The Hexaemeron of Anastasius Sinaita: Its Authenticity, Its Sources, and Its Allegorism

Traditionally assigned to Anastasius of Sinai (late 7th century), the Hexaemeron (CPG 7770) offers a rich spiritual Commentary on Genesis 1-3, which has long remained in the shadow and whose authenticity has been challenged several times in the last fifty years. The first edition of the complete Greek text appeared as recently as 2007 and in a provisional form, whilst problems related to authenticity, chronology, structure and sources remain unresolved. In order to fill the serious lacunae of current scholarship, this dissertation proposes to address three fundamental issues: the authenticity, the sources, and the allegorism of the Hexaemeron.

After providing a complete status quaestionis on the problem of the authenticity, this dissertation refutes the theories in support of the Hexaemeron’s pseudepigraphic character and demonstrates its authenticity by its close relationship and important similarities with the genuine Anastasian writings. As for Anastasius’ period of activity and historical identity -still poorly known-, it reopens the debate by reviewing the internal chronological benchmarks and by looking for new sources of information about his life. Besides, it highlights the apparent coherence and the inconsistencies of the Hexaemeron, revealing both the imperfect unity of the work and its realization in several stages.

A systematic study of the Hexaemeron’s sources makes it possible to distinguish three types of sources: named, anonymous and unacknowledged. Divided in their turn into identifiable, non-identifiable and implausible, the numerous patristic opinions expressly cited by Anastasius are examined in detail, especially those which raise problems of identification and attribution. The anonymous quotations are, however, briefly presented and commented, for their provenance is often impossible to determine. As for the ideas which have been tacitly reproduced verbatim, they are scrutinised, whilst a few parallels with other authors are drawn.

Particular attention is given, lastly, to the distinctly allegorical character of Anastasius’ exegesis. The preface of the Hexaemeron is analysed in depth, in order for us to gain a better understanding of its purpose, namely to relate the whole Bible story to the mystery of Christ and the Church, and to show us its polemical hints as well as its affinities with the method of Origen. Anastasius’ appeal to the early Fathers, favourable to allegory, is also examined; the way he goes beyond the literal meaning; the processes by which he achieves the allegorization of the biblical text. Anastasius’ interpretation of Adam’s fall (Gen 3) is finally taken as a case study, because of its Alexandrian antecedents.

Several corrections of the Greek text of the Hexaemeron published in 2007, which are meant to improve its understanding, are proposed in the appendix.