CORPOREAL VISION AND CONTEMPLATION IN THE EPISTEMOLOGICAL CONTEXT: A COMPARISON OF THE “HOMILIES ON THE PSALMS” BY ORIGEN AND SAINT BASIL OF CAESAREA
The article considers on an example to what extent the “Homilies on the Psalms” of saint Basil of Caesarea t into the exegetical tradition presented in Origen’s “Homilies on the Psalms” discovered in 2012 as part of the Codex Monacensis Graecus 314. The comparison of these collections of homilies is carried out by studying how both authors use visual vocabulary in an epistemological context, including the concept of “contemplation” (θεωρία), which goes back to the ancient philosophical tradition. At the same time, our study demonstrates that the use of both the concept θεωρία and the vocabulary of visual sense partially ts into the philosophical division of the neoplatonic curriculum (ethics-physics-epoptics). Thus, this study related to the eld of patristic philosophy shows a similar use by both authors of the idea of intellectual contemplation as the highest stage on the path of knowledge in the epistemological conceptions of both authors. Despite the fact that the extant collections contain homilies on di erent psalms, our study, avoiding broad generalizations that attribute any allegorical interpretation to the Origenian tradition, allows us to demonstrate similar patterns that bring together the exegesis of Origen and saint Basil. Moreover, the study through a systematization of epistemological ideas expressed in texts of similar themes and genre make it possible to chart the way to understanding the teachings authors expressed not in theological treatises, but in front of a large audience gathered at the liturgy. Finally, the investigation is not limited to understanding how the knowledge of the spiritual reality is described, but shows its relationship with the study of creation, which is equally valuable for both Origen and saint Basil.