![]() Gregory of Nyssa (+395) is primarily noted as a hierarch and metaphysic teacher. Anthony the Great (+356) emerged from a 20-year period of solitude imbued with the light, peace and power of the Holy Spirit, “his face radiant with joy” (Clément 311). Seraphim of Sarov, among others, were known to have had “mystical experiences.” When reading Eastern Christian literature, one may occasionally encounter the classification of “mystic” but this title is usually found in conjunction with other descriptive characterizations of the person. These manifestations can (and often do) lead many to seek from the one who manifests them spiritual fatherhood and spiritual motherhood (Clément 311). Mystical experience can be described in a number of ways: visions, revelations, union with God, union with the cosmos, bathed in the radiance of God’s uncreated light, clairvoyance, prophecy, discernment 2, levitation, healing, etc. 3:2) And theosis is “mystical union.” Evagrius of Pontus (+ 399) is credited with having said that “A true theologian is one who truly prays.” Manifestations of unitive encounter with God and creation This in turn can lead to theosis: “We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 Jn. “Theologia,” is the same as “theoria” or “natural contemplation:” the imageless contemplation of God Himself. Gregory Palamas (+1359) fervently affirmed that (as opposed to knowledge about God, i.e., “school theology”) the only authentic knowledge of God can come from personal, “mystical” (i.e., unitive) experience: “Supernatural union and resplendent light are the sole source of sure theology” (Gregory Palamas, Triads, 1:3:15). These latter terms could even be our version of what the Christian West calls a “mystic.” “Mystics” and “Theologians” could possibly be the same sort of people. Additionally, the term “Theologian” or even “New Theologian” must be added to this list. Then come the prophets, the apostles, the hierarchs, the martyrs, the monastics, the un-mercenary physicians and wonderworkers – added to these are individuals who are variously ranked as ancestors, fathers, mothers, patriarchs, evangelists, confessors, ascetics, holy fools for Christ’s sake and “every righteous spirit made perfect in faith” (Chrysostom 16, 19, 68). Above all is the Theotokos and ever-Virgin, Mary who stands in a category all her own. There are, however, a number of traditional designations given to those whom the Church has glorified 1 as saints. ![]() But in Eastern Christian circles, the term “mystic” is seldom used to designate a specific category of sanctity. Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Eucharist, etc., are all called Sacramental Mysteries. Orthodox theology is often referred to as mystical theology. The Christian Orient is widely considered to be a “mystical” church one enfolded in mystery and awe and whose tradition undoubtedly affirms the possibility of mystical experience, mystical union or mystical vision. – Harlots of the Desert: A Study of Repentance in Early Monastic Sources, Benedicta Ward Cistercian Publications, 1987.A great cloud of witnesses but few “mystics” (Merton’s study incorporates sayings from the ammas as well.) – Wisdom of the Desert: Sayings from the Desert Fathers of the Fourth Century together with Selections from “The Protreptikos of Clement of Alexandria and The Spiritual Father in the Desert Tradition, Thomas Merton, LondonĮw York: Burns & Oates, 1997. Earle, New York City: Morehouse Publishing, 2007. – The Desert Mothers: Spiritual Practices from the Women of the Wilderness, Mary C. Quoted in “A Glimpse into the Wisdom of the Desert Mothers: Bibliography and Prayer for Modern-Day Practitioners,” by V.K. ![]() The above quotes are quoted from Matericon: Instructions of Abba Isaiah to the Honorable Nun Theodora. “Staying awake to meditate cleanses the mind, Your thoughts must always be clean of all evil.” “If you think upon that which is good, you will be disposed to it. My child, all transform the soul to God.” “Psalmody and reading, fasting and night prayer in silence, “May your mind always be in the Kingdom of Heaven, “If any fall, you say with humility: ‘Forgive me,’ In fact, the desert mothers and fathers can be considered the so-called “pioneers of the spiritual mother/father tradition.” Selected quotes from the Desert Mothers: The term “ Amma”, in much the same way as “Abba”, designates the spiritual mother and father who were the counsels and wise teachers who were sought out for their words of wisdom. Some of the most important who have come down to us are Amma Sarah, Amma Syncletica and Amma Theodora. It has been shown that there were thousands of women who lived in the desert and played leadership roles among the Christians. THE EARLY CHURCH MOTHERS OR DESERT MOTHERS
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