Maximus the Greek (1470–1556)

Maximus the Greek (1470–1556)

Theologian, philologist, publicist. In 1518, at the invitation of Vasily III, he arrived in the Russian state to translate church books. In Moscow, he participated in disputes between the Josephites and non-covetous people, taking the side of the latter. He opposed monastic land ownership and criticized the life of the Russian clergy. For rapprochement with opposition church circles, he was condemned at the councils of 1525 and 1531 and exiled to a monastery. He left an extensive literary heritage, in particular, theological discussions, articles on grammar and lexicography.