Alexey Aristin Grand Economist of the Church of Constantinople, Byzantine canonist Date of Birth: . Country: Dive

1. Alexius Aristenus: A Byzantine Canonist and Author
2. Early Life and Education
3. Church and State
4. Commentary on the "Synopsis"
5. Approach to Interpretation
6. Influence and Dissemination
7. Significance for Russian Church Law
8. Publication in Russian

Alexius Aristenus: A Byzantine Canonist and Author

Alexius Aristenus, a distinguished economist of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, was a Byzantine canonist renowned for his commentary on the "Synopsis" (a compilation of canons) by Stephen of Ephesus.

Early Life and Education

Hailing from Greece, Alexius received a legal education and was summoned to Constantinople by Emperor John II Comnenus.

Church and State

Despite being a deacon, Alexius simultaneously held several civil and ecclesiastical positions, including nomophylax, orphanotroph, dikaiodotes, and grand oeconomus of the Patriarchal Church. However, due to church canons prohibiting the combination of state and church duties, he was forced to relinquish his secular roles in 1157, retaining only the position of grand oeconomus.

Commentary on the "Synopsis"

Around 1130, at the emperor's request, Alexius composed a commentary on the "Synopsis," a concise collection of church canons. Historians debate whether Alexius or John Zonaras was the first commentator, with the prevailing view being that Alexius's work came earlier.

Approach to Interpretation

Alexius's commentary on the "Synopsis" was characterized by its literalism, without delving into casuistic subtleties. He included references to full texts of canonical norms and occasionally cited secular laws relating to ecclesiastical matters.

Influence and Dissemination

Alexius's commentary gained widespread recognition, despite subsequent interpretations by John Zonaras and Theodore Balsamon. It became an integral part of canon law compilations, providing explanations of specific rules.

Significance for Russian Church Law

Alexius's commentary on the "Synopsis" played a pivotal role in the history of Russian Church law. It was included in the first (canonical) part of the Russian printed "Kormchaya," a collection of ecclesiastical laws.

Publication in Russian

In 1876, Alexius's commentary on the "Synopsis," translated into Russian, was published by the Moscow Society of Ecclesiastical Enlightenment Enthusiasts.