SUCH was Gregory’s deep knowledge of Scripture and Tradition that in 1341 a synod at Constantinople, the Imperial capital, found in his favour. Slanders spread by a former ally led to three years in jail, but two further imperial synods in 1347 and 1351 exonerated him. Even after he was appointed Archbishop of Thessalonica in 1347, it took another three years for Gregory to win acceptance; but he served out the rest of his life there (apart from 1354, spent in the Ottoman court after being kidnapped by Turkish pirates) and died in 1359. His last words were, ‘To the heights!’

Barlaam, meanwhile, joined the estranged Roman Church, as Bishop of Gerace. In Italy, he found Theology more to his taste, a studious Science of texts and philosophies. In the East, however, Gregory’s ideas prevailed. Theology remained an Encounter: the monks of Mount Athos returned to their caves and cells ready to soothe busy minds, and dim the glare of worldly distractions; perhaps, to glimpse with heart-sight a glory that is not of this world.