The Neopatristic Synthesis and Eschatology

Georges Florovsky and John Zizioulas in Dialogue

Abstract

This essay explores the eschatological dimensions of the theological thought of Georges Florovsky and John Zizioulas by emphasizing them within the context of the neopatristic synthesis. It begins by defining Florovsky’s concept of the neopatristic synthesis and highlights it as a spirit of doing theology, rather than a strict methodology. Following, the essay examines the eschatological implications of Florovsky’s thought and concludes that they remain incomplete. Responding to this, the essay demonstrates how Zizioulas builds on Florovsky’s eschatological thought by integrating eschatology with ontology and communion. Therefore, offering a more precise understanding and developed understanding of the eschatological implications, and thus, advancing the vision of Florovsky’s neopatristic synthesis.