Difference between revisions of "Saint Symeon the New Theologian" - New World Encyclopedia
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| − | '''Symeon the New Theologian''' (949–1022) was a Byzantine monk and mystic who became one of the most important | + | [[Image:SYMEON-icon.jpg|thumb|200px|Icon of Saint Symeon the New Theologian]] |
| + | '''Symeon the New Theologian''' (949–1022) was a Byzantine monk and mystic who became one of the most important spiritual influences in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]. He one of three [[saint]]s of three Eastern saints—together with St. [[John the Apostle]] and St. [[Gregory Nazianzen]]—to have been given the title of [[theologian]]. The title "new" doe not refer to his theology, but his status as the later of several other saints named Symeon. The title "theologian" is related to his emphasis on achieve direct knowledge of God through prayer, even more than his substantial intellectual endeavors. | ||
| − | Born in [[Galatia]] to a wealthy family and educated at [[Constantinople]], Symeon became [[abbot]] of the [[monastery]] of St. Mamas. He was a poet who embodied the mystical tradition. | + | Born in [[Galatia]] to a wealthy family and educated at [[Constantinople]], Symeon became [[abbot]] of the [[monastery]] of St. Mamas. He was a poet who embodied the mystical tradition. He wrote that humans could and should experience [[theoria|God directly]]. Although controversial in his own time, his many works were widely read in Orthordox monasteries and influenced the [[hesychasm|hesychastic]] controversy of the [[fourteenth century]]. He continues to be a major literary source of Orthodox spiritual today. His feast day in the Orthodox tradition is celebrated on March 12 . |
==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||
{{Eastern Christianity}} | {{Eastern Christianity}} | ||
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:Never is it found to be impossible, my friends. | :Never is it found to be impossible, my friends. | ||
:On the contrary, it is entirely possible when one desires it" (Hymn 27, 125-132)|20px|}} | :On the contrary, it is entirely possible when one desires it" (Hymn 27, 125-132)|20px|}} | ||
| − | Symeon the New Theologian was orn at Paphlagonia in [[Asia Minor]] in 949 C.E. to parents or the Byzantine nobility: Basal and Theophana. He received the basics of a classical education. At the age of 14, he became a disciple of St. Symeon the Studite and determined to devote himself to a life of Christian [[asceticism]] and [[prayer]]. He desired to enter the monastery known as the Studion immediate, but the elder Symoen instructed him to wait, gradually preparing his young pupil for monastic life while still living in "the world." Symeon managed the household of a local patrician and seems to have entered imperial service as well. In the evenings he engaged in ascetic practices and read the spiritual works such men as the ascetic writer [[Mark the Hermit]] and [[Diadochus of Photike]], author of the ''One Hundred Chapters on Spiritual Perfection''. | + | Symeon the New Theologian was orn at Paphlagonia in [[Asia Minor]] in 949 C.E. to parents or the Byzantine nobility: Basal and Theophana. He received the basics of a classical education. At the age of 14, he became a disciple of St. Symeon the Studite and determined to devote himself to a life of Christian [[asceticism]] and [[prayer]]. He desired to enter the monastery known as the Studion immediate, but the elder Symoen instructed him to wait, gradually preparing his young pupil for monastic life while still living in "the world." Symeon managed the household of a local patrician and seems to have entered imperial service as well, including serving as a senator. In the evenings he engaged in ascetic practices and read the spiritual works such men as the ascetic writer [[Mark the Hermit]] and [[Diadochus of Photike]], author of the ''One Hundred Chapters on Spiritual Perfection''. |
| − | [[Image:Studion.jpg|thumb|the Studion, where Symeon the New Theologian was trained under Symeon the Studite]] | + | [[Image:Studion.jpg|thumb|left|250px|the Studion, where Symeon the New Theologian was trained under Symeon the Studite]] |
| − | Symeon became the | + | Symeon's description of the illumination of "George" is thought to be autobiographical. In it, he describes how George, at the age of 20, experienced and overwhelming ecstatic state in which he experienced God as living, radiant light. At the age 27, Symeon finally became a monk and entered the Studion, taking the name Symeon in honor of his teacher. Church authorities grew concerned that master and pupil were growing too close, and the younger Symeon was faces with either remaining at the Studion but not receiving his master's spiritual guidance or transferring elsewhere and remaining in contact with him.<ref>[http://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/S/SymeontheNew/index.htm Symeon the New Theologian]. ''poetry-chaikhana.com''. Retrieved December 5, 2007.</ref> |
| + | |||
| + | It was under these circumstances that Symeon entered the monastery at St. Mamas in [[Constantinople]]. Symeon became the abbot of St. Mamas around 980. There, he wrote many works and gathered numerous disciples. However, his ascetic policy was considered too extreme, and he was was forced to resign in 1009 by the patriarch of [[Constantinople]].<ref>[http://ecole.evansville.edu/glossary/symeonnew.html The Ecole Glossary]. ''ecole.evansville.edu'' Retrieved December 5, 2007.</ref> However, his writings continued to appeal to mystically oriented monks throughout the centuries. | ||
Symeon's attitude was one of mystical contemplation, more typical of the eastern Orthodox tradition than the Western Catholic version of Christianity. | Symeon's attitude was one of mystical contemplation, more typical of the eastern Orthodox tradition than the Western Catholic version of Christianity. | ||
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His works consist of transcribed sermons given to his monks, doctrinal writings, and moral instructions an monastic rules, and his most famous ''Hymns of the Divine Loves''. The latter are descriptions of his mystical experiences through prayer and meditation. | His works consist of transcribed sermons given to his monks, doctrinal writings, and moral instructions an monastic rules, and his most famous ''Hymns of the Divine Loves''. The latter are descriptions of his mystical experiences through prayer and meditation. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Legacy== |
| − | + | Symeon the New Theologian was a major influence on the mystical tradition of Eastern Orthodoxy. His emphasis on the availability of a direct, transforming experience with God through the mystical "vision of light" became central in the later tradition of [[Hesychasm]]. His writings, especially his providing an experiential pathway to personal knowledge of God, earned him not only the title of saint, but of "theologian," a high honor in Orthodox tradition. | |
| + | He remains a strong influence in Orthodox spirituality today, especially among the Hesychastic monks at [[Mount Athos]], but also throughout the Orthodox intellectual and mystical tradition. | ||
| − | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| − | * | + | |
| + | *Alfeyev, Hilarion. ''St Symeon the New Theologian and Orthodox Tradition'', 2000, Oxford U. Press, ISBN 0-19-827009-7 | ||
| + | *Keselopoulos, Anestēs G. ''Man and the Environment: A Study of St. Symeon the New Theologian''. Crestwood, N.Y.: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2001. ISBN 9780881412215 | ||
| + | *Maloney, George Anthony. ''The Mystic of Fire and Light: St. Symeon the New Theologian''. Denville, N.J.: Dimension Books, 1975. OCLC 1290805 | ||
| + | *Russell, Norman. ''The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition''. The Oxford early Christian studies. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004. ISBN 9780199265213 | ||
| + | *Symeon. ''The Discourses''. The Classics of Western spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 1980. ISBN 9780809122301 | ||
| + | *_________. ''The Practical and Theological Chapters of the Three Theological Discourses''. Kalamazoo: Cistercian Publications, 1982. OCLC 59723998 | ||
| + | *_________. ''Hymnes''. Paris: Éditions du Cerf, 1969. OCLC 301457 | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Christian mysticism]] | *[[Christian mysticism]] | ||
| − | *[[ | + | *[[Hesychasm]] |
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
Revision as of 05:32, 5 December 2007
Symeon the New Theologian (949–1022) was a Byzantine monk and mystic who became one of the most important spiritual influences in the Eastern Orthodox Church. He one of three saints of three Eastern saints—together with St. John the Apostle and St. Gregory Nazianzen—to have been given the title of theologian. The title "new" doe not refer to his theology, but his status as the later of several other saints named Symeon. The title "theologian" is related to his emphasis on achieve direct knowledge of God through prayer, even more than his substantial intellectual endeavors.
Born in Galatia to a wealthy family and educated at Constantinople, Symeon became abbot of the monastery of St. Mamas. He was a poet who embodied the mystical tradition. He wrote that humans could and should experience God directly. Although controversial in his own time, his many works were widely read in Orthordox monasteries and influenced the hesychastic controversy of the fourteenth century. He continues to be a major literary source of Orthodox spiritual today. His feast day in the Orthodox tradition is celebrated on March 12 .
Biography
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Traditions | |
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Liturgy and Worship | |
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Theology | |
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Symeon the New Theologian was orn at Paphlagonia in Asia Minor in 949 C.E. to parents or the Byzantine nobility: Basal and Theophana. He received the basics of a classical education. At the age of 14, he became a disciple of St. Symeon the Studite and determined to devote himself to a life of Christian asceticism and prayer. He desired to enter the monastery known as the Studion immediate, but the elder Symoen instructed him to wait, gradually preparing his young pupil for monastic life while still living in "the world." Symeon managed the household of a local patrician and seems to have entered imperial service as well, including serving as a senator. In the evenings he engaged in ascetic practices and read the spiritual works such men as the ascetic writer Mark the Hermit and Diadochus of Photike, author of the One Hundred Chapters on Spiritual Perfection.
Symeon's description of the illumination of "George" is thought to be autobiographical. In it, he describes how George, at the age of 20, experienced and overwhelming ecstatic state in which he experienced God as living, radiant light. At the age 27, Symeon finally became a monk and entered the Studion, taking the name Symeon in honor of his teacher. Church authorities grew concerned that master and pupil were growing too close, and the younger Symeon was faces with either remaining at the Studion but not receiving his master's spiritual guidance or transferring elsewhere and remaining in contact with him.[1]
It was under these circumstances that Symeon entered the monastery at St. Mamas in Constantinople. Symeon became the abbot of St. Mamas around 980. There, he wrote many works and gathered numerous disciples. However, his ascetic policy was considered too extreme, and he was was forced to resign in 1009 by the patriarch of Constantinople.[2] However, his writings continued to appeal to mystically oriented monks throughout the centuries.
Symeon's attitude was one of mystical contemplation, more typical of the eastern Orthodox tradition than the Western Catholic version of Christianity. His writings and descriptions of his personal experiences laid the foundation for eastern tradition of Hesychasm, which became an important movement the Eastern Church in the fourteenth century. This movement centered on the so-called "cardiac prayer" and meditation, designed to bring the practitioner into union with God, while retaining a sense of humility as a sinner. Symeon's emphasis on the essence of Christian experience as one of the "heart" became particularly influential. "Our holy fathers have renounced all other spiritual work and concentrated wholly on this one doing, that is, on guarding the heart," he stated, "convinced that, through this practice, they would easily attain every other virtue, whereas without it not a single virtue can be firmly established."
Symeon held that a personal mystical relationship with God is essential to a proper understandin of scripture and theology in general. He taught that through constant prayer, meditation, and ascetic discipline, one could attain a direct union with God, conceived as the Divine Unknown. He called this divinizing process the a “vision of light.”
However, he also emphasized that mystical experiences only come on the foundation of moral and spiritual disciple: "The grace of God is preserved by the practice of the commandments," he said, "and the observance of these commandments is laid down like foundations through the gift of God. The grace of the Spirit cannot remain with us without the practice of the commandments, but the practice of the commandments is of no help or advantage to us without the grace of God."
His works consist of transcribed sermons given to his monks, doctrinal writings, and moral instructions an monastic rules, and his most famous Hymns of the Divine Loves. The latter are descriptions of his mystical experiences through prayer and meditation.
Legacy
Symeon the New Theologian was a major influence on the mystical tradition of Eastern Orthodoxy. His emphasis on the availability of a direct, transforming experience with God through the mystical "vision of light" became central in the later tradition of Hesychasm. His writings, especially his providing an experiential pathway to personal knowledge of God, earned him not only the title of saint, but of "theologian," a high honor in Orthodox tradition.
He remains a strong influence in Orthodox spirituality today, especially among the Hesychastic monks at Mount Athos, but also throughout the Orthodox intellectual and mystical tradition.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Alfeyev, Hilarion. St Symeon the New Theologian and Orthodox Tradition, 2000, Oxford U. Press, ISBN 0-19-827009-7
- Keselopoulos, Anestēs G. Man and the Environment: A Study of St. Symeon the New Theologian. Crestwood, N.Y.: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2001. ISBN 9780881412215
- Maloney, George Anthony. The Mystic of Fire and Light: St. Symeon the New Theologian. Denville, N.J.: Dimension Books, 1975. OCLC 1290805
- Russell, Norman. The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition. The Oxford early Christian studies. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004. ISBN 9780199265213
- Symeon. The Discourses. The Classics of Western spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 1980. ISBN 9780809122301
- _________. The Practical and Theological Chapters of the Three Theological Discourses. Kalamazoo: Cistercian Publications, 1982. OCLC 59723998
- _________. Hymnes. Paris: Éditions du Cerf, 1969. OCLC 301457
See also
- Christian mysticism
- Hesychasm
External links
- Symeon the New Theologian texts in English and Greek, Select Resources
- biography at Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (accessed September 30 2005)
- The writings of Symeon in Greek, download
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- ↑ Symeon the New Theologian. poetry-chaikhana.com. Retrieved December 5, 2007.
- ↑ The Ecole Glossary. ecole.evansville.edu Retrieved December 5, 2007.
