On 24 April 2026, the TRIERTIUM research group hosted a research seminar at the Sts Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology, Palacký University Olomouc. The seminar featured a lecture by Joseph M. McMeans, PhD (Department of Philosophy and Patrology, Palacký University) entitled “The Philosophical Tradition of the Greek Church Fathers: On the Christian Continuation of Ancient Philosophy.”
In his lecture, Dr McMeans challenged the predominantly theological interpretation of the writings of the Greek Church Fathers by situating them within the broader sapiential tradition of Ancient Greek philosophy. Drawing on the methodological insights of Pierre Hadot, he presented patristic philosophy as a way of life oriented toward moral transformation and the pursuit of likeness to God (homoiōsis theōi), rather than as a merely speculative or doctrinal discipline. Special attention was devoted to the reception and further development of this philosophical model within Byzantine monastic communities, highlighting their role in preserving and reshaping ancient philosophical practices within a Christian context.
The lecture concluded with a call for a renewed methodological approach to patristic literature: one that takes seriously its ancient philosophical background and its practical, transformative aims. The seminar was followed by a lively discussion, confirming the continuing relevance of the study of early Christian thought.
The TRIERTIUM research seminars are organized by the TRIERTIUM research group.
More information is available at: www.triertium.cz.
