Modern significance of the teaching of Saint Theophan the Recluse on the meeting of man with God

Abstract

The article examines a key aspect of the theological and ascetic legacy of Saint Theophan the Recluse, a study which, in the author’s opinion, is particularly relevant for contemporary Orthodox theology and ecclesiastical apologetics. It notes that today there remains a demand for evidence of spiritual experience that confirms the fundamental tenets of divinely revealed truths about man and his relationship with God. Modern individuals on spiritual quests must have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with such evidence. Otherwise, failing to find spiritual heights and depths in the Orthodox Church, they may become captivated by the illusory “heights” and “depths” of non-Christian mysticism. The article emphasizes that Saint Theophan not only theoretically mastered patristic church tradition but also possessed the spiritual experience of comprehending the evidence contained in this tradition about man’s real communion and union with God. The author cites relevant passages from the works of Saint Theophan which contain his empirical teaching on the three types of communion with God, on the human heart as the place of man’s encounter with God, on the conditions for this encounter to be possible, and on the obstacles that make it impossible or, until a certain point, unrecognized. In the context of Saint Theophan’s teaching on man’s encounter with God, some of his instructions on mental prayer of the heart as the “field” of communion with God are also examined, as well as on the spiritual means by which man can achieve a genuine inner life - life within himself - and discover within himself the “place” where the spiritual reality of the human heart resides. Examples are given of Saint Theophan’s agreement with Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov on the dangers of spiritual delusion, and the instructions of the Vyshensky Recluse are revealed for organizing an inner life that recognizes and prevents these dangers. The main conclusion is that Saint Theophan’s teaching on man’s encounter with God reveals the inner spiritual heights of Orthodox Christianity. The holy archpastor asserted that ascent to this height is revealed to every person by Christ the Savior. The path to this height begins with joining the Church and is accomplished through a person’s lifelong self-improvement - struggling with passions, the feat of prayer, and cultivating one’s inner spiritual life. The entire goal of Christian life, according to the saint, is to establish in the human heart a clear and conscious communion with God.