THEOLOGY OF THE LAITY ACCORDING TO ST. LEO THE GREAT AND ST. GREGORY THE GREAT AS A PART OF THE DIALOGICAL PERCEPTION OF THE ROLE OF THE LAITY IN THE CONTEMPORARY CHURCH

Backround: The submitted study focuses on the perception of the laity in theological works of the early Christian popes Saint Leo the Great and Saint Gregory the Great. Historical knowledge of these two theological conceptions allows us to establish and develop a theological dialogue about the right position of laymen within the Church. A long-term research project that includes the study of thinking of two popes who were influenced by the teaching of St. Augustine, theologian of Hippo. The study is structured in the following way: an introduction explaining the reasons of selection of the main topic and the authors, followed by the explanation of the context of the historical era during which both saints lived. The study continues with the presentation of theology of the laity from the point of view of St. Leo the Great and St.Gregory the Great.The conclusion recalls their message and their formation efforts in Latin Christianity. Conclusion: Currently, the experts on early Christian literature are starting to pay attention to the position of the laity in the theological thinking of the ancient Fathers of the Church. They seek to deepen understanding of the theology of the laity in early Christianity, which may clarify and deepen contemporary views of theologians in regard to laymen and their role in the Church and the world. The significance of the study is based on the connection between the research in the area of knowledge of the Fathers of the Church and its impact on contemporary theology.