After Michael Psellos, Niketas Stethatos was the most significant theologian of the eleventh century, and his single extant hagiographical work stands out for its spiritual and literary value. In terms of thematic orientation, it is primarily a work of defense, first of the author’s spiritual father, Symeon the New Theologian, and subsequently of the latter’s own spiritual father, Symeon Eulabes. As in many instances this dual apology intertwines with polemic against those who opposed the recognition of both Symeons as saints, the Life allows a glimpse of the internal tensions that shook the Byzantine Church in a period contrasted by the strong tendency of society towards secularization.
Stephanos Efthymiadis
The Medieval Review
