Nicolaus Cabasilas

Biography

Born in Thessalonica around 1320 and dying after 1391, Nicholas was the nephew of Nilus Cabasilas, archbishop of the city. Frequenting hesychastic circles, he began his studies in Thessalonica and continued them in Constantinople. He took part in political life under John V Palaeologus and John VI Cantacuzene until 1354. His elevation to the seat of Thessalonica is a legend; he remained a layman. His main works are two treatises on spiritual theology, Life in Christ and the Interpretation of the Divine Liturgy. Nicholas is also the author of numerous homilies, a Prayer to Jesus Christ, and some secular eulogies of sovereigns. Eighteen of his letters are still preserved.