The Origins, Development and Diffusion of "Political Hesychasm"

“Political Hesychasm” is a concept rooted in the Orthodox Christian tradition. It derives from Hesychasm, a meditative prayer practice dating back to early Christianity, which was theologically formalized by Gregory Palamas in the 14th century. This concept was later developed into a political theology in the mid-20th century by Russian émigré theologian John Meyendorff and Soviet historian Gelian Prokhorov. They used the term to describe the role of Hesychasm in preserving Orthodox Christianity through political and cultural crises, particularly during the fall of Byzantium and under Soviet communism. Contemporary discussions of “Political Hesychasm” in Russia often emphasize its anti-Western and anti-liberal aspects, aligning it with nationalist ideologies. However, alternative interpretations exist, such as “Ethical Hesychasm,” which propose a more socially engaged and less politically conservative application of Orthodox theology. This article explores the historical development, contemporary uses, and differing interpretations of “Political Hesychasm” within Orthodox Christian thought.