The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the hermeneutical method of Theodoret of Cyrus, who was one of the most important Biblical commentators and an influential theologian of the School of Antioch. This paper attempts to point out the fact that in the person of the Blessed Theodoret we find the first attempt of synthesis between the Antioch and Alexandria hermeneutical schools. In his hermeneutical work Theodoret attempted to overcome the contradictions existing up to that point and to follow a middle way, without discarding neither the literal nor the spiritual-allegorical interpretation. It could be argued that Theodoret rejected the extreme hermeneutical trends of both the Alexandrian and Antioch inspirations; he developed his unique methods and tactics, which were rooted in the previous patristic tradition of the Church Fathers.

This article deals with the relationship of the Sinaitic Fathers and Evagrius of Pont. On the one hand, their main representative St. John Climacus strongly criticized some Evagrius’ fallacies, while on the other hand used thе good side of his ascetic teachings. Furthermore, the specificity of location of the Sinai Monastery resulted that God seeing, contemplation and theology exercised through the Sinaitic Fathers became ideals of the ascetical spirituality. All these ideals originate in ascetical teaching of Evagrius whose correct teachings and soul-benefit readings, at first, were acknowledged by the Fathers of Gaza. Later it was passed onto the Fathers from Sinai and ultimately unto the all ascetical tradition primarily unto the Neptic tradition.