clearly defined place in Maximus’ thought, although they do reflect the sources where Maximus would have found them. The pair ‘union and distinction’ is fundamental to Proclean as well as Dionysian metaphysics;69 whereas the pair ‘union and difference’ plays a significant role in Christology, in particular the Christology of St Cyril of Alexandria. In Maximus’ theology, they come through as ways of expressing integrity or wholeness in various areas of his thought. In his understanding of the structure