On the Second Sunday of Great Lent, the Church hold up for our edification and instruction St. Gregory Palamas (14th c.), best known as the defender of the Hesychast tradition and the teaching that we can experientially know God through His Uncreated Energies, that we may apprehend His Grace.
- St Gregory Palamas as a Model for Christians in our new 'Age of Jihad'
- St. Gregory Palamas - Confessor and Defender of Orthodoxy Against Islam
The above are links to two posts of mine which explore a lesser known aspect of St. Gregory's life and ministry, how he was abducted by the Muslim Turks in 1354 and held for a year before being ransomed by the Serbian Orthodox. During this time he strengthened the faithful who were being subjugated under the Islamic yoke, and he bravely engaged in debate with his Muslim captors, at the risk of his own life.
Let us learn from St. Gregory's words and deeds during this trial in his life, in which his character was even more powerfully revealed, and may we be strengthened through his intercessions!