The Holy Trinity in Vladimir Lossky’s theological reflection

Abstract

Vladimir Lossky (1903-1958) was one of the greatest theologians of the twentieth century. Drawing from the wisdom of the Greek Fathers of the Church, he tried to help in the understanding of the Trinitarian dogma. He considered using the apophatic and cataphatic predicating of God as essential in theological reflection on the Holy Trinity. The mystery of God, Who is the Trinity and the One, is an irreconcilable difficulty (gr. aporia) for human reason. In the presentation of the truth about God, the danger of modalism and the danger of tritheism must be avoided. Relating to the patristic teaching, Lossky showed God the Father as the only basis (Gr. arche), the only source (Gr. pege), and the only cause (Gr. aitia) of the Holy Trinity. It is characteristic for his theology indicating two saving economies, namely, the economy of the Son and the economy of the Spirit. Their common goal is the realization the work of salvation in the Church.