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Apostolos Makrakis

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{{cleanup}}'''[[Image:Apostolos Makrakis.JPG|right|thumb|230px| Apostolos Makrakis''' (1831-1905): Greek lay theologian, preacher, ethicist, or philosopher and writer.]]Dr. '''MakrakesApostolos Makrakis''' (''family from [[Mystras]] region, 1778''1831-1905), was a charismatic and controversial Greek Orthodox [[laity|lay]] [[theology|theologian]], preacher, ethicist, and philosopher and prolific writer. He who was born in 1831 a leader of the "awakening movement" in the village of Katavati on [[Sifnosw:Greek War of Independence|post-revolutionary Greece]] island, and arguably one of the most important religious personalities of the 19th century. He was an extremely prolific writer whose works were translated widely outside of Greece, and died on however his vigorous religious movement eventually turned the [[December 25Holy Synod]]against him, 1905 resulting in Athenshis being condemned and jailed several times.<ref>Tolika, buried in his family chapel dedicated to the Virgin MaryOlympia N. ''Epitomo Enkyklopaidiko Lexiko Tes Byzantines Musikes.''s [[Annunciation]]Athena, 1993. His bust is in the square bearing his name at the entrance of the village</ref>.
[[Image:Makrakis.JPG|right|thumb|230px| Apostolos Makrakis 1831-1905: Greek theologian, preacher, ethicist, philosopher and writer.]]
==Life==
Apostolos Makrakis was a charismatic lay theologian gifted with many talents and a leader born in 1831 in the village of the ''awakening movement'' in Katavati on [[w:Greek War of IndependenceSifnos|post-revolutionary GreeceSifnos island]], Greece. He finished his secondary school training in his birthplace , and later studied in [[Constantinople]], where he worked for a short time as a teacher and published his first treatises. Being a person of with a strong character and with who was inclined towards a disposition towards vigorous detailed inspection of things, he came to a collision course eventually collided with the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate]] and with the parents of his students, on the grounds being of his teaching of frequent [[Eucharist|communion]]. In 1862 he went to Paris, where he worked as a private tutor, remaining there for two years and learning about modern European philosophy up to Hegel. His defensive disposition was expressed quickly with the writing in French of four treatises against Western (and especially Cartesian) philosophy, and in favour of Christianity. After a brief trip to Athens, he returned in 1865 to Constantinople, where he continued his work for a year, and in 1866 he settled permanently in Athens, where he also reposed.
Makrakis was manifested upon the Greek nation during In 1862 he went to Paris, where he worked as a multifarious private tutor, remaining there for two years and therefore very difficult epochlearning about modern European philosophy from Descartes to Hegel in the French language. The re-emerging civilizationHe wrote four treatises in French against Western philosophy, particularly the foreign military presence''[[w:Cartesianism|Cartesian]]'', and founded his philosophy by contrast on the irregular political situation, principles of the activity doctrine of foreign influences [[Christ]] (especially religious propagandai.e in favour of Christianity), the attachment to "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment Enlightened Europe]This work was entitled ''", The Tree of Life and the uninterrupted adulteration Tree of Knowledge of traditional criteria were problems that would not leave a spirit as restless as his indifferent or in peaceGood and Evil, (i.e. Christian Philosophy and Modern Philosophy"'').
And so MakrakisAfter a brief trip to Athens, wanting he returned in 1865 to contribute to the [[One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church|Catholic]] rebirth of the nationConstantinople, regarded as the most basic element in this the rebirth of the [[One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church|Church]]where he continued his work for a year, as the [[w:Noah's Ark|ark]] and instrument of the new national life<ref>Metallinos, G.D. ''Ekpaideutike Hellenike Enkyklopaideia: Pankosmio Biographiko Lexiko.'' Athenain 1866 he settled permanently in Athens, 1983-1988. Tom. 1-9B.</ref>where he also reposed.
===ChristologyMakrakis was manifested upon the Greek nation during a multifarious and therefore very difficult epoch. There was the re-Philosophy emerging civilization, the foreign military presence, the irregular political situation, the activities of foreign influences (especially religious propaganda), the attachment to "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Enlightenment Enlightened Europe]", and Controversythe uninterrupted adulteration of traditional criteria,<ref group===He criticized contemporary prelates "note">"Greece has a long history of traditional Orthodox piety. During his studies, [[Nectarios of Pentapolis|Nektarios]] tried to learn about this so that he could better understand the spirit of the people of this newly freed motherland. However, what he found was abundant confusion in the people and in the church. The [[w:SimonyGeorge I of Greece|Simonynew Bavarian King's court]]and foreign influences corrupted the traditional Orthodox values. This confusion greatly affected the [[Presbyter|priests]], who struggled to lead the nation in its newly found freedom, just as they has during the hard years of [[Ottoman rule and Eastern Christianity|Turkish oppression]]. Now, however, their values were steadily becoming more secular. The priesthood had become, in fact, nothing more than a routine vocation with many despots. The [[laity]], in its instinctive wisdom, was aware of this but could do nothing since it was bound by politicians, scholars, and also upheld demagogues. So it turned satirical towards everything, including the theory church. Indeed, what a sad state of the affairs it is when people mock their religious leaders."<br>:* {Sotos Chondropoulos. '''Trisynthetou'''" (triple constitution Saint Nektarios: The Saint of humanity, iOur Century.e, ''Psyche'' (soul)Transl. Peter and Aliki Los. Athens, ''Pneuma'' (1997. p.48.}</ref> all of which were problems that would not leave a spirit), ''Soma'as restless as Makrakis' (body)indifferent or in peace. He was arguably one And so Makrakis, wanting to contribute to the [[One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church|Catholic]] rebirth of the nation, regarded as the most important religious personalities basic element in this the rebirth of the 19th century[[One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church|Church]], as the [[w:Noah's Ark|ark]] and one whose innovations turned instrument of the Holy Synod against him. He was condemned and jailed several timesnew national life<ref>TolikaMetallinos, Olympia NG.D. ''Epitomo Enkyklopaidiko Ekpaideutike Hellenike Enkyklopaideia: Pankosmio Biographiko Lexiko Tes Byzantines Musikes.'' Athena, 19931983-1988. Tom. 1-9B.</ref>. He was also an extremely prolific writer whose works were widely translated outside of Greece.
He founded ===Preaching===Apostolos Makrakis made ten Gospel tours across the country in total during his lifetime, becoming the '''"School most influential figure on the development of the Logos"''' [[Church of Greece|Greek Church]] in Athens the 19th and early 20th centuries. As a preacher, he was a new phenomenon in 1876 and titled himself ''"Professor newly reborn Greece. Preaching during that period mostly was an activity of philosophy and the philosophical sciences in marginal competitors of the Greek nation"'' (i.e. "Philosophy"Church, so that preaching, as "Love of especially outside the [[w:Christ the LogosParish|WORDtemples]]" ''(Philos + Sofia = lover of Wisdom)''by non-authorized figures, so that was violently repressed. This was in this sense philosophy becomes applicable to and interchangeable line with the theological discipline tradition of "the [[w:ChristologyTimeline of Church History (Nicene Era (325-451))|ChristologyChurch of Late Antiquity]]"), in that once Christian Churches were solidly established, clerics' activities were regulated and disciplined in order to avoid ecstatic innovations, which is what Makrakis was in fact criticized for.<ref>Anastassiadis, Anastassios. [http://www. In a peerceri-reviewed book review of five of Makrakissciencespo.com/publica/question/qdr11.pdf Religion and Politics in Greece: The Greek Church's 'Conservative Modernization' in the 1990' volumess]. Research in Question, RNo.P11, January 2004. Scharlemann states that:</ref>
:"Makrakis intended In May 1866, he came to be a teacher of the people of GreeceAthens,...this child of where for six months he delivered twenty speeches in Concord Square on the [[w:Greek War subject of Independence|revolution of 1821]]. The [[w:Søren Kierkegaard|Kierkegaard]] who speaks here has a Hellenistic soul. Philosophy, <nowiki>'</nowiki>''the love and science of the [[w:Christ the Logos|God-equal WORD]], or [[w:Christ the Logos|LOGOS]]'',<nowiki>'</nowiki> has as its purpose <nowiki>'</nowiki>''the acquisition of God's omniscience...and the deification of the philosophical investigator''.<nowiki>'</nowiki> Its object is the same as that of religion and government. The system traces the journey Work of the soul in its ascent from the <nowiki>'</nowiki>''primary cognition [noein]''<nowiki>'</nowiki> through the philosophical sciences to its deification. The means Fathers of ascent are provided by the <nowiki>'</nowiki>''right reason''<nowiki>'</nowiki> that is the object of logic 1821 and is incarnate in [[Jesus Christ]].....right reason being the nexus between temporal fact How it Can Best and eternal being. In this system, the primary cognition, or what [[w:Phenomenology|phenomenology]] might call the basic intellectual intuition, is that I exist, the world exists, and God exists...The soul is conscious of its own existence, perceives the world, and knows God's existence, but it does not know the nature of each of them. The aim of science is Quickest Be Brought to make the unknown known. Philosophy as [[w:Christology|Christology]] and Christology as Philosophy, it is at least a theme that makes one think."<ref>Scharlemann, R.P.. Peer Reviewed Book Review of MakrakisConclusion': ''The Logos and Holy Spirit , which were published in the Unity of Christian Thought, 5 Vols: Vol 1:The Orthodox Approach to Philosophy, Vol 2:Psychology An Orthodox Christian Perspective, Vol 3: Logic An Orthodox Christian Approach, Vol 4:Theology An Orthodox Standpoint, Vol 5:Philosophy An Orthodox Christian Understanding.'newspaper ' Translated from the Greek by Denver Cummings: Orthodox Christian Education Society, 1977. 'Justice''Journal of Religion 59 no 4 O 1979, p 488-490'''and republished in book form in 1886.</ref>
===Preaching===Apostolos Makrakis was the most influential figure on the development Given occassion by a threatening letter of the Greek Church in [[w:Freemasonry|Free Masons]], who had been incensed by his speeches, he wrote two books against Freemasonry: ''Freemasonry'' and ''Masonry Exposed by the 19th and 20th centuriesMasonic Certificate. As a preacher he '' The first was a new phenomenon published in 1867 and the second in newly reborn Greece1868. Preaching during that period mostly was an activity of At the marginal competitors instigation of the Church, so that preachingMasons, especially outside who had political influence at the temples by non-authorized figurestime, he was violently repressed. This was in line with twice arrested and jailed, the tradition of the Church of Late Antiquity, in that once Christian Churches were solidly establishedfirst time for twenty-four hours, clerics' activities were regulated and disciplined in order to avoid ecstatic innovations, which is what Makrakis was in fact criticized the second for sixteen days forallegedly insulting the King.<ref>AnastassiadisAndronis, Anastassios. [http://wwwConstantine (Ed.ceri-sciencespo).com/publica/question/qdr11.pdf Religion and Politics in Greece: The Greek Church's 'Conservative ModernizationApostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century.' in the 1990's]. Research in QuestionChicago: Orthodox Christian Educational Society, No.11, January 20041966 pp.14</ref>.
Makrakis also preached to large crowds in [[Metropolis of Patra|PatraPatras]], who came out in awe to listen to his "nation-saving" teachings on [[June 18]], [[June 24|24]], [[June 27|27]], and [[July 16]], 1876, having as his <ref group="note">His most fervent followers were Theodoros Kapetanon, Ioannis Arnellon, and Nikolaos Christogiannopoulos.</ref><ref>Triantaphyllu, Kostas N. ''Historikon Lexikon Ton Patron. 2. ekd.'' Patrai, 1980.</ref>. After this a number of publications such as ''Achaia'', ''Phoenix'', and ''Aratos'' strongly attacked his teachings, while others other periodicals such as the ''Peloponnesus'' supported him. Defenders of Makrakis included a theologian of Patras named Ieronymos, as well as the spiritual father of Patras, Fr. Athanasios Georgiou, who recommended that he be exiled for two years lest he be judged by the [[Holy Synod|Synod]]. For Makrakis visited Patras for a period of thirty years Makrakis visited Patras, in 1876 remaining there for forty-days teaching preaching to the people.
Continuing his quest of preaching to the nation, he arrived on the island of [[Metropolis of Zakynthos and Strofades|Zakynthos]] in July 1892, and again in August 1893, teaching out of exile. <ref group="note">A critic of Makrakis from Zakynthos was the primary school teacher Ioannis Siderokastritis, who wrote ''O Anamorphotis Makrakes (The Uneducated Makrakis).''</ref><ref>Zoes, Leonidas Ch. ''Lexikon Historikon Kai Laographikon Zakynthu.'' Athenai, 1963. Tom. 1.</ref>.
===Criticism===Although Dr. Constantine Cavarnos has referred to Makrakis as "perhaps In the most outstanding philosopher summer of 1894 he made his tenth and religious teacher of modern Greecelast Gospel tour," in reviewing Makrakis' important treatise on [[Soteriology]]visiting Thebes, the ''Divine and Sacred Catechism'', he states that Makrakis' teaching is marred by the exaggerated importance he attributes to the DevilSt. Theodore, by his narrow conception of OrthodoxyLevadeia, and his invective against other religious denominations. On the other hand he identifies that there are a number of things in his vigorously written book that should interest the student of religionAtalante, including the lucid and systematic exposition of the doctrines of the Eastern Church by a conservative representative of it; the firm belief in perfect divine justice; the very high conception of man — manChalkis, according to Makrakis is the most perfect work of GodKyme, higher even than the angels; and the profound conviction inAliverion, and the attempt throughout the book to showKariston, Gaurion on the perfect harmony between experienceislands of Andros, reasonSyros, and religionhis birthplace Siphnos.<ref>CavarnosAndronis, Constantine (DrEd.). Reviewed Work: ''Divine and Sacred Catechism by Apostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century.''. Transl. from the Greek bythe Hellenic Chicago: Orthodox Christian Educational Society, Chicago, Illinois. New York: Cosmos Greek-AmericanPrinting Co., 19461966 pp. '''Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 1949; XVII-265-266'''20.</ref>
Blessed Elder ===Christology===He founded the '' '''School of the Logos''' '' in Athens in September 1876 and titled himself ''Professor of philosophy and the philosophical sciences in the Greek nation'', teaching philosophical subjects. He taught "Philosophy" from the perspective of the "Love of the [[Philotheos (Zervakos)w:Christ the Logos|Logos]] has also written about Makrakis", so that philosophy in his this sense became interchangeable with the theological discipline of [[Christology]]. In a peer-reviewed book review of Makrakis' philosophical system<ref group="note">''The Errors [[w:Christ the Logos|Logos]] and the Holy Spirit in the Unity of Apostolos MakrakisChristian Thought: According to the Teachings of the Orthodox Church'' (not in English translation yet. 5 Vols. Chicago : Orthodox Christian Educational Society, but which is summarized in part in Drc.1977.:: Vol 1. ''The Orthodox Approach to Philosophy''.:: Vol 2. ''Psychology: An Orthodox Christian Perspective''. ISBN 9780938366058:: Vol 3. Constantine Cavarnos's book 'Logic: an Orthodox Christian approach''.:: Vol 4. ''Blessed Elder Philotheos ZervakosTheology: An Orthodox Standpoint''). In his criticism the Elder emphasises that he does not mean to say that there is nothing of value in MakrakisISBN 9780938366034:: Vol 5. ''Philosophy: An Orthodox Christian Understanding'' writings, especially the earlier ones, but .</ref> R.P. Scharlemann states that they must be approached with caution.:
British Professor :"Makrakis intended to be a teacher of the people of Greece,...this child of Theology and Orientalist at the University [[w:Greek War of Independence|revolution of Oxford 1821]]. The [[w:Frederick Cornwallis ConybeareSøren Kierkegaard|Frederick Cornwallis ConybeareKierkegaard]]<ref group="note">'''Kierkegaard, writing in 1903Soren,''' ''b. Copenhagen, Denmark, proposed 1813; d. 1855''. Philosopher and religious writer. He was a precursor of the existentialists and a major influence on Protestant theology. He argued that if we cut advancing through the many mists three stages of the aesthetic, the ethical and the religious by means of an "existential dialectic" brings the individual closer to God. A leap of faith is required; reason is not a help. But awareness of spiteful exaggeration often attributed the relationship to God leads to Makrakisdespair as the individual contrasts temporality with eternal truth. His major works include ''Either/Or'' (1843) and ''Fear and Trembling'' (1843). (''The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge''. 1st Ed.. St. Martin' life storys Press, NY, Oct. 2004. pp.1020.)</ref> who speaks here has a Hellenistic soul. Philosophy, "the love and science of the [[w:Christ the Logos|God-equal WORD]], or [[w:we can discern Christ the Logos|Logos]]", has as its purpose "the acquisition of God's omniscience...and the deification of the philosophical investigator". Its object is the same as that his teaching exactly agrees with of religion and government. The system traces the journey of the soul in its ascent from the "primary cognition [noein]" through the philosophical sciences to its deification. The means of ascent are provided by the "right reason" that is the object of logic and is incarnate in [[Jesus Christ]].....right reason being the nexus between temporal fact and eternal being. In this system, the primary cognition, or what [[w:Phenomenology|phenomenology]] might call the basic intellectual intuition, is that ascribed I exist, the world exists, and God exists... The soul is conscious of its own existence, perceives the world, and knows God's existence, but it does not know the nature of each of them. The aim of science is to make the unknown known. Philosophy as [[w:EbionitesChristology|EbionitesChristology]] and Christology as Philosophy, it is at least a theme that makes one think."<ref>Scharlemann, R.P.. Peer Reviewed Book Review of Makrakis': ''The Logos and Holy Spirit in the Unity of Christian Thought, 5 Vols: Vol 1:The Orthodox Approach to Theodotus Philosophy, Vol 2:Psychology An Orthodox Christian Perspective, Vol 3: Logic An Orthodox Christian Approach, Vol 4: Theology An Orthodox Standpoint, Vol 5:Philosophy An Orthodox Christian Understanding.'' Translated from the Greek by Denver Cummings: Orthodox Christian Education Society, 1977. '''Journal of Rome by Hippolytus in his PhilosophumenaReligion''' 59 no 4 O 1979, Book VIIp 488-490.</ref> ===Controversy===Besides criticizing contemporary [[w:Prelate|prelates]] of [[w:Simony|Simony]], chapApostolos Makrakis also upheld the theory of the triple constitution of humanity - i. 34e. A ''Psyche'' (soul), ''Pneuma'' (spirit), ''Soma'' (body) - for which he was criticized, causing some confusion as to whether or not Makrakis was in fact [[Excommunication|excommunicated]] by the Church or not very dissimilar form .  The sources show that while he was condemned by the [[Council of Athens (1878)|Council of Athens]] (1878), he was not formally [[AdoptionismExcommunication|Adoptionist doctrineexcommunicated]] still survives by them. The Very Rev. Archimandrite Isaias Simonopetritis explains in ''The Orthodox Church and Proselytism'' that ''"while Makrakis was condemned by the official Church and the monasteries of [[Mount Athos]], he was not excommunicated, for fear that his numerous followers among the dissenters middle classes of Russia Athens would turn him into a [[martyr]] figure"''.<ref>Simonopetritis, Very Rev. Archiman. Isaias. "[http://www.aegeantimes.gr/pigizois/agglika/inegl_27.htm The Orthodox Church and Proselytism]." ''Orthodox Herald'', Official Publication of the Archdiocese of ArmeniaThyateira and Great Britain, September–October 2001, No. 120-121.</ref> Dr. [[Christos Yannaras]] however gives a slightly different account, writing that ''"The Synod excommunicated [Makrakis] to silence him, invoking ludicrous theological arguments, such as his views on the tripartite composition of man"'' and I suspect that Makrakis had come into contact with them''"when he died, however, the Synod agreed to give him a church funeral".''<ref>Yannaras, Christos. ''Orthodoxy and the West: Hellenic Self-Identity in the Modern Age''. Transl. Peter Chamberas and Norman Russell. Holy Cross Orthodox Press, Brookline, Mass., 2006. p.224.</ref>* Nevertheless Makrakis' biography by Constantine Andronis clarifies that the excommunications were published by one particular Bishop, and not by the entire Synod: :"...so long as Makrakis combated only [[w:Frederick Cornwallis ConybeareFreemasonry|ConybeareFreemasonry]] and neither said nor wrote anything against the high priests, he was recommended by the latter as the Saviour of Orthodoxy, Frederick Cornwallisbut when he proved certain high priests to be guilty of the crime of [[w:Simony|Simony]]and demanded their dismissal in accordance with the sacred regulations of the Church, war began to be waged upon him as a heretic teaching that man consists of body, soul, and spirit. Makarios, Bishop of Karystia, published excommunications and anathemas in opposition to this belief.<ref>Andronis, Constantine (Ed.). Reviewed Works''Apostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century.''Chicago: Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1966 pp.16.</ref>  As for the [[Holy Synod]], on December 18th, 1878, the [[Council of Athens (1878)|Council of Athens]] was convened and presided over by Metropolitan Bishop [[Procopius I (Georgiadis) of Athens|Procopius I of Athens]] (1874-1889), resulting in the formal condemnation of the Makrakists. The StudentSynod succeeded in obtaining from the governement of [[w:Alexandros Koumoundouros|Koumoundouros]] a decree dissolving Makakris' '''s History ''"School of the Greek ChurchLogos"'' ''' by Revon the pretext that it taught doctrines opposed to the tenets of the Church, that is, that man is composed of body, soul, and spirit, and that Christ attained perfection in the Jordan. AThe Holy Synod likewise addressed an encyclical to the whole body of Christians in Greece that was read in the churches, charging Makrakis with attempting to introduce innovations.HOn January 8, 1879, his trial was held, and without his presence he was condemned by default to three months' imprisonment. Hore On February 6, 1879, the Holy Synod also issued a decree condemning the clergy of the College to confinement (Mexile) for five to ten years in various monasteries and refrainment from all sacramental acts.A On June 13, 1879 Makrakis' term of imprisonment for resistence and insolence to the authorities expired, but he later insulted the Holy Synod again, and on November 26, 1879 he was again sentenced to imprisonment, this time for eight months.)From the jail in Amphissa he wrote letters to all his brethren in Christ urging them to be of good cheers and to feel glad because he was suffering in behalf of truth and justice. London In many cities of Greece the citizenry expressed indignation at the persecution of the educator, and Oxfordsubmitted a petition to the Chamber of Deputies bearing 4530 signatures. Makrakis himself submitted a memoir to the Minister of Justice Athanasios [[w: James ParkerPetimezas|Potmezas]] from jail with the hope of obtaining his release. In 1880 he was absolved by decree of the court of appeals in Athens, 1902and beginning on October 6, 1880, he resumed instruction in the ''' ''"School of the Logos"'' ''' after a two year interruption.<ref>Andronis, Constantine (Ed. 514 pp).; ''Geschichte der Orientalischen Kirchen von 1453-1898Apostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century.'' by ProfChicago: Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1966 pp. A16-17. Diomedes Kyriakos</ref> It was around this time that Saint [[Nectarios of Pentapolis]] was studying at the University of Athens (graduated in 1885), who also became interested in Apostolos Makrakis: <blockquote>There was, at the time when [[Nectarios of Pentapolis|Nektarios]] was studying in Athens, a person named Apostolos Makrakis who zealously preached for [[catharsis]], if you will, of the [[Church of Greece|Greek Orthodox Church]]. LeipzigHe was a learned lay man, 1902whose education was rooted in his profound knowledge of [[Holy Scripture|Scriptures]]. In his eloquent manner he spoke out against the Masonic Order and all the materialistic theories that were circulating in the university. '''American Journal However, he also touched upon some extreme theories regarding the essence of Theologythe soul, Voland he became entangled in politics as well.7Although Nektarios disagreed with his extreme positions, and had, Noin fact, examined them in one of his studies, he nevertheless considered this man a most heroic Christian advocate. He liked following his writings and his newspapers and would have liked to have personally met him. He never had the chance though,3 (July 1903)and he even had to eventually give up following his writings because the Church Synod formally disagreed with his extreme positions. pAs a cleric it was, of course, his duty to obey the elders.562<ref>Sotos Chondropoulos.''Saint Nektarios: The Saint of Our Century.''Transl. Peter and Aliki Los. Athens, 1997. p.50.</ref></blockquote> Apostolos Makrakis died on [[December 25]], 1905 in Athens. He was buried in his family chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary's [[Annunciation]], and today his bust is in the square bearing his name, at the entrance of the village of Katavati on [[w:Sifnos|Sifnos island]].
===Legacy===
Apostolos Makrakis was a highly cultured layman and patriotic visionary whose vigorous religious movement became an interesting a popular phenomenon that shook the religious and national establishment of the his time. From believing that he had been divinely chosen as the liberator of Byzantium from the Turk, to his preaching tours throughout Greece focusing on [[Soteriology]], advocating his particular unique and controversial Christological-Philosophical stanceteachings, to his fight against Freemasonry and [[w:Simony|Simony]], <ref group="note">In combating Freemasonry he was going up against certain elements within the State; and in combating Simony he was going up against certain elements within the Church. Therefore he incurred enemies from both Church and State.</ref> he truly effectively became a leader of the awakening religious and national movement in modern Hellas. In the process he also became a symbol for the freedom of religious thought and expression; while his message found strong support amongst many from the masses on the one hand, it justifyably was not received very well by the religious establishment, as Dr. Cavarnos and [[Philotheos (Zervakos)|Elder Philotheos]] among others have explained. In his article [http://www.aegeantimes.gr/pigizois/agglika/inegl_27.htm The Orthodox Church and Proselytism], the Very Rev. Archimandrite Isaias Simonopetritis writes that while Makrakis was condemned by the official Church and the monasteries of [[Mount Athos]], he was not excommunicated, for fear that his numerous followers among the middle classes of Athens would turn him into a [[martyr]] figure. His ideas and the particular pietistic ethos which he promoted survived in the [[Brotherhoods|Brotherhood]] Movements which in the 20th century played a significant role in education and catechetical schools, but unguardedly allied themselves with right-wing dictatorships, pure Greek patriotism being a key element in their ideology.<ref>Simonopetritis, Very Rev. Archiman. Isaias. "[http://www.aegeantimes.gr/pigizois/agglika/inegl_27.htm The Orthodox Church and Proselytism]." Orthodox Herald, Official Publication of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, September–October 2001, No. 120-121.</ref>
While his message found strong support amongst the masses on the one hand, it was not received very well by the religious establishment, as Dr. Cavarnos, [[Philotheos (Zervakos)|Elder Philotheos]], Professor Yannaras, Professor Conybeare and others have explained. His movement can be viewed as a unique example in the history of the Orthodox Church of a type of proselytism from ''within'' the ranks of Orthodoxy (rather than from without by foreign religious forces). Ultimatelty all of this led to an intense conflict between Makrakis and the Church authorities. Makrakis' ideas and the particular pietistic ethos which he promoted however did survive him in the [[Brotherhoods|Brotherhood]] Movements, which in the 20th century played a significant role in education and catechetical schools.<ref group="note">These however unguardedly allied themselves with right-wing dictatorships, pure Greek patriotism being a key element in their ideology.</ref><ref>Simonopetritis, Very Rev. Archiman. Isaias. "[http://www.aegeantimes.gr/pigizois/agglika/inegl_27.htm The Orthodox Church and Proselytism]." ''Orthodox Herald'', Official Publication of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, September–October 2001, No. 120-121.</ref> =List of Works=Criticisms==*The Bible British Orientalist and Professor of Theology at the world; or God's Great Book studied University of Oxford [[w:Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare|Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare]], a contemporary of Makrakis writing in 1903, proposed that if we cut through the Light many mists of His Small One. Triluminal Sciencespiteful exaggeration often attributed to Makrakis' life story, Surveying ::we can discern that his teaching exactly agrees with that ascribed to the Universe [[w:Ebionites|Ebionites]] and Explaining Everythingto [[w:Theodotus of Byzantium|Theodotus of Rome]] by [[Hippolytus of Rome]] in his ''[[w:Refutation of all Heresies|Philosophumena]] (Refutation of all Heresies)'', Book VII, etcchap. Proofs 34. A not very dissimilar form of [[Adoptionism|Adoptionist doctrine]] still survives among the Authenticity dissenters of Russia and of the Armenia, and I suspect that Makrakis had come into contact with them.<ref>*[[Septuagintw:Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare|Conybeare, Frederick Cornwallis]].Reviewed Works: ''The Student's History of the Greek Church'' by Rev. A.H. Hore (M.A.). London and Oxford: James Parker, 1902. 514 pp.; ''Geschichte der Orientalischen Kirchen von 1453-1898'' by Prof. A. Diomedes Kyriakos. Leipzig, 1902. '''American Journal of Theology, Vol.7, No,3 (July 1903). p.562.'''</ref>. *The City Dr. Constantine Cavarnos although referring to Makrakis as "perhaps the most outstanding philosopher and religious teacher of Zionmodern Greece," in reviewing Makrakis' important treatise on [[Soteriology]], the ''"Divine and Sacred Catechism"'', or states that Makrakis' teaching is marred by the Church Built Upon exaggerated importance he attributes to the RockDevil, by his narrow conception of Orthodoxy, and his invective against other religious denominations.<ref name=Cavarnos>Cavarnos, Constantine (Dr). Reviewed Work: i''Divine and Sacred Catechism by Apostolos Makrakis''.eTransl. The Human from the Greek by the Hellenic Christian Society in Christ, Chicago, Illinois. New York: Cosmos Greek-American Printing Co., 1946. '''Journal of the American Academy of Religion''', 1949; XVII-265-266.</ref> *Commentary On Blessed Elder [[Philotheos (Zervakos)]] has written ''The Psalms Errors of DavidApostolos Makrakis.'' Although not yet in English translation, it is summarized in part in Dr. Constantine Cavarnos's book ''"Blessed Elder Philotheos Zervakos"''.*Concerning Our Duties In his criticism the Elder emphasises that he does not mean to Godsay that there is nothing of value in Makrakis' writings, especially the earlier ones, but that they must be approached with caution==Apologetics==*Dr. Constantine Cavarnos identifies that there are a number of things in his vigorously written book the ''"Divine and Sacred Catechism: As Taught "'' that should interest the student of religion, including the lucid and systematic exposition of the doctrines of the Eastern Church by a conservative representative of it; the Holy Spirit and its Official Instruments from firm belief in perfect divine justice; the Day very high conception of man — man, according to Makrakis is the Pentecost until most perfect work of God, higher even than the Last Ecumenical Synodangels; Expounded and the profound conviction in Comparison , and Contrast with the Contradictions attempt throughout the book to show, the perfect harmony between experience, reason, and Misinter-pretation religion.<ref name=Cavarnos/>  ==Complete List of Works==The following catalog of Makrakis' massive writing repertoire is based on the Devillist found in Constantine Andronis' ''Apostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century'' (1966).<ref>Andronis, Constantine (Ed.). ''Apostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century''. Chicago: Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1966. pp.337-339.</ref>.===Periodcals===* ''Justice'', 1866-67. *''The Foundation Of Logos'', 1868-1905.* ''Peace'', 1874-76.===In English Translation===* 1) ''A New Original Philosophical System'', [3 Vols, Divided into 6 Books], viz., ''Introduction to Philosophy; Psychology; Logic; Ethics; Theology;'' and ''Philosophy''. Athens, 1876, 1883, and 1886. 2,075 pp. :: Transl: Vol. I, ''An Invitation to Philosophy, Psychology and Logic''; Vol. II, ''Ethics''; Vol. III, ''Theology and Philosophy''.1940. :1a) Re-printed as:::*Hellenism ''A New Philosophy and the Unfinished RevolutionPhilosophical Sciences: Twenty Addresses Delivered in Concord SquareA New Original Philosophical System'' [2 Vols]. New York, AthensG.P. Putnam's Sons, Greece in 18661940:1b) Five of the Six Books above (excepting the book on ''Ethics''), were re-issued as:::*''The [[w:Christ the Logos|Logos]] and the Holy Spirit in the Unity of Christian Thought: According to the Teachings of the Orthodox Church''. 5 Vols. Chicago : Her NatureOrthodox Christian Educational Society, Salvationary Doctrines, and Fountain of Faithc.1977.::: Vol 1. ''The Orthodox Approach to Philosophy''.::: Vol 2. ''Psychology: An Orthodox Christian Perspective''.::: Vol 3. ''Logic: an Orthodox Christian approach''.::: Vol 4. ''Theology: An Orthodox Standpoint''.::: Vol 5. ''Philosophy: An Orthodox Christian Understanding''. *Homily 2) ''A Commentary on the Eight Beatitudes, or The Sermon on Revelation of John the Mountain: A Summary Teaching Delivered by Apostolos Makrakis in Divine''.* 3) ''Interpretation of the Island of LeukasGospel Law'', Greeceand, ''Our Duties to God and Christ''. b) ''A Commentary on August 29, 1886, During his Second Gospel-Tourthe Epistle to the Hebrews''. Two vols. in one.* 4) ''Divine and Sacred Catechism''.*5) ''The Human Nature Foundation of Christ; Growth Philosophy''.* 6) ''The Bible and Perfection According to the Teaching World, An interpretation of the Orthodox Catholic Churchfirst three chapters of Genesis '''in extenso''' and from a philosophical point of view'', and, ''Triluminal Science, Surveying the Universe and Explaining Everything'' (1 vol).*The Innovations 7) ''Interpretation of the Roman ChurchEntire New Testament'' (except the ''Book of Revelation''). 2 vols.*8) ''An Interpretation Of of the Book Of of Revelation''.* 9) ''The Paramount Doctrine of Orthodoxy'' (3 books in one vol).*Interpretation 10) ''Commentary on the Psalms of David and the Entire New TestamentNine Odes''.*11) ''Kyriakodromion (, or Sunday Sermonary): a Collection , and Festal Sermons''. (A collection of Sermons sermons on the [[Gospels]], the Acts of the Apostles, and the [[Apostolos|epistles]] Appointed appointed to be Read read in Orthodox Christian Churches Every every Sunday from [[Pascha|Easter]] to [[Palm Sunday]]).*Logic12) All in one volume:: An Orthodox Christian ApproachI.''Three Great Friday Sermons''; *The [[w:Christ II. ''Three Sermons on the Death on the Logos|Logos]] Cross and the Holy Spirit in the Unity of Christian ThoughtGlorious Resurrection''; : According to the Teachings of the Orthodox ChurchIII.''The Ascension into Heaven''; *Memoir On The :IV. ''Christ, Announcing His Nature ''; :V. ''All the Parables of the Church of ChristGospel''; :VI. Trans''The Truth in Christianity''; : DVII. Cummings. New York: Christian Brotherhoods Zealots of Orthodoxy and John ''Testimonies Concerning the Baptist, 1947Super Holy Virgin''.*Orthodox Christian Meditations13) ''Freemasonry Known by Masonic Diploma''.*An Orthodox-Protestant Dialogue14) ''Papal Primacy and Innovations of Roman Catholic Church''.*The Paramount Doctrines 15) ''Scriptural Refutations of OrthodoxyPope's Primacy'', and, ''Misc. Studies and Speeches''.*Philosophical Discussions, Comprising Articles Concerning 16) ''Memoir on the New Philosophy & Philosophical Sciences Nature of Apostolos Makrakis; And, the Philosophy Church of Spinoza and its Pernicious ErrorsChrist''.*Political Philosophy Of 17) ''The Orthodox ChurchTwo Contrariant Schools'', and, ''Concerning the Establishment of a Christian University''.*Psychology: 18) ''An Orthodox Christian Perspective-Protestant Debate''.*19) ''A Revelation of Treasure Hid: , Together with Three Important Lectures: I. Concerning Freedom - II. Concerning the Motherland. - III. Concerning Justice and Apostolical Canons Respecting Baptism''.*20) ''Proofs of the Authenticity of the [[Septuagint]]''.* 21) ''God's Law and Commandments, the Decalogue and the Gospel''.* 22) ''The Repose of Our Most Holy and Glorious Lady the Theotokos''.* 23) ''The City of Zion, or The Church Built Upon the Rock''.* 24) ''Philosophical Discussions''.* 25) ''The Real Truth Concerning Apostolos Makrakis''.* 26) ''[[The Rudder|The RUDDER]] or PEDALION, of the Orthodox Metaphorical Ship of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church: The Compilation of Orthodox Christians (All the Holy Sacred and Divine Canons )''. (Editor).*A Scriptural Refutation 27) ''The Trial of Jesus Christ (by Abba Aristarchus)''.* 28) ''The Idea of Being''.* 29) ''The Roman Rite in Orthodoxy''.* 30) ''Spiritual Discourses for the PopeOrthodox Christians''.* 31) ''s Primacy The Orthodox Doctrine on Development and Miscellaneous Studies Advancement'', and Speeches, ''Perfection of the Human Nature of our Lord Jesus Christ''. Transl* 32) ''The Orthodox Definition of Political Science''. out * 33) ''Appraisals of the original Greek Works of Apostolos Makrakis by DEminent Authorities''. 300 pp. Cummings - Chicago (III* 34): ''Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1952. - VIII, 175 pMeditations''.*Theology35) ''Hellenism and the Unfinished Revolution: An Orthodox StandpointTwenty Addresses Delivered in Concord Square, Athens, Greece in 1866''.*Three Great Friday Sermons36) ''Homily on the Eight Beatitudes, or The Sermon on the Mountain: A Summary Teaching Delivered by Apostolos Makrakis in the Island of Leukas, Greece, on August 29, 1886, and Other Theological DiscoursesDuring his Second Gospel-Tour''. *37) ''[http://www.orthodoxresearchinstitute.org/articles/dogmatics/makrakis_truth_christianity.htm The Truth in Christianity: The One True Doctrine and The Many False Ones].''===Untranslated or Unpublished===* 1) ''A New Educational System'', in three volumes, comprising the Formation, Meaning, and Use of Words. 885 pp.* 2) ''Interpretative Logical System''; or, ''Interpretation of the Whole New Testament, verse by verse, including Revelation''. 3,100 pp.* 3) ''A Commentary on the Gospel According to St. Matthew'', from notes taken at his lectures. Unpublished. About 1000 pp.* 4) ''A Commentary on the Gospel of St. John'', from lecture notes. Unpublished. About 500 pp.* 5) ''A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles''. Unpublished. About 500 pp.* 6) ''A Commentary on the Song of Songs''. 150 pp.* 7) ''Three Philosophical Dissertations and the Tree of Life''. Written in French, and translated into Greek by Dr. A. Lekatsas. 388 pp.* 8) ''An Apology Concerning the Soul''. 310 pp. * 9) ''The Tricompositeness of Man Proved by Fathers of the Church''. 284 pp. <small>(articleA brilliantly written and scholarly dissertation)</small>.*The Two Contrariant Schools: Contrasted with 10) ''Logical Refutation of an Ironclad Refutation''. 196 pp. <small>(An answer to a View critic who undertook to criticize Makrakis' doctrine concerning the Comprehension threefold nature of man)</small>.* 11) ''History of BothHuman Happiness and Unhappiness''. Concerning 630 pp.* 12) ''Trial of Philosophy and of the Establishment Doctrines of Western Schools''. 160 pp.* 13) ''Miscellaneous Thoughts and Orations''. Total some 300 pp.* 14) ''The Nationally-Glorified Work of a 1821''. 94 pp.* 15) ''Freemasonry''. 150 pp.* 16) ''The Christian University in Athens: To Supersede the Existing Satanic PerversityReligion''.
==Further reading==
 *Andronis, Constantine (Ed.). ''Apostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century.'' Chicago: Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1966. '' (A complete list of the staggering amount of works of Makrakis is given in English, pp.337-339).'':* [http://pseudo-apostolosmakrakis.blogspot.com/ Biography: Apostolos Makrakis An Evaluation of a Century] on Blogspot. (''Includes a lengthy biography of Makrakis apparently taken from pp.13-21 of Andronis' work; also links to this OrthodoxWiki article).''
*Stephanou, Archim. Eusebius A.. ''The Importance of Apostolos Makrakis to Orthodoxy''. Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological School, 1958.
*Stephanou, Archim. Eusebius A.. ''Apostolos Makrakis, the Prophet and Thinker of Modern Greece.'' 1954.
*[[Philotheos (Zervakos)|Zervakos, Blessed Elder Philotheos]]. ''The Errors of Apostolos Makrakis.'' ==Notes==<ref>While Elder Philotheos's book on Makrakis has not been translated yet, there is a very careful summary of its contents, as well as those of two shorter publications of his on the subject, in Dr. Constantine Cavarnos's book '''Blessed Elder Philotheos Zervakos''', Vol. 11 in the Modern Orthodox Saints series (ISBN 0914744941) from the Institute for Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies. Note that Elder Philotheos emphasises that he does not mean to say that there is nothing of value in Makrakis' writings, especially the earlier ones, only that they must be approached with caution.<references group="note" /ref>
==References==
<div class="small"><references/></div> ==Sources and External links==
==Sources==
* Andronis, Constantine (Ed.). ''Apostolos Makrakis: An Evaluation of Half a Century.'' Chicago: Orthodox Christian Educational Society, 1966.
* Anastassiadis, Anastassios. [http://www.ceri-sciencespo.com/publica/question/qdr11.pdf Religion and Politics in Greece: The Greek Church's 'Conservative Modernization' in the 1990's]. Research in Question, No.11, January 2004. (pdf format).
*Cavarnos, Constantine (Dr). Reviewed Work: ''Divine and Sacred Catechism'' by Apostolos Makrakis. Transl. from the Greek by the Hellenic Christian Society, Chicago, Illinois. New York: Cosmos Greek-American Printing Co., 1946. '''Journal of the American Academy of Religion''', 1949; XVII-265-266.* Chondropoulos, Sotos. ''Saint Nektarios: The Saint of Our Century.'' Transl. Peter and Aliki Los. Athens, 1997. ISBN 960-7374-08-8*[[w:Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare|Conybeare, Frederick Cornwallis]]. Reviewed Works: ''The Student's History of the Greek Church'' by Rev. A.H. Hore (M.A.). London and Oxford: James Parker, 1902. 514 pp.; ''Geschichte der Orientalischen Kirchen von 1453-1898'' by Prof. A. Diomedes Kyriakos. Leipzig, 1902. '''American Journal of Theology, Vol.7, No,3 (July 1903). pp.555-563.'''* Le Guillou, Marie Joseph. ''"Aux sources des mouvements spirituels de l'Églises de Grèce."'' in '''Istina ''' 7 1960, p 95-128,133-152,261-278'''. ''(in French)''.
* Maloney, George A., S.J. ''A History of Orthodox Theology Since 1453''. Norland Publishing, Massachusetts, 1976.
* Redington, Norman Hugh (Ed). "[http://www.voskrese.info/spl/Xapost-makrakis.html Apostolos Makrakis]." ''The [http://www.voskrese.info/spl/index.html Saint Pachomius Library]: A First Draft for a Living Encyclopaedia of Orthodox Christianity.''
* Scharlemann, R.P.. Peer Reviewed Book Review of Makrakis': ''The Logos and Holy Spirit in the Unity of Christian Thought, 5 Vols: Vol 1:The Orthodox Approach to Philosophy, Vol 2:Psychology An Orthodox Christian Perspective, Vol 3: Logic An Orthodox Christian Approach, Vol 4:Theology An Orthodox Standpoint, Vol 5:Philosophy An Orthodox Christian Understanding.'' Translated from the Greek by Denver Cummings: Orthodox Christian Education Society, 1977. '''Journal of Religion 59 no 4 O 1979, p 488-490'''.
* Simonopetritis, Very Rev. ArchimanArchim. Isaias. "[http://www.aegeantimes.gr/pigizois/agglika/inegl_27.htm The Orthodox Church and Proselytism]." Orthodox Herald, Official Publication of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, September–October 2001, No. 120-121.* ''The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge''. 1st Ed.. St. Martin's Press, NY, Oct. 2004.* Todt, Klaus-Peter. "[http://www.bautz.de/bbkl/m/makrakis.shtml Markaris, Apostolos].” " in ''Biographisch-Bibliographisches KIRCHENLEXICON'', Band V (1993) Spalten 599-602. ''(in German)* Yannaras, Christos. ''Orthodoxy and the West: Hellenic Self-Identity in the Modern Age''. Transl. Peter Chamberas and Norman Russell. Holy Cross Orthodox Press, Brookline, Mass., 2006.
==='''Biographical References Sources in Greek==='''
* Metallinos, G.D. ''Ekpaideutike Hellenike Enkyklopaideia: Pankosmio Biographiko Lexiko.'' Athena, 1983-1988. Tom. 1-9B.
* Tolika, Olympia N. ''Epitomo Enkyklopaidiko Lexiko Tes Byzantines Musikes.'' Athena, 1993.
* Triantaphyllu, Kostas N. ''Historikon Lexikon Ton Patron. 2. ekd.'' Patrai, 1980.
* Zoes, Leonidas Ch. ''Lexikon Historikon Kai Laographikon Zakynthu.'' Athenai, 1963. Tom. 1.
 
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