In the Light of Christ: Saint Symeon, the New Theologian (949-1022), Life, Spirituality, Doctrine

by Basil Krivocheine

This authoritative work gives Symeon the New Theologian (949-1022 AD), monk and later abbot of the monastery of St Mamas, the place he deserves as a spiritual renovator, the first and perhaps greatest... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0913836915
• ISBN13: 9780913836910
• Release Date: April 1987
• Publisher: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press
• Length: 411 Pages
• Weight: 1.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

In the Light of Christ

Called the "New Theologian" St. Symeon is especially known among saints and mystics for his many visions of the Uncreated Light which he recorded in detail. This book is a great study in the "lex orandi lex credendi" of the Eastern Church. While St. Symeon's writings mainly take the form of hymns, poetry, mystical experiences and spiritual instructions to monks - this book shows how he gives a flawless articulation to almost every Christian doctrine. Topics treated include Christ, pneumatology, the Trinity, the Church, the sacraments, love, prayer, contemplation, the Beatific vision, salvation, deification, bridal mysticism, desire, the Virgin Mary, and naturally the vision of Divine Light. Very much worth reading either for academic or devotion purposes. God bless.

One of my top ten favorite books

If you are a devout Christian, Orthodox or otherwise, seeking a deeper knowledge of the Spiritual and Mystical side of our Faith, I would highly recommend this book. This Saint is unique in Christian writing, and certainly in Orthodox writing. He is a Christian Mystic who does not just hold forth on academic theories of Mysticism, but tells of his own experiences, while still holding the intellectual part of life in high esteem. But, on the other hand, one doesn't have the slightest feeling that he is trying to impress. And, rare among modern authors who are reflecting on another's writings, the author of this book actually adds to, rather than detracts from, the writings of his subject.