Kallistos and Ignatios Xanthopulos were two significant Byzantine monks and spiritual teachers, known primarily for their contributions to the Hesychast tradition and Orthodox spirituality. While there is little detailed biographical information about them, they belong to a group of influential mystical teachers from the 14th century.
Kallistos Xanthopulos was a monk and spiritual writer, particularly known for his teachings on the Jesus Prayer and the practice of inner stillness (hesychia). He emphasized the importance of continuous prayer as a path to union with God and was a strong advocate for the hesychastic practice. Kallistos played a crucial role in the early development of hesychastic theology, which was shaped notably through the work of Saint Gregory Palamas and the confrontation with Western theology.
Ignatios Xanthopulos was also an important figure in the hesychastic movement and a teacher of Christian mysticism. His writings and teachings also focused on the practice of prayer and the importance of spiritual vigilance. Like his brother Kallistos, he contributed to deepening the mystical teachings of Orthodox Christianity, particularly regarding the experience of the divine presence in daily life.
Both Xanthopulos brothers helped shape the development of Eastern Christian mysticism, and their influence can still be felt in the tradition of hesychastic prayer and ascetic practice today.
All thinking enters the heart through a certain meaningful representation. But it is only then that the blessed light of divinity shines upon it when it has withdrawn from all things and no longer has any imagery. The radiance of the divine light reveals itself to the pure spirit through the absence of all thoughts...
© BLI - Thomas Schuh 2025