It is important to note that no Council of the Church ever establishes new doctrines. So we celebrate the Triumph of Orthodoxy the week before, and the defender of Orthodox teachings this week. His feast was established on the Second Sunday of Lent to remind us that right works without right faith are meaningless. Saint Gregory, who had become Metropolitan of Thessalonica in 1347, reposed in 1359, and he was glorified as a Saint of the Church nine years later.

But indeed, if God's actions in the world are creations rather than God himself, we cannot truly know God himself, nor can we have genuine communion with him. The Council upheld the Orthodox teachings, and a second council in 1351 reiterated them against the attacks of Acindynus, who taught that God's grace is created, rather than being God himself. Saint Gregory had previously held discussions with Barlaam about the Orthodox theology of Hesychasm - the practice of gaining stillness through contemplative prayer, especially the Jesus Prayer. In 1341, Saint Gregory was present at a council that was convened against Barlaam of Calabria. He subjected himself to extreme asceticism so severe that he was forced to travel to Thessalonica for medical treatment. Born in Asia Minor, he was raised in the imperial court of Constantinople and later left to enter the monastic life on Mount Athos.

Saint Gregory Palamas lived in the 14th century. Dormition of the Theotokos (Assumption) Icons.

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