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.

Theosis 3 - Saint Symeon Teaching on Theosis

 

https://youtu.be/70CQgS0SVfg?si=4MIbF99j9MlRqUgI

Brief Summary:

We further learned in this third session that another crucial step towards Theosis and salvation is obedience to God's commandments. Scripture underscores this, reminding us that it was Adam and Eve's failure to adhere to a single commandment that resulted in their expulsion from Paradise. Thus, St. Symeon reminds us that we are called to obey all of God's commands. At the final judgment, those who have lived in accordance with God's will be granted entrance into Paradise, while those who have not will remain in darkness, separated from God. This obedience is a path to receiving abundant grace and, for some, the experience

of knowing God through His energies usually experienced as a divine light.

A significant aspect of this journey is zeal based on our desire to both

understand His commandments and to recognize our weaknesses through self-examination, particularly during the Church's season of Great Lent designated for this purpose. Identifying a weakness leads to a state of joyful sorrow and propels us towards repentance. This repentance encourages us to have humility and courage to call a priest for an appointment for the sacrament of Confession.

We are also to regularly participate in Communion with sincerity, which

continually purifies us.

Saint Symeon provides a clear understanding for the needed spiritual path:prayer, a spiritual guide, repentance, obedience to God's commandments, and a life nurtured by the sacraments.

Link to slides

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

Theosis 6 - On Prayer on Journey to Theosis

 

https://youtu.be/THWyofpNpbw?si=jzkrbaZQMSy6Ga-N

Brief Summary:

In this session, we delve into the teachings of Saint Symeon the New Theologian, exploring how it is possible to experience God within the context of a busy secular life. Saint Symeon, despite being immersed in the affairs of the world as a layperson, encountered God in a profound and direct manner. This experience did not stem from extraordinary ascetic practices but emerged from his earnest yearning to know God, his humility in endeavoring to fulfill God's commands, and his dedication to prayer. Saint Symeon's life exemplifies how each of us can directly experience God.

This principle, deeply rooted in Orthodox Christianity since its early days, was robustly defended by Saint Gregory Palamas in the 14th century during his debates with Barlaam. A council vindicated Gregory's stance, acknowledging the paradox that while God is intrinsically unknowable, He is also accessible through His uncreated energies. This affirmation is celebrated on the Second Sunday of Great Lent, immediately following the Sunday of Orthodoxy, reinforcing the truth of our Apostolic faith. Saint Symeon along with numerous other preceding him, living four centuries prior to Gregory, had illuminated this truth through his own encounters with the divine and recording theses experiences in subsequent hymns.

From a tender age, Saint Symeon was nurtured under the guidance of a spiritual mentor and was presented with a book by Saint Mark the Ascetic, which imparted three pivotal lessons:

Guard Your Conscience: To heal your soul, vigilantly protect your conscience so it remains pure.

Be Obedient to It: Act upon the virtuous impulses of your conscience without delay or weariness for your spiritual benefit.

Fulfill His Commandments: Seeking the gifts of the Holy Spirit without first adhering to God's commandments is akin to a bondman seeking emancipation at the moment of purchase.

Additionally, Saint Symeon was counseled to devoutly practice the Jesus Prayer each evening for thirty minutes. This discipline, initially challenging, gradually, led him to deepen his prayer life, culminating in the grace-filled experience of the Divine Light.

In essence, Saint Symeon's early teachings revolve around:

Guarding the conscience,

Obedience to it,

Observance of the Commandments,

Prayer.

These practices are attainable for everyone, even within the demands of an active life.

The session further elaborates on the Jesus Prayer, a spiritual exercise widely advocated by the Fathers of the Church: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Embracing this prayer requires humility, an acknowledgment of one's sinfulness, faith, and a genuine desire to encounter God. Starting this journey involves setting aside specific times for prayer, either in the morning or evening. Initially, distractions will arise, but with perseverance in focusing on the prayer's words, one's ability to concentrate enhances. Following Saint Symeon's example, we can gradually extend our prayer time.

Symeon also teaches us about tears and how they indicate our humility. These are not like emotional tears but come as we approach God in our prayer recognizing our insignificant and sinfulness desiring his help and love. He says once we receive this gift we not have sufficient humility to gain the benefit of our prayer or even our participation in the sacrmants. He warns thesis not something we can force but only comes as a gift from God.

Engaging Symeon’s approach sincerely, with a humble heart open to God's unconditional love and mercy, can lead to an encounter with God’s Divine Light through His uncreated energies. This encounter fosters an unwavering faith and a renewed zeal for spiritual purification, enabling us to fulfill His commandments more fully and preparing us for entry into His Kingdom. In this way we can experience Theosis, gain spiritual wisdom and a foretaste of the life to come.

PDF of Slides used

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

Theosis 4 - On Conscious Awareness of Holy Spirit - Saint Symeon on Theosis

 

https://youtu.be/gZOfnRRvhoA?si=Pnlh088V-Eo2QFG_

Brief Summary

In our fourth session, we delved into the crucial need to become acutely aware of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon us during Baptism and Chrismation. After Baptism we continue to grapple with sinful inclinations and acts, which obscure our perception of the Spirit and alienate us from God, increasingly leading us to prioritize our will as we navigate the myriad challenges of worldly existence.

Previously, we explored St. Symeon's insights on creation, aligning with the scriptural understanding that we are made in the Image of God. The fall of Adam and Eve, precipitated by their failure to adhere to a single commandment, resulted in their exile from Paradise, condemned to a life of labor and mortality. This, according to divine plan, set the stage for our eventual perfection. In the fullness of time, God incarnated, merging His divinity with human nature, both becoming man and remaining fully divine. Through the establishment of His Church and the institution of the sacraments, humanity was offered the opportunity to reunite with Him via Baptism, thus receiving the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. This act signifies a rebirth, our humanity fused with divinity. However, St. Symeon emphasizes that further preparation is necessary for each individual to re-enter the Kingdom of Heaven and attain eternal life, necessitating a baptism of the Spirit—a revival to a conscious awareness of the divine presence within us.

Symeon’s idea of “Baptism in Spirit” does not invalidate the sacramental baptism through which we unquestionably received the Holy Spirit. However, due to our sinful tendencies and disobedience, we often become self-absorbed, diminishing our consciousness of the Spirit within us, as it is overshadowed by our desires and will. It is akin to a spiritual slumber, living a life directed by self-will rather than in harmony with God's will. Hence, we require a renewed awakening to this inner power, embarking on a life marked by repentance and prayer.

If we have the desire to be united with Christ like young Symeon did when he was a working man engaged in worldly affairs, we must choose like him to seek, ask and pray, to find a spiritual guide, striving to do all God commands. Then we too can be awakened and become aware of the divine power within us. This enables us to find that His yoke is easy and the burden is light (Matt. 11:30) to do all He commands, Jesus assures us. Yet, this requires a conscious recognition of His presence within us. Through our collaboration with His guidance, we are empowered to make better choices and navigate life's trials more effortlessly, aligning with His will.

The main theme discussed in this lesson is the necessity of a conscious awareness of the Holy Spirit within us. This enables us to live a life of repentance. This underscores the Church’s rationale for this Lenten season—a period for profound introspection on our true essence, recognizing the divine force within us, understanding our spiritual blindness, and confronting the sinfulness we might neglect. It encourages us to bravely confess and schedule a meeting with a priest for the Sacrament of Confession—not merely as a practice of admitting sins but as a profound sacrament of reconciliation with God and the Church, through which we receive forgiveness and grace to continue our spiritual journey.

St. Symeon's teachings illuminate the spiritual journey toward Theosis, illustrating that an initial desire for union with God and adopting the mindset of Christ are pivotal. With this longing, we must actively seek and ask in our prayers for awareness of the Holy Spirit, under the guidance of a spiritual father. As we strive to execute God's will, acknowledging our frequent shortcomings necessitates repentance, a renewed mindset, and an intensification of our prayer life, examination of our fasting practices, and participation in Holy Communion, driven by our love and yearning for union with Him.

Theosis is not merely for monastics; it is the goal for every Orthodox Christian, vital for our salvation. Theosis is the process of becoming more like God through cooperation with His grace, applicable in the daily lives of all believers, regardless of their state in life. We are all called to revive our true spiritual nature, dulled by a rationalistic and materialistic culture.

Embracing a spiritual life, fully engaged with our loved ones and responsibilities, yet through the lens of Christ's mindset, epitomizes the journey to Theosis, with a conscious awareness of the Holy Spirit's activity within us.

In our next session, we will discuss the significance of the Sacrament of Holy Communion and further explore St. Symeon's teachings on daily prayer.In our fourth session, we delved into the crucial need to become acutely aware of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon us during Baptism and Chrismation. After Baptism we continue to grapple with sinful inclinations and acts, which obscure our perception of the Spirit and alienate us from God, increasingly leading us to prioritize our will as we navigate the myriad challenges of worldly existence.

Previously, we explored St. Symeon's insights on creation, aligning with the scriptural understanding that we are made in the Image of God. The fall of Adam and Eve, precipitated by their failure to adhere to a single commandment, resulted in their exile from Paradise, condemned to a life of labor and mortality. This, according to divine plan, set the stage for our eventual perfection. In the fullness of time, God incarnated, merging His divinity with human nature, both becoming man and remaining fully divine. Through the establishment of His Church and the institution of the sacraments, humanity was offered the opportunity to reunite with Him via Baptism, thus receiving the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. This act signifies a rebirth, our humanity fused with divinity. However, St. Symeon emphasizes that further preparation is necessary for each individual to re-enter the Kingdom of Heaven and attain eternal life, necessitating a baptism of the Spirit—a revival to a conscious awareness of the divine presence within us.

Symeon’s idea of “Baptism in Spirit” does not invalidate the sacramental baptism through which we unquestionably received the Holy Spirit. However, due to our sinful tendencies and disobedience, we often become self-absorbed, diminishing our consciousness of the Spirit within us, as it is overshadowed by our desires and will. It is akin to a spiritual slumber, living a life directed by self-will rather than in harmony with God's will. Hence, we require a renewed awakening to this inner power, embarking on a life marked by repentance and prayer.

If we have the desire to be united with Christ like young Symeon did when he was a working man engaged in worldly affairs, we must choose like him to seek, ask and pray, to find a spiritual guide, striving to do all God commands. Then we too can be awakened and become aware of the divine power within us. This enables us to find that His yoke is easy and the burden is light (Matt. 11:30) to do all He commands, Jesus assures us. Yet, this requires a conscious recognition of His presence within us. Through our collaboration with His guidance, we are empowered to make better choices and navigate life's trials more effortlessly, aligning with His will.

The main theme discussed in this lesson is the necessity of a conscious awareness of the Holy Spirit within us. This enables us to live a life of repentance. This underscores the Church’s rationale for this Lenten season—a period for profound introspection on our true essence, recognizing the divine force within us, understanding our spiritual blindness, and confronting the sinfulness we might neglect. It encourages us to bravely confess and schedule a meeting with a priest for the Sacrament of Confession—not merely as a practice of admitting sins but as a profound sacrament of reconciliation with God and the Church, through which we receive forgiveness and grace to continue our spiritual journey.

St. Symeon's teachings illuminate the spiritual journey toward Theosis, illustrating that an initial desire for union with God and adopting the mindset of Christ are pivotal. With this longing, we must actively seek and ask in our prayers for awareness of the Holy Spirit, under the guidance of a spiritual father. As we strive to execute God's will, acknowledging our frequent shortcomings necessitates repentance, a renewed mindset, and an intensification of our prayer life, examination of our fasting practices, and participation in Holy Communion, driven by our love and yearning for union with Him.

Theosis is not merely for monastics; it is the goal for every Orthodox Christian, vital for our salvation. Theosis is the process of becoming more like God through cooperation with His grace, applicable in the daily lives of all believers, regardless of their state in life. We are all called to revive our true spiritual nature, dulled by a rationalistic and materialistic culture.

Embracing a spiritual life, fully engaged with our loved ones and responsibilities, yet through the lens of Christ's mindset, epitomizes the journey to Theosis, with a conscious awareness of the Holy Spirit's activity within us.

In our next session, we will discuss the significance of the Sacrament of Holy Communion and further explore St. Symeon's teachings on daily prayer.

Link to Pdf of slides used

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

Theosis 5 - Participation in the Eucharist on Journey to Theosis

 

https://youtu.be/xF0oIblrUDg?si=TQoMzTWqv_eUqPnx

Brief Summary

Partaking in Holy Communion should transcend mere obligation; it should not be viewed as a formal requirement imposed by parents or clergy. Instead, our souls should leap with joy at the opportunity to commune, to be united with our God, yet tempered with a sense of contrition for our sinful nature. This acknowledgment of our sinfulness, coupled with the understanding that communion with Christ purifies and fortifies the soul, aids us in gradually conforming more closely to His likeness.

Merely attending church for the enjoyment of music and fellowship, while abstaining from participation in the Eucharist, constitutes a tangible rebuff of God. True love for God and the aspiration to emulate Him manifest in an Orthodox lifestyle encompassing daily prayer, fasting, adherence to His teachings, and repentance upon faltering. Such a life of devotion prepares us for the reception of the Holy Spirit's guidance. Embracing this way of life cultivates an awareness that in the Eucharist, God Himself is presented to us—His true Body and Blood.

This recognition should dispel any hesitation to partake in communion with Him who lives us unconditionally.

Saint Symeon exhorts us not to trivialize this sacrament as a casual or obligatory act but to approach it as a genuine encounter with God.

Link for PDF on Slides used

See session 5 on https://www.stgeorgegreenville.org/our-faith/theosis

Heaven and hell — Saint Symeon the New Theologian

Heaven:

You the Kingdom of Heaven, You Christ, the land of the meek, (Mt 5.5) …

And You, the unapproachable sun, shall shine in the middle of them, (1 Tim 6.16) and all shall gain glory in proportion  to their faith, practice, hope, and their love, their purification, and their enlightenment from your Spirit. O God, Alone, Long-suffering, and Judge of all, (Heb 12.23) those who shall receive mansions and different places, (Jn 14.2–3) the measure of their illumination, the measure of their love,  and the measure of their contemplation shall be the measure of their grandeur and glory, their luxury and fame that distinguishes their homes and their wonderful mansions. These are the different tents, the many houses, the brilliant robes of the many dignities,  and the variegated crowns, stones, and pearls, and unfading flowers that have a strange appearance, both the sofas and the bedding, both the tables and the thrones, and all that is the sweetest luxury, was, is, and shall be to see You and You alone.

…

the attainment of the place where you shall find fulfillment. I do not mean bodily fulfillment, but you shall be able, by your mind, to attain the full measure of the incorporeal world; but it is not the world, but the air as it was before, but not the air, but an inexpressible receptacle, which they call the All,  and it is an utterly endless abyss, equally whole from every direction, from one part and from others; this All is filled with the divine divinity.

…

For they also are covered by the light of divine glory; they are enlightened, and they shine, and they revel in all these things. And they truly know as though by every certainty that their perfection shall be endless, and the progress of their glory shall be everlasting.

Not heaven:

I wonder where those who fall away from God stand, …These also shall certainly be within the All, but they shall be outside the divine light and certainly outside of God; for just like those who do not see when the sun shines, …they finish their lives outside the light,  they are separated from the sun by perception and contemplation; so also is the light of the Triune Divinity in the All, and in the middle of the light the sinners are enclosed in darkness, not seeing, not having any divine perception at all, but burning in their conscience,  and being condemned, they shall have unspeakable calamity, and an unutterable suffering unto eternity.

Hymn 1: Hymns of Divine Eros, SVS Press

What is Theosis? - Lenten series session 1

https://youtu.be/r3MrsjUNtZY?si=xAEMVPEhSzwANQ-q

Below is a brief summary along with the video, sides and handouts for your reference and further reflection from the first session in our Lenten Series on Theosis and Saint Symeon the New Theologian. Share these lessons with friends and family

Spirit wisdom: We began this discussion exploring the concept of spiritual wisdom according to the teaching of Saint Paul in 1Cor 2:6-16 where he emphasizes to his followers in Corinth that his teaching required spiritual wisdom rather than worldly knowledge. It is through the work of the Holy Spirit that we can learn about the things of God. To know God he says we must have the mind of Christ, being united with Him, acting as if with His mind. This union is central to the idea of Theosis.  

His Image and Likeness: Theosis has its foundation in Genesis where we learn than we are created in the image of God and His likeness. We therefore are created to become like God, like Christ. This is our purpose in this life. Because Adam and Eve disobeyed God over a simple commandment they separated themselves from a union with God by pursuing their own desires instead of being obedient to Gods will. As a consequence they were expelled from Paradise for their perfection, taking on mortality along with the toils and tribulations of this life. Theosis is about our life long journey to return to the original nature of our Creation, united with Him. This is our aim along with the hope of eternal life reunited with Him in His Kingdom.

Incarnation: We next focused of the significance of the Incarnation of God. Through the birth of Jesus Christ, a new Adam, God initiated a profound transformation by uniting human nature with His divinity. This act paved the way for us to be born again by receiving the Holy Spirit, first through baptism, and then cultivating an awareness of His indwelling divine presence throughout our lives and through His Church..

Transfiguration: The Transfiguration of Christ was a powerful revelation of HIs divinity described as a bright uncreated light. This exposed the divine energies we too posses within with our Baptism,  We now have the ability to become like Him. All we need to do is to seek it and nurture a growth in our awareness of this reality. This is the role of the Church Christ stablished through the Apostles. Seeing the Church as more than an institution but as the mystical Body of Christ where we as His members now have all that is needed to grow toward Theosis. In His Church we have the holy sacraments and spiritual practices like daily prayer fasting, regular worship, reading of Holy Scripture and the Church fathers to help us overcome our sinful tendencies we inherited as a rest of the Fall of Adam and Eve.

Saint Paul, Peter and John: We experienced Saint Paul as a primary teacher of Theosis. He was one who experienced this unity in his life on earth. Also Saint Peter who says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things… by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature…” (Peter 1:3-4). and saint John, “We know that, when He shall appear, we shall see him as he is. And every man that has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure.” (1John 3:2-3).

Lifelong Journey: Simply put Theosis is an lifelong process of perfection in cooperation with God’s grace, His Holy Spirt, to become united with Him, aligning our will with His, developing a mind of Christ. This is our aim. This is what we should be seeking as we live our daily life. We have all that is necessary if we follow all the Church provides and teaches us. Then with the mind of Christ we will be able to do all He has commanded and to prepare us for our return to Paradise. This is its purpose.

More to Come: This session is an introduction. There is much more to come based on the teaching of St. Symeon the New Theologian. He writes simply, and directly based on his experience knowing God. He is one who has experienced that same divine light as displayed by Transfiguration of our Lord. His Hymns and discourses are incredible, easy to access and also relating everything to Scripture and the Tradition of the Church. He is not an innovator but a communicator of the deepest truths about our Christian life for salvation that has been taught from the earliest days of the Church.

Next: Next week we will make Theosis even more real by discussing the experiences of many saints as well as an introduction to the life and initial enlightenment of Saint Symeon. 

Resources: Below are the slides, video and handouts for this session and a link to a book on Theosis that you can download as a pdf. 

https://www.stgeorgegreenville.org/our-faith/theosis

Understanding the Inseparable Oneness of the Trinity - Teaching of Saint Symeon the New Theologian

In the realm of Christian theology, particularly from an Orthodox perspective, the concept of the Trinity - God in three persons - is a profound and central tenet. The teachings of St. Symeon the New Theologian, especially as found in his third theological discourse, offer deep insights into this mystery. 

The Unity and Distinction Within the Trinity

St. Symeon’s discourse delves into the mystique of how the three hypostases (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are individually distinct yet inseparably united. It's a divine paradox: each Person of the Trinity is fully present in the others. When one is named, the others are fully present, not just in essence but in action and glory. This teaching challenges us to broaden our understanding of God’s nature beyond simple categorizations.

The Dynamic Interplay of the Trinity in Prayer and Worship

Consider the dynamics of this relationship in our prayer life. As St. Symeon illustrates, when we address the Father, we are simultaneously in communion with the Son and the Spirit. Our prayers to the Son are heard by the Father and inspired by the Spirit. This interconnectedness speaks to a deeper spiritual reality - that in approaching one Person of the Trinity, we are drawn into the fullness of God’s presence.

The Role of Grace in Revealing the Trinity

It is through grace, Symeon argues, that we are granted the understanding of this trinitarian mystery. This grace lifts us up, enabling us to perceive and participate in the divine life. When we pray to the Father, it's through the Spirit and in the Son. This is not mere doctrinal formula; it is a living experience of God’s presence in the Orthodox faith.

The Holy Spirit: The Spirit of Understanding and Life

St. Symeon places a strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit as the One who brings understanding. The Spirit, proceeding from the Father and living in us through the Son, is a wellspring of life, wisdom, and joy. This Spirit guides us to the truth of God’s nature and our own participation in the divine life.

A Call to Deeper Understanding and Prayer

St. Symeon's discourse is not just theological speculation; it's a call to a more profound and holistic prayer life. Recognizing the Trinity's unity in our prayers and spiritual practices deepens our relationship with God. It's a reminder that in every prayer, every act of worship, we engage with the fullness of God.

Conclusion: Embracing the Mystery of the Trinity

The teachings of St. Symeon the New Theologian offer a rich, multi-dimensional understanding of the Trinity. They invite us into a deeper appreciation of how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, though distinct, are profoundly united in their essence, actions, and glory. This understanding is more than a theological concept; it's a gateway to experiencing the fullness of God's presence in every moment of our spiritual journey.

Reference: https://maksimologija.org/2020/12/19/st-symeon-the-new-theologian-third-theological-discourse/

How do our sins affect our knowledge of God? Insights from Saint Symeon

Saint Symeon, a significant figure in Eastern Orthodox theology, teaches that our sins erect a barrier between us and God, impeding our spiritual connection with Him. This barrier, he explains, can only be surmounted through persistent repentance. While this barrier exists, Symeon asserts, “It cuts us off from the light, leaving us to grope in darkness." 

We must know ourselves before we can expect to know God who is so incomparably superior to us. 

Symeon says, 

For to speak about God and divine things without illumination, while deprived of the Holy Spirit, simply shows our ignorance—and rightly so, for if we knew ourselves accurately, we would never reckon ourselves worthy to look at heaven to see the light of the world, not even to walk on earth; instead we would run to bury our selves under the dirt.

According to Saint Symeon, those who speak of God with pride, lacking the Holy Spirit's guidance, engage in pseudo-theology, relying solely on worldly wisdom. The Scriptures affirm that wisdom belongs to God alone, and as fallible beings, we all need repentance and heartfelt confession. This journey involves seeking a spiritual mentor who can guide us towards a sincere confession before God. Symeon's vision of repentance encompasses trust in one's spiritual mentor, obedience in daily tasks, care for others, and following the teachings of Jesus Christ. True repentance, he suggests, dispels ignorance and fosters a deeper understanding of God. "Becoming rich in the communion of our faith" is achieved through repentance, which purifies us and invites the Holy Spirit's illumination.

This journey of spiritual growth takes place within the Church and aligns with the teachings of Holy Scripture. It is a humble path, following in the footsteps of Jesus.

Saint Symeon warns against following unenlightened preachers. He advises avoiding those who have not been spiritually purified and who lack a deep, mystical understanding of God's commandments. He references biblical examples like Elijah, who was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11), and Jesus, who ascended with a host of angels, to illustrate the need for divine assistance in elevating our minds to understand heavenly mysteries. We should adhere to the teachings of the Apostles and be wary of those who rely solely on philosophy and intellectual arguments, as their understanding is limited.

Symeon concludes with a vision of spiritual fulfillment: “There lies the tranquil abode of incorruptible life, the joyful gathering of those who celebrate in the Spirit. To them be all glory, honor, and adoration, now and forever, and through the ages.” This is the ultimate destination for those who walk the path of humility and spiritual insight.

Reference: https://maksimologija.org/2020/11/16/st-symeon-the-new-theologian-theological-discourse-2/

Is our knowledge of God is Proportional to our faith? Insights from Saint Symeon

Saint Symeon, a prominent figure in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, teaches that our knowledge of God is proportionate to our faith. According to him, the divine knowledge God imparts confirms and enriches what we initially grasp from Scripture, leading us to believe in Him. This understanding is not uniform; it manifests in various forms. As the Apostle Paul states, “we see only a reflection as in a mirror” (1 Corinthians 13:12). This knowledge is acquired through “inexpressible mystic powers and divine revelations, veiled illuminations, and contemplation of the reasons of creation.” Such experiences continually nurture our faith, deepening our love for God.

Saint Symeon explains that as God reveals Himself, believers are filled with the “presence of the Holy Spirit.”  This enlightenment allows them to grasp that God is ineffable and inexpressible. He emphasizes that all forms of knowledge, wisdom, mystical understanding, and spiritual gifts like prophecy, speaking in tongues, and the interpretation of these, come through the Spirit. Moreover, divine guidance extends to the protection and governance of communities, foreknowledge of future events, and the ultimate attainment of the kingdom of heaven, “the adoption as sons, the very putting on of Christ. we who have been graced as believers are able to know and think and speak about all these things which remain mysteries to the unbelievers.”

Symeon also acknowledges our limitations in understanding God fully. While faith enlightened by the Holy Spirit enables a profound comprehension of divine mysteries, certain aspects always remain beyond our grasp. We cannot fully comprehend how God exists as a Trinity or the exact nature of His origin. As creations of a divine being who has orchestrated all things, our understanding of His complete nature will always be incomplete. Therefore, Saint Symeon encourages believers to deepen their faith, do what Christ commands, seek the Holy Spirit, so they can access greater, even though still partial, knowledge of the infinite and mysterious God.

Reference: Symeon The New Theologian: The Practical and Theological Chapters and the Three Theological Discourses; pp 114; trans. Paul McGluckin; Cistercian Publications; Kalamazoo. MI

https://maksimologija.org/2020/10/30/st-symeon-the-new-theologian-theological-discourse-1-against-those-who-ascribe-the-concept-of-anteriority-to-the-father-2/

St. Symeon on the Equality within the Holy Trinity: Is the Father Greater than the Son?

St. Symeon the New Theologian (949-1022 AD), a revered figure in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, is celebrated for his direct experience of the divine light. His teachings, emphasizing personal experience of God and the transformative power of divine light, have significantly influenced Orthodox Christianity affirming the experience and teaching of early Church Fathers. Symeon's work, marked by a deep understanding of the Trinity, offers profound insights into the nature of the divine-human relationship.

St. Symeon address In his First Theological Discourse the misconception that the Father holds a superior rank or authority than the Son. He critiques this view as  presumptuous and arrogant, arguing that such attempts to rationalize the Trinity go beyond human understanding.

Concerning the argument that the Father must be greater than the Son because He is the cause of the Son's existence, St. Symeon refers to the Creed that asserts there is One God. He says, The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are “eternally united eternally unchanging so they cannot have any priority among themselves.” This eternal unity negates the possibility of division or hierarchy within the Trinity.

St. Symeon further elaborates: ”if you want to say the Father is prior to the Son because the Son is born from him and is for this reason is also greater, then I say to you that the Son is prior to the Father, for if the Son had not been born then the Father would not have been called the Father.” If you place the Father before the Son then you imply that before he was begotten he did not exist .But we know that ”they are eternally united and eternally unchanging, so they cannot be the cause of one another.” The Son [like the father] is eternal without beginning just like the Father.”

We can say that the Father is the cause of the Son’s earthly birth. because this is different than the cause of the creation of the divine essence of the Son which is eternal. He explains, In “the divine and ineffable generation of God the Word [Jesus], we say that the Father is the cause of the Son just as the mind is of the spoken word…, but we do not say that he is prior because we would divide the one indivisible deity into three gods.”

Symeon underlines that the divine properties are beyond human comprehension and indivisible. In conclusion, St. Symeon affirms that the Trinity comprises three persons (or hypostases) of equal status, united in one undivided essence. This indivisible unity forms a harmonious, eternal whole, making it impossible to assert the superiority of one person over the others. The Trinity, as described by St. Symeon, is a perfect unity encompassing three distinct persons, each integral to the singular Godhead.

Reference: Symeon The New Theologian: The Practical and Theological Chapters and the Three Theological Discourses; pp 107-110; trans. Paul McGluckin; Cistercian Publications; Kalamazoo. MI

https://maksimologija.org/2020/10/30/st-symeon-the-new-theologian-theological-discourse-1-against-those-who-ascribe-the-concept-of-anteriority-to-the-father-2/

How to Become United with Christ - Saint Symeon the New Theologian

According to Saint Symeon the New Theologian

Jesus promises us a union with Him

“The union which he has by nature with the Father He promises that we may have with Him by grace, if we desire, and that we may be in the same relation with respect to Him, if we keep His commandments.

Jesus says,

Even as You, Father, are in me, and I and you, that these also may be one in Us. (Jn 17:21)
The glory which You have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as We are one, I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfectly one. (Jn 17:22-23)
Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory, which You have given Me. (Jn 17:24)
That the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them. (Jn 17:26)

We are destined to receive His glory

The glory the Father gave the Son is given to us by Jesus. 

What is necessary to receive this Glory

If we believe in Him and do what He teaches, He will be in us and we will be in Him thru His grace. We will receive the same love as the Father has for the Son. This means we can participate in His divinity.

We will become one Body in Christ

Above all, the divinity imparted to us through this communion cannot be broken down into parts, is indivisible, and thus all of us who partake of it in truth must necessarily and in sure probably be one body with Christ in the one spirit."

 

St Symeon the New Theologian

Can we Imitate Christ and Suffer like Him? - Saint Symeon the New Theologian

Saint Symeon the New Theologian says, 

“Imitate Christ our God! Suffer for your own salvation even as He suffered for you.” 

How many times and ways did Christ suffered for us?

They called Him possessed by demons, a deceiver. A glutton a winebibber. A friend of tax collectors. (Mt 27:63; Jn 7:20; Mt 11:19)

He was dragged away in bonds as if He were a murderer of a criminal. (John 18:12)

Set before Pilate like a worthless man.

He received a slap in the face from a slave (John 18:22)

He was cast into prison...led away by soldiers and handed over to the people by Pilate as he said “Take him you selves and crucify him.” (John 19:6)

He was abandoned in their midst, He who is above all the heavens (Eph 4:10) and governs all things by His hand

He was pushed from one side to the other, punched by men’s fists, slapped (Mt 26:67)

He was derided and scourged (Mk 16:15; Mt 27:26)

He was led to the praetorium (Jan 18:29)

He was stopped, bound to a pillar, and received the full number of forty strips, which proclaimed that He was sentenced to death.

When he received the scarlet robe in mockery, He was slapped on the head and asked, “Who was it who struck you?” (Mt 26:69)

He was crowned with thorns, received mock homage, and was spat ion, and heard Himself mentioned in irony, “ Behold, the king of the Jews.” (Mk 15:26; Lk 33:38)

When dressed in His own clothes His neck was bound with a rope and He was led away to death.” (Mt 27ff; Mk 15:16ff)

He was loaded with His own cross. (John 19:17) 

When He had come to the place He saw it fixed in the ground.

Abandoned by His friends and disciples He was again stripped naked, hoisted up, and His hands and feet were nailed to it by the soldiers.

Left hanging there He was given a drink of bile.

He as pierced by a lance (John 19:34), blasphemed by a robber, and mocked as He heard men say, “If he is the Son of God, Lee him now come down from the cross and we will believe in him!” (Mt 27:40)

What did He do after suffering all these things? 

He gave thanks and prayed for His murderers and commended His soul into His Father’s hands. (Lk 23:34, 46)

Are we ashamed to Imitate His sufferings?

  “ If we suffer with Him we shall also be glorified with Him.” (Rom 8:17) But if we are ashamed to imitate His sufferings, which He endured for us, and to suffer as He suffered, it is obvious that we shall not become partakes with Him in His glory. If that is true of us we shall be believers in word only, not in deed. When deeds are absent, our faith is dead (James 2:17, 26).

Examine ourselves

Examine ourselves and our way of life and see if we are able to suffer like Christ. Think about even the small ways we sacrifice our worldly pleasures to be closer to Him. This includes our commitment to attending liturgies, making time for daily prayer, following the fasting guideline, reading Scripture and the Church Fathers and giving a portion of our time and wealth for charity. While these are small sacrifices compared to how Christ suffered for us but it is a start to imitate Him and suffer with Him so we “shall be glorified with Him.”

Reference: Saint Symeon the New Theologian: The Discourses, pp 128-128.

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