Understanding Our Divine Destiny: Theosis

In the profound journey of Christian life, as believers, we are continuously reminded of our sacred identity and ultimate destiny. As Orthodox Christianity teaches, each person is not merely a creation but a child of God, imbued with a divine promise and an eternal future. Drawing upon the insightful words of Saint Sophrony, we can explore the profound spiritual reality that governs our lives here and the life that awaits us.

Seeing 'Through a Glass, Darkly'

Our present experience in this world is akin to looking "through a glass, darkly," as Saint Paul describes in his letters (1 Corinthians 13:12). This metaphor captures the essence of our current spiritual vision—imperfect and incomplete. In this life, our understanding of divine truths and the fullness of God's nature is limited and obscured by our human capacities and earthly circumstances. We see only fragments of the greater reality that God has prepared for us, and often, these fragments are shrouded in mystery and ambiguity.

However, this limited vision is not our end state. As Orthodox Christians, we hold a "firm conviction," as Saint Sophrony articulates, that our future state will transcend these current limitations. The hope is not in what we see now, but in what is to be revealed. When the Lord appears to us, it is promised that He will "impart to us a divine state," and we shall become like Him—radiant with the purity of divine light, free from any shadow of darkness.

The Divine Revelation and the Transcendence of Time

Saint Sophrony offers a profound insight into the nature of divine encounters. When we engage in deep, personal prayer and communication with God, we touch something beyond the temporal. In these moments of divine revelation—even if seen as through a darkened glass—we momentarily step out of the constraints of time and the finite. The aeons cease for us; the linear progression of time halts. In the spiritual realm, such prayer lifts us out of the temporal stream and places us in the eternal presence of God, where death and decay have no dominion.

This transcendent experience underscores a critical aspect of Orthodox spirituality: the possibility of experiencing the eternal, here and now, through prayer and communion with God. This is not an escape from reality but a deeper penetration into the truest reality that is God Himself.

Embracing Our True Hypostasis

In our eventual face-to-face encounter with God, we will not only see clearly but will also undergo a transformation into our true 'hypostasis'—a term rich with theological significance, denoting the real and unique essence of a being. Liberated from the "bondage of time and space," our true self, created in the image and likeness of God, will fully manifest. This divine promise is not merely about salvation from sin but an invitation to share in the very life and nature of God.

Conclusion: The Journey Toward Divine Likeness

The Orthodox Christian perspective offers a hopeful and transformative vision of human destiny. It is a journey marked by growth from partial glimpses of God to the fullness of divine encounter. As we navigate through the challenges and limitations of this life, let us hold fast to the conviction that what we see now is not all there is. Greater realities await those who seek God with a sincere heart.

In embracing our spiritual heritage and the teachings of the saints like Sophrony, we are guided and encouraged to persevere in our faith, knowing that in due time, we will enter eternity not as exiles but as rightful heirs, fully realized in the divine light. Until then, let us seek those moments of prayerful communion where time seems to stand still, and we taste the eternal joy that is our ultimate calling.

Reference: Alive From the Dead: Homilies on Great Lent, Archemandrite Zacharias Zacharou

Journeying Towards the Divine Light, Our Calling: An Orthodox Christian Perspective on Theosis

What is our divine calling? For Orthodox Christians, the concept of man's divine calling is clear. Rooted in Scripture, the experience of Church fathers including the teachings of revered figures like Saint Sophrony and Saint John the Theologian, this perspective illuminates a path towards communion with God, encapsulating the essence of humanity's spiritual journey.

Saint Sophrony, a beacon of spiritual wisdom who experienced God directly as light, encapsulated the essence of humanity's divine purpose when he proclaimed, "man was called by God to the fulness of divine life, to abide eternally in the infinite light." This declaration encapsulates the fundamental belief that each individual is beckoned towards a transcendent union with the divine, where the radiance of God's grace and light permeates every aspect of existence.

Echoing this sentiment, Saint John the Theologian articulates the nature of God as light, devoid of any shadow of darkness. In his profound words, "God is light, and in Him there is no darkness” (1 John 1:5), we find an invitation to immerse ourselves in the boundless luminescence of the Divine. This illumination serves not only to dispel the shadows of ignorance and sin but also to guide humanity towards a higher state of being, where the soul is enfolded in the brilliance of God's presence.

Moreover, Saint John's assertion regarding humanity's potential transformation further elucidates the divine journey. He proclaims, "Now are we the children of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." This anticipation of likeness to God underscores the transformative nature of communion with the Divine, wherein individuals are transfigured to reflect the very image of their Creator.

The Orthodox Christian perspective, therefore, presents a compelling narrative of human existence as a journey towards the infinite light of God. It beckons believers to embark upon a path of spiritual ascent, guided by the radiant beacon of divine revelation. With humility through prayer, sacraments, adherence to the teachings of Christ and His Church, and continual repentance, individuals are invited to partake in the divine life, wherein the barriers between humanity and the transcendent are dissolved in the ineffable radiance of God's love.

In conclusion, the Orthodox Christian perspective offers a profound insight into the nature of humanity's divine calling. Rooted in the teachings of Saint Sophrony and Saint John the Theologian and others, it illuminates a path towards communion with God, wherein individuals are called to dwell now and eternally in the infinite light of His grace. As humanity continues its journey towards the divine, may we find solace in the promise of transformation and the assurance of likeness to God, as we behold Him in all His radiant glory.

Reference: Alive From the Dead: Homilies on Great Lent, Archemandrite Zacharias Zacharou

A New Trend in Wellness: A Reflection from an Orthodox Christian Perspective

Today, I encountered an intriguing trend in the realm of healthcare and wellness: doctors are now prescribing nature walks and visits to art shows as part of their treatment plans to promote better health outcomes.

Why It Matters: This trend, known as "social prescription," highlights a growing recognition of nonclinical approaches to improve well-being. According to The New York Times' Christina Caron, this practice has gained traction in several countries, including the U.S., the U.K., China, India, South Korea, and Australia. Doctors suggest these social activities to combat feelings of isolation and stress, which can significantly deteriorate one's health and shorten lifespan.

While this initiative underscores an essential shift towards holistic health models, it also prompts a reflection on the depth of traditional Christian spirituality, which seems absent from such modern approaches. In the pursuit of genuine happiness and well-being, Orthodox Christianity offers a profoundly rich path that goes beyond merely alleviating symptoms of distress.

A Deeper Prescription: As Orthodox Christians, we understand that true health encompasses the body, soul, and spirit. To this end, our daily practices include prayer—such as the Jesus Prayer—fasting, reading scripture, participating in the sacraments, and living out the virtues taught by Christ. These spiritual disciplines are not just activities but ways of life that aim to restore our full humanity in the image of God.

Repentance plays a critical role in this journey, allowing us to realign ourselves with God’s will whenever we fall short. This continuous striving for holiness and communion with God embodies the Orthodox way of life, offering a transformative experience that promises not only temporal joy but eternal well-being.

Explore Further: For those interested in discovering how these timeless practices can enrich your life, I recommend exploring the Ten Points of Orthodox Life, which provide practical steps towards embracing this holistic spiritual path. You can learn more about these transformative practices here.

While modern healthcare's recognition of nonclinical methods like social prescriptions is commendable, it may only scratch the surface of what constitutes true wellness. In contrast, Orthodox Christianity offers a comprehensive way of life that addresses the deepest needs of the human heart and soul, guiding us toward ultimate health and union with God.

Embracing the Fullness of God's Love and the Jesus Prayer

Reflecting on the depth of loving God with all our heart and mind, we must ask ourselves: do our thoughts during prayer truly reflect this love? When worldly distractions permeate our prayers, it might reveal our shortfall in living up to His commandment to love God with our whole being.

Saint Silouan articulates this challenge with profound clarity. He teaches that when our thoughts drift away from God, even during prayer, our attention is divided. At such moments, we are not fully living the commandment to love God "with all thy mind and all thy heart." True adherence to this commandment, according to Saint Silouan, is achieved when our consciousness is so fully immersed in God that no extraneous thought can find room. This state represents an earnest attempt to fulfill the greatest commandment, though we must humbly acknowledge our imperfections in its execution. (Reference: Saint Silouan the Athonite, p. 438)

The intrusion of distractions into our prayer life signals a disconnect, suggesting that our minds are not wholly attuned to God. This mirrors the Apostolic teaching of Saint Paul, who encourages us to adopt the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), a call to wholly align our thoughts and being with Christ's example and teachings.

Engaging in the practice of the Jesus Prayer is a transformative exercise that brings our minds under the dominion of our soul, empowering us to dismiss or overlook irrelevant thoughts. This prayer practice fosters a spiritual discipline that aligns us more closely with the commandment to love God with every facet of our being.

To deepen your understanding and commitment to this form of prayer, it's beneficial to explore further the practice of the Jesus Prayer. This exploration can lead to a more profound and distraction-free engagement in prayer, drawing us closer to fulfilling the commandment to love God with our entire heart and mind.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27B-YUrTXeg Excerpt from a recent talk on the teaching of Saint Symeon the New Theologian on prayer.

More: https://www.orthodoxprayer.org/Jesus%20Prayer.html

Tri-fold Pamphlet: https://www.orthodoxprayer.org/Articles_files/Jesus%20Prayer%20Brochure.pdf

Articles and books: https://www.orthodoxprayer.org/Jesus%20Prayer-Articles%20and%20Books.html

Theosis 7 - St. Symeon and the Experience of Theosis

 

Brief Summary of Session 7: Experience of Theosis

In our seventh session, we explored the profound question, "Can we know God?" from the perspective of Theosis, a central concept in Orthodox Christianity that implies a union with God and affirms that we can indeed know Him. This concept is often contested by those who argue that God is ultimately unknowable and that the Orthodox theological foundation of Theosis is therefore invalid. To address this, we turned to Saint Gregory Palamas, who provided significant insights into the ancient Orthodox understanding of Theosis. He articulated a Truth from the earliest days of Christianity, that God is both knowable and unknowable, a distinction made clear when we differentiate between God's essence and His energies. This is akin to the analogy of the sun and its rays; just as we experience the sun's energy through its rays without comprehending the sun itself, so too do we experience God's energies, which sustain all creation without knowing the essence of God.

The Holy Spirit's work is made manifest through these divine energies. As we progress spiritually, we become more attuned to the Spirit within us, gradually overcoming the passions that dominate our behavior and starting to emulate Christ. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a Christ-like mind, learning through God's energies to fulfill His commandments and prepare ourselves for our eventual return to paradise.

Thus, Theosis is a journey open to all, inviting us to know God and unite with Him consciously, becoming more like Christ. Saint Symeon's Hymns validate and offer a glimpse into the direct experience of God, often described as an encounter with divine light that transcends our worldly existence. Such experiences, akin to those of Saint Paul on the way to Damascus or Moses on Mount Sinai, have been part of most saints' lives, marking moments of profound holiness and miraculous works through their communion with God's energies.

This session underscored Theosis not as a theoretical concept but as an enduring truth rooted in Apostolic teachings, Scripture, and the writings of the Church Fathers. The pursuit of Theosis and the experience of the divine light are attainable goals for all devout Christians who earnestly engage with their faith and aspire to emulate Christ. It reaffirms the necessity of living an Orthodox life for our salvation. While salvation is universally available through Christ's Incarnation, achieving it requires our active effort to overcome sin, in cooperation with the divine energies through the Holy Spirit's work.

Saint Symeon's journey to Theosis began with his faith and desire for unity with God, perfected through humility expressed in his adherence to God's commandments and a life of daily prayer, notably through the Jesus Prayer. His experiences of the divine light of God, as recounted in his Hymns of Divine Love, illustrate the transformative power of this path towards becoming Christ-like in thought and deed.

I encourage you to delve into the hymns attached below to catch a glimpse of this reality as shared by Saint Symeon through his exquisite Hymns of Divine Love. If possible, obtain a copy of his book, Hymns of Divine Live, to explore all his hymns and further enrich your understanding of this spiritual journey.

Link to videos of entire series: https://www.stgeorgegreenville.org/our-faith/theosis

Theosis 8 & St Symeon's Use of Parables and teaching of St Paul

 

In our final session on Theosis and the teachings of Saint Symeon the New Theologian, we explored his use of Jesus’s Parables and the spiritual support from the writings of Saint Paul. Our discussions delved into three biblical parables—the Pearl of Great Value, the Mustard Seed, and the Leaven—along with the symbol of an oil lamp, each rich in spiritual meaning.

In the Parable of the Pearl of Great Value, Saint Symeon illustrates the profound treasure of the Spirit within, symbolized by a pearl hidden within an oyster deep in the sea. This pearl represents the divine presence within us, obscured yet invaluable. The merchant, who sells all he has for this pearl, exemplifies the soul’s quest for union with Christ, a journey marked by sacrifice and devotion.

The Mustard Seed parable reflects the transformative power of faith, which, though initially small, grows to an immense stature, expanding our spiritual awareness and fostering encounters with the divine light.

In the Parable of the Leaven, Saint Symeon likens leaven mixed into dough to faith within us. This faith, though concealed, is potent, facilitating a complete spiritual transformation as it grows and matures.

The oil lamp is used as a metaphor for the soul, with virtues as the oil and the mind as the wick. When ignited by divine grace, this lamp illuminates the soul, demonstrating how spiritual experiences of divine light lead to Christ-like actions that radiate outward.

Saint Paul's teachings reinforce the theme of transformation, highlighting his own conversion from a persecutor to an apostle through a divine encounter on the road to Damascus. This experience echoes that of Saint Symeon. Paul , like Symeon, struggled to explain in the nature of such profound spiritual encounters. Saint Paul discusses the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and its vital role in our spiritual life, as seen in his epistles (2 Corinthians 13:3, 4:6; Romans 8:9-11; Galatians 3:27, 2:20). He stresses the integration of the Spirit within us, a theme that resonates deeply with the teachings of Saint Symeon.

Our series underscored several critical themes: the significance of the Incarnation and the Fall, the transformative experience of the Divine Light, the alignment of Saint Symeon's parables with Holy Scripture, and their agreement with Saint Paul's teachings. We discussed the distinction between God’s energies and essence, allowing us to know God while He remains unknowable in essence, and the essential nature of the Sacraments, particularly Holy Communion.Also this importance of Spiritual discipline as taught by the Church such as prayer and fasting.

Through these lessons, Saint Symeon's hymns inspire us to seek transformative encounters with the divine, to strive for union with God through Theosis, and to embrace a life of spiritual practice and virtue. His profound insights serve as a source of spiritual guidance and inspiration for those who seek divine communion and holiness. This series has not only deepened our understanding of these spiritual processes but also emphasized the necessity of maintaining alignment with Scriptural and Church traditions to safeguard against misinterpretations that could lead one astray.

Link to videos of entire series: https://www.stgeorgegreenville.org/our-faith/theosis

Theosis 2 - Lessons from the Life of Saint Symeon

 https://youtu.be/P-x_unflGgo?si=xKKAh_wu1skxf8Gj

Brief Summary
The life of Saint Symeon not only exemplifies the profound connection one can have with God but also illuminates the path we are all called to follow—a journey toward theosis, living and acting with the mind of Christ.

Through his lived experience, Saint Symeon demonstrates and reminds us that we are each created in the image of God, endowed with the Holy Spirit at Baptism, and drawn closer to Christ with every participation in Holy Communion. These truths underline the essence of our existence: the pursuit of theosis, an aspiration for deification, and union with God, achievable in this life for some and hopefully for all in the life hereafter. This divine calling, however, acknowledges our differing gifts and the distinct paths we tread, shaped by the individual challenges we face. Remember always that the aim of our life is Theosis.

To follow this path Christ opened for us, requires that we embrace obedience, repentance, and a deep mystical understanding of the Eucharist as the true Body and Blood of Christ. We will hear more later on St. Symeon’s view on this sacrament. Cultivating a daily prayer routine, seeking moments of silence to experience God's love is important in this journey. Engaging in the Jesus Prayer can help us over come our sinful tendencies and significantly enrich our spiritual lives. God speaks to us in silence.

Saint Symeon's journey offers invaluable lessons beyond his exemplary life. He was first instructed by his spiritual father while working in a secular job to delve into the writings of the Church Fathers which instructed him to heed the voice of his conscience, suggesting that we too should become aware of His voice within us and learn to follow it. Importantly, he revealed that ascetic practices like fasting, while beneficial, will not bring us to a knowledge of God. This only comes as a gift from Him depending on a pure and humble heart. Saint Symeon's most profound revelation was the potential existing within us all to perceive God directly, through His energies, not His essence, as demonstrated in his experience of divine light he experienced amid secular duties, while actively participating in worldly affairs. Being in a monastery in definitely not a requirement.

As we delve deeper into Saint Symeon's teachings in our upcoming sessions, we will explore the insights gleaned from his hymns and discourses. I can't begin to explain how beautiful and inspiring they are.
His writings, emanating from a place of spiritual enlightenment, offer simple yet profound guidance on heavenly matters. I encourage you to engage with his works, such as the "Hymns of Love" or "Divine Eros."

Reading just one hymn daily during Lent can profoundly impact your Lenten contemplation of your life's purpose, theosis, the cultivation of an inner awareness of the Spirit, and your need for repentance. He will teach you how you can become guided your conscience in everyday decisions.

Here is a link to a PDF of the slides that were used. 

Link to videos of entire series: https://www.stgeorgegreenville.org/our-faith/theosis

I apologize for the off angle of the video.