The Teaching on the Transformation of Gifts in the Eucharistic Concept of St. Nikolaos Kabasilas

Abstract

This article is a theological analysis of the views of St. Nikolaos Kabasilas, a 14th-century Byzantine theologian, on the transformation of the Eucharistic gifts (bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ). His reflection responds to the long-standing medieval dispute between the Eastern and Western Churches regarding the moment of the sanctification of the gifts during the Divine Liturgy. The theologian’s considerations are particularly significant and intriguing because they are based on various methods and theological disciplines. Among the most important ones, there are the analysis of liturgical texts, biblical exegesis, patristic references, and even the dogmatic Christological reflection. This text represents an important contribution to the dialogue between East and West concerning the understanding of the Eucharist. For the Orthodox tradition, the views of St. Nikolaos Kabasilas are one of the foundations of sacramentology, and his reflections carry significant ecclesiological and liturgical weight. One of the key points of his teaching is the doctrine of the transformation (μεταβολή) of the gifts. St. Nikolaos Kabasilas states that the transformation of the gifts (bread and wine) into the Body and Blood of Christ is not effected by the words of institution, but through the prayer of the epiclesis and the action of the Holy Spirit. Upon this truth, the scholar builds further conclusions regarding, among others, the role of the priest, the authenticity and realism of the transformation, its dualistic character, the role of prayer to God the Father, and the very essence of the sacrament.