SEMI-ARIANS

A group drawn from among Arian theologians that was founded by Basil of Ancyra around 356. Its members espoused a doctrine of the sonship of Jesus that stood somewhere between the orthodox and the Arian (see ARIANISM) principles. They adopted the HOMOIOUSION theology and leaned toward orthodoxy. Saint ATHANASIUS returned to Alexandria in 362 and held a council that reconciled many moderate views, causing semi-Arians to reaffirm their orthodoxy at the Council of CONSTANTINOPLE in 381.

[See also: Arius; Homoeans; Homoiousion.]

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Gummerus, J. “Die homöusianische Partei bis zum Tode des Konstantius.” Beitrag zur Geschichte des arianischen Streites in 356-61 (1900).
• Gwatkin, H. M. Studies of Arianism. London, 1902.

SUBHI Y. LABIB