Attaining the Vision of the Uncreated Light in Orthodox Christian Life

The ability to behold the Light of God’s Countenance, described as the Light of salvation, is intrinsically linked to the Incarnation of Christ. In Christ, "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9). This profound mystery—that God became man and dwelt among us—enables humanity to encounter the divine Light. As prophesied and witnessed, "the people which sat in darkness saw great light" (Matthew 4:16), referring to the coming of Christ, the great Light entering earth’s history. This event ensures that nothing can annul God’s eternal will for humanity to become bearers of this divine Light.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament

The transition from the Old to the New Testament marks a significant shift in how the divine Light is experienced. While the Old Testament saints received the Spirit's breath temporarily, the New Testament brought the Light of the Holy Spirit to dwell permanently within the Church. This indwelling acts in profound ways, shaping the lives of the faithful, forming images of Christ within them, and perfecting saints who bear witness to His truth. This ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit means that all believers have the potential to experience aspects of this Light, albeit in varying degrees depending on their spiritual state.

The Sacrament of Baptism and Putting on Christ

The practical pathway to encountering the Uncreated Light often begins with the sacrament of Baptism. In Baptism, believers "put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27), clothing themselves in His human nature which is filled with the fullness of Divinity. This act is not merely symbolic but transformative, conferring upon the baptized an "incorruptible garment," the vesture of the Uncreated Light that Adam lost in Paradise. The radiance seen in the faces of those newly baptized, especially evident in adults who have prepared through repentance, signifies this profound change and transfiguration by the grace of the sacrament.

Faith and Confession as Prerequisites

While the Incarnation makes the vision of the Uncreated Light possible, accessing this vision also requires correct faith and the confession of Christ’s Divinity. Belief in the name of Christ and an active participation in the life of the Church through its sacraments and teachings are essential. This faith and confession are not static but dynamic, needing to be nurtured through prayer, participation in the Eucharist, and the life of the community.

Conclusion: Living in the Light

The experience of the Uncreated Light, deeply rooted in the Incarnation and sustained by the sacraments, offers a pathway to transformation for every Orthodox believer. It is a promise of what is to come and a present reality that can permeate and sanctify the lives of those who pursue it with a sincere heart. By engaging deeply with the life of the Church and its mysteries, the faithful are invited to partake in the divine nature, being transformed by the Light that never fades. This journey towards divine illumination is central to the Orthodox way of life, promising not just a future in God's presence but a present filled with His light and life.

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