Icon of The Synaxis of the Kollyvades Fathers - 20th c. - 00STKF01

Feast Day/Commemorated: May 10

The Kollyvades Fathers

The Kollyvades Fathers, a movement emerging on the Holy Mountain Athos in the 18th century, represented a vital resurgence of traditional Orthodox spirituality. This group, including figures like Makarios Notaras and Nikodemos the Hagiorite, championed the "philokalic" experience – a return to hesychasm, noetic prayer, and the practical application of ascetic life. They meticulously documented and disseminated their theological insights through extensive writings, acting as a bulwark against the encroaching European Enlightenment and its "metaphysical rationalism." Their dedication to patristic theology and experiential faith earned them both fervent support from traditionalists and fierce opposition from those influenced by Western thought, who often slandered them as innovators despite the Kollyvades' commitment to ancient practices.

The genesis of the Kollyvades' struggle can be traced to a seemingly minor liturgical dispute. Monks at Saint Anna's Skete, seeking convenience while building a church, controversially shifted memorial services from Saturday (the traditional day for commemorating the dead) to Sunday, the day of Resurrection and joy. This deviation from established Church practice deeply troubled Deacon Neophytos the Peloponnesian, who initiated a theological campaign against it. The controversy intensified with the publication of a book advocating frequent Holy Communion, a practice supported by the Kollyvades but condemned by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1785, highlighting a concerning obscuration of Orthodox criteria.

The Kollyvades' advocacy for canonical memorial services on Saturday and frequent Holy Communion was a direct challenge to the novel practices of their opponents, who, estranged from the Holy Fathers' tradition, paradoxically labeled the Kollyvades as "modernists." This mirrored the 14th-century accusations against the hesychasts. The Kollyvades correctly diagnosed the issue as an estrangement from true spirituality, particularly in the realm of worship, which had historically unified the subjugated Orthodox people. They emphasized active participation in the Church's sacraments, coupled with personal spiritual struggle, strict adherence to the Church's typikon, and diligent study of patristic works to cultivate an authentic "Church's mind" ($phronema$). Their efforts were crucial in preserving the Apostolic-Patristic continuity of noetic prayer, hesychastic practice, and ascetic experience, which are the enduring elements of Orthodox identity.

Among the prominent leaders of the Kollyvades were Neophytos Kavsokalyvitis, the initiator of the cause; Makarios Notaras, the movement's "animator" who encouraged and supplied material to Saint Nikodemos; and Saint Nikodemos the Hagiorite, the "theologian" of the contingent. Nikodemos, officially canonized in 1955, was a prolific author whose works, including the monumental "Philokalia" and "The Rudder," effectively re-presented the entire patristic tradition and contributed significantly to Orthodox spiritual rebirth. Another key figure was Athanasios Parios, the most militant Kollyvades Father, who vehemently opposed the European Enlightenment and its atheistic leanings, suffering unfrocking for his steadfast defense of tradition.

Despite being vastly outnumbered and subjected to systematic persecution by the Anti-Kollyvades, the Kollyvades Fathers' influence proved indelible. Their struggles, paradoxically, helped disseminate their spirit throughout Greece and other Orthodox countries, leading to the rebirth of hesychasm in the 19th century. Even today, they remain vital spiritual guides and a primary link to the patristic tradition. Their steadfastness was tragically exemplified by the martyrdom of Saints Theophanes the Elder and Paisios of Messolonghi in 1773, two Kollyvades monks drowned by hired assassins at the behest of anti-Kollyvades monks. Their sacrifice, along with the subsequent vindication of the Kollyvades by the Holy Community of Mount Athos in 1807, cemented their legacy as guardians of Orthodox authenticity.

Apolytikion in the First Tone

Let us honor the choir of Kollyvades Fathers, ministers of the Holy Spirit, stewards of grace, for they taught to us the Gospel of Christ in evil times, and as very bright stars, they delivered souls from the darkness of error. Rejoice O Godly band, rejoice boast of the nation, rejoice torches of truth and expounders of the faith.

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