Φίλος θεοῦ: understanding of friendship with God in Gregory of Nyssa’s De Vita Moysis in comparison to Philo
Φίλος θεοῦ: understanding of friendship with God in Gregory of Nyssa’s De Vita Moysis in comparison to Philo

Summary/Abstract: This paper examines the content of the term φίλος θεοῦ in Gregory’s work DeVita Moysis in comparison to Philo’s account.In Gregory, the notions friend of God (φίλος θεοῦ), servant of God (οἰκέτηςθεοῦ), and image of God (κατʹ εἰκόνα θεοῦ) are mutually explanatory notions, identifyingthe very essence of the life of virtue (ἐναρέτη πολιτεία). The combination ofthe two terms – friend and household servant – presumes that the one whom God callsHis friend shares all things with Him who also remains his Lord. The sharing is furtherspecified in Gregory’s work by the term κατʹ εἰκόνα, which presumes reflecting God’sineffable qualities as a piece of glass reflects the light of the sun.Thus, for Gregory, to become φίλος θεοῦ no longer means to be initiated intodivine mysteries inaccessible to other people. To be God’s friend is to be a recipient ofChrist’s gifts and of His life, and to offer your own life in return.

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