To See the Light: Divine Light in the Tradition of Eastern Christianity
Krzysztof LEŚNIEWSKI
John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin , PolandAbstract
According to the Revelation, God is the Light that is totally different from natural light. Yet how to understand Divine Light? What is it and how does it manifest itself? In order to answer these questions the author examines biblical premises concerning Divine Light and traces them in the teaching of the Eastern Fathers of the Church. The essential point of reference for the reflection on Divine Light is the Transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor. The Light of the Transfiguration is one of the important themes in the Orthodox hymnographic and iconographic traditions, as well as in the hesychastic doctrine on the uncreated Energies that deify the human person. The manifestation of Divine Light can likely take place in the lives of particular people. This truth has been taught by the hesychasts. It is worth mentioning that Divine Light was experienced by St. Seraphim of Sarov and Nicholas Motovilov.
Keywords:
Divine Light, Transfiguration of Christ, the Transfiguration Icon, Transfiguration hymns, Hesychasm, deification, St. Seraphim of SarovJohn Paul II Catholic University of Lublin
