March 3, 2026Open Access

Identifying the "Unknown Scholiast" on the Mystical Experience of John Climacus

Key Points

Identification reveals Elias of Crete as the previously unknown scholiast, impacting the understanding of mystical commentary.
The work discusses three key figures, with an emphasis on their interpretative contributions to John Climacus's text.
Observational analysis considers Michael Psellos, Patriarch Photios, and the anonymous commentary for their roles in the exegesis.
Highlights the significance of recognizing Elias of Crete's work, offering valuable context to the interpretation of mystical experiences.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: O. Rodionov recently discussed the work of three commentators on a much disputed passage in the Ladder of John Climacus, namely Michael Psellos, the Patriarch Photios, and an anonymous scholiast. The purpose of this article is to present arguments in favour of identifying that scholiast as Elias of Crete, the author of an extensive commentary on the Ladder. KEYWORDS: Rodionov, exegesis, John Climacus, Psellos, Photios, Elias of Crete RESUMEN: O. Rodionov analizó recientemente el trabajo de tres comentaristas sobre un pasaje muy controvertido de la Escala de Juan Clímaco: Miguel Psellos, el patriarca Focio y un escoliasta anónimo. El propósito de este artículo es presentar argumentos que apoyan la identificación de dicho escoliasta como Elías de Creta, autor de un extenso comentario sobre la Escala. PALABRAS CLAVE: Rodionov, comentario, Juan Clímaco, Psello, Focio, Elías de Creta

Bookmark

View Full Paper

Cite This Study

John M. Duffy (Mon,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a75adec6e9836116a2144b https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.7203/sphv.27.32053

Bookmark

View Full Paper