Christology and Monasticism. The case of Philoxenus of Mabbug

If Orthodoxy must be understood as Orthopraxy; Orthodox Christology, then must be seen as Orthodox Anthropology. The anthropological model for the monastic life was always related to Christology and included the soteriological doctrine monks should follow. In this paper I will illustrate this discipline through an analysis of the thought and doctrine of one of the most important theologians of the West-Syrian Church, i.e. Philoxenus the bishop of Mabbug. In the past, A. de Halleux made a first approach to Philoxenus’ spirituality and its relation to Christology, taking as a source, the Commentary of Philoxenus on the Prologue of the Gospel of John. With my analysis, however, I will focus on Philoxenus’ Christological doctrine expressed in his letters sent to monks and monastic communities. In these letters, Philoxenus explained his view of Orthodox Christology, i.e. Miaphysite Christology, and gave some spiritual advices based on this Christology in order that the monks can 1) have an Orthodox spiritual and monastic life and 2) enjoy the salvation in Christ. My aim, then, is to highlight the main points of Philoxenus’ Christological doctrine and to explain how such Christology was a base of his spiritual and anthropological and soteriological doctrine.