ST. SYMEON THE NEW THEOLOGIAN AND HIS TEACHING ON THE THEOSIS

Jana SKERLIKOVA

student, Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Presov, Masarykova 15, 080 01 Presov, Slovakia, skerlikova.jana@uniposmail.com, 00421918261933

Abstract

The article presents the life and work of Saint Simeon the New Theologian. The author characterizes the overall contemporary background of life and work of the mentioned ecclesiastical writer. Of his works, the focus is on salvation, which is attainable only through a perfect spiritual life of man. True mysticism (living union with God) is unimaginable and impossible outside of tradition. The true mystic is not he who places his personal experience above tradition, but, on the contrary, he whose experience is in accord with and built upon the longprovided experience of those who came before him.

Keywords

Symeon the New Theologian, theology, orthodoxy, spiritual life, salvation

SUMMARY

True mysticism (living union with God) is unimaginable and impossible outside of tradition. The true mystic is not he who places his personal experience above tradition, but, on the contrary, he whose experience is in agreement with and built upon the long provided experience of the ones who came before him. The historical role of the great mystics of the Church is very often the role of defenders of tradition and renewers of the ideal of living according to the Gospel:
this is why they are usually radicals. And it is precisely their radicalism which inspires thousands of ordinary Christians and keeps Orthodox tradition alive. [9] Symeon the New Theologian was exactly such a mystic. His teachings profoundly influenced Orthodox spirituality, emphasizing the transformative power of divine grace and the active role of the believer in the process of becoming united with God. Symeon the New Theologian's contributions to the understanding of theosis highlight the transformative potential of divine grace and the importance of personal spiritual experience in the journey toward union with God. By focusing on theosis, Symeon contributed to a rich tradition of Orthodox spirituality that emphasizes personal transformation and direct experience of God. Symeon's theology is a compelling blend of mystical experience, rigorous ascetic practice, and deep love for Christ and the Church. His teachings continue to inspire those seeking a profound and transformative relationship with God, emphasizing that theosis is both a gift of divine grace and a goal that requires active human cooperation. Symeon the New Theologian's theology, with its focus on experiential knowledge and the transformative union with God, offers a powerful vision of Christian spirituality. It invites believers to move beyond superficial religiosity to a deeper, more personal, and dynamic
relationship with God. 
His theology continues to inspire and challenge Christians to seek the fullness of life in Christ through theosis. His theology meets a practical need in a Church which today is often afflicted with religious superficiality and barren formalism. As his Apolytikion reads: "You scattered the dark madness and convinced all men to seek what they had lost, the grace of the Holy Spirit." 
Theologian, may they give us hope, strength and courage on our path of theosis:
Do not say that it is impossible to receive the Spirit of God. Do not say that it is possible to be made whole without Him. Do not say that one can possess Him without knowing it. Do not say that God does not manifest Himself to man. Do not say that men cannot perceive the divine light, or that it is impossible in this age! Never is it found to be impossible, my friends. On the contrary, it is entirely possible when one desires it." (Hymn 27, 125-132).
When a man walks in the fear of God he knows no fear, even if he were to be surrounded by wicked men. He has the fear of God within him and wears the invincible armor of faith. This makes him strong and able to take on anything, even things which seem difficult or impossible to most people. Such a man is like a giant surrounded by monkeys, or a roaring lion among dogs and foxes. He goes forward trusting in the Lord and the constancy of his will to strike and paralyze his foes. He wields the blazing club of the Word in wisdom. (The Practical and Theological Chapters)

(Language: english)

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