Holistic Soteriology of St. Symeon the New Theologian

Abstract

This article is concerned with an underexplored aspect of St. Symeon the New Theologian’s teaching, viz., his soteriology. Intrinsic textual (contextual) and systemic analytical approaches are used in attempt to reconstruct the basic principles of St. Symeon’s soteriological system (such as healing of the human nature through restoration of the communion with God, the relation between freedom and grace), as well as to analyse the specifics of this system, viz. holism, Christocentricity, Eucharist-centeredness, ecclesiological centeredness; the meaning of personal ascesis, mystical experience and participation in the sacraments of the Church. St. Symeon regards Christ’s Economy of Salvation as preparation of the Eucharistic chalice. On the other hand, this economy, becoming part of a person’s mystical experience and reproduced in a particular person, constitutes the essence of his personal salvation. However, this happens in the organic unity of the Church’s body. St. Symeon’s doctrine of salvation is an original system representing the processes of general and personal salvation as a single whole.