vision of God | Martyria

Studia Theologica No. II (XXII) / 2026 Man’s endeavour, aided by divine grace, to attain the vision of the divine light Rev. Dr. Mercurie-Daniel Apostol

The article analyses the stages of the spiritual ascent towards the vision of the divine light according to Saint Symeon the New Theologian: renunciation of the world, the choice of a spiritual father with total obedience, constant repentance accompanied by tears, and the struggle against the passions. Faith underpins the entire ascetic endeavour, and the uncreated divine light becomes accessible to the person who is progressively purified through these means.

Studia Theologica No. I (XXI) / 2026 The transfiguration of man through the grace-filled work of divine light, a foreshadowing of the transfiguration in the age to come Rev. Dr. Mercurie-Daniel Apostol

This article explores the theology of the uncreated divine light in the works of Saint Symeon the New Theologian, demonstrating that beholding this light is equivalent to beholding God and transfigures the mind, soul and body of man. Through repentance and the observance of the commandments, a person attains communion with the Holy Trinity even in this life, thus anticipating the Day of the Lord and eschatological joy.