Man's creation and salvation according to George V. Florovsky

Abstract

The task of the thesis is to systematize the doctrine of the creation and the salvation of man as presented in the essays of one of the most important Orthodox theologians: George V. Florovsky (1893 - 1979).The doctrine of creation is the presupposition for Plorovsky's whole theology, for it lays down the basics . and foundations of all other doctrines. Creation implies (first of all) the categories of space and time for created beings in distinction with the divine mode of existence. These two different modes of existence imply, on the one hand, the reality of creaturely freedom and Its consequences (the Fall, sin, evil and freedom of choice), and on the other, the divine freedom to create, which for Plorovsky necessitates the distinction in God between the divine being and the divine energies. While the first part of the doctrine of creation is concerned with the distinguishing principle between God and man, i.e. 'nature', the second part deals with the personal aspect of this relationship, which is the doctrine of theosis. The doctrine of the salvation of man is constructed in the same way as the doctrine of creation, i.e. according to the distinction between nature and person. Thus, Christology is concerned with the healing of human nature, which Is ultimately the abolition of mortality. Ecclesiology is the doctrine concerning the salvation of the human person. Being the body of Christ, the church is the realm for this salvation, for it is the church which offers the divine means of salvation, the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist. In conclusion, a critical assessment of Plorovsky's doctrine considers his fundamental distinction between nature and person from a Lutheran perspective.