas, he (Apollinarius – H.H.) soon became their open
enemy because he insisted that the divine sacrament is imperfect, and the rational
soul leading the flesh (of Christ – H.H.) is deprived of salvation abilities. In his
words, the Word of God has not taken the spirit of wisdom.“ [Feodorit episk.
Kirskiy 1852, p. 305]. The Church historian Sozomenos presents the history of
formation of Apollinarianism from a different angle. He claims that, with the
support of priest Vitaliyos, Apollinarius published a „private doctrine“ and gained
a large number of supporters. And when Apollinarius „made a sincere friendship“
with Athanasius the Great, the Bishop of Laodicea – George deprived him of
the sacrament of Eucharist and expelled from the church. This is the reason why
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