Abstract

Epektasis is the doctrine of unceasing evolution in eternal happiness. It is a teaching developed by St. Gregory of Nyssa, this being in fact one of the most original aspects of the great Cappadocian’s way of thinking. The teaching about epektasis will gain St. Gregory of Nyssa a prominent place among all the mystical theologians. The French scholar Jean Daniélou considers this process of striving or epektasis an extremely important characteristic of the mystical theology of the great Saint. Daniélou has identified the doctrine of epektasis as being one of the major contributions that Saint Gregory has brought to the history of thinking, together with setting a different emphasis upon the social dimension of love and communion among saints. The theme of spiritual progress is therefore fundamental for St. Gregory of Nyssa. He gives it a central place, repeating it almost unceasingly, expressing it in paradoxical formulae, considering it as being a true expression of the piety of its author.