St. Gregory Palamas
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St. Gregory Palamas lived in the 14th century, and was a defender of the Hesychasts. His theological writings clearly defined the essence (that which is beyond comprehension or experience) and the energies (that which can be known and can be experienced) of God. Through the repetition of the Jesus Prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner), the Hesychasts taught that the words of the lips became over time a prayer of the heart. Through faithful repetition, one could begin to pray ceaselessly, as St. Paul instructed us. Many of the Hesychasts were found to shine brightly with the uncreated light of heaven, the same light of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. St. Gregory taught that while this heavenly light was certainly of divine origin, it was the energies of God shining through the person, and not an experience of the essence of God. His teaching is based on our creation in the image and likeness of God, and on Christ who took on our whole humanity in the Incarnation. thereby transfiguring humanity and restoring it to its former state.
4 in. x 6 in.
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