Doctor of Theology
Independent Researcher
Georgian National Committee of Byzantine Studies
Tbilisi, Georgia
ORCID: 0009-0001-7011-4818
Chkhaberidzenari@gmail.com

Theological Vision of John Zizioulas on Zoomorphic Issues and the Exegetical Analysis of the Gospel Symbol “Donkey”


 The study reviews the theological perspective of Metropolitan John Zizioulas of Pergamon regarding the harmonious coexistence of human beings and animals within creation. Zizioulas perceives the animal world as an integral part of the divine creation, about which God declared that “it was good.” In his view, such a biblical understanding has consistently strengthened the faith and ethos of the Orthodox Church, as reflected in three essential dimensions of ecclesial life: monasticism, liturgy, and theology.

The research further examines the Gospel’s zoomorphic symbol of the “donkey” (Old Georgian karauli) as a sign of industriousness, humility, and peace—particularly in the context of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem on the feast of Pascha. The term karauli refers to a heavily burdened and toiling donkey, symbolizing the human vocation of divinely gifted industriousness, where toil is transfigured in Christ, whose “yoke is easy, and burden light” (Matt. 11:30).

 

Keywords: Theology, Creation, Animal World, Gospel, Symbol