Lecture 14: Eastern Orthodox Theology
A key component in the mature Eastern Orthodox theology of icons is an
understanding of the Trans¿ guration of Christ, most fully developed by
Gregory Palamas in the 14th century. The key concept in this understanding
is the light of Trans¿ guration. The high point at the center of the Synoptic
Gospels is the Trans¿ guration of Christ, when a glorious light shines from
his body. (See Lecture Four.) Palamas argues that this light is not simply a
created symbol of something divine, but the uncreated light of divine glory
itself. Hence in the Trans¿ guration a divine light shines forth from picturable
human À esh, and is perceived both sensibly and intellectually.The light of Trans¿ guration, also known as the light of Tabor, transforms,
beati¿ es, and dei¿ es those who see it. It is thus the means of true beati¿ c
vision and ultimate union with God. It is a light
experienced in this life by the saints as they
are inwardly transformed by the perception of
Christ incarnate. Since the glory of this light
spills over from their souls and also transforms
their bodies, to behold a saint is to see the
deifying effects of the Trans¿ guration.The light of Tabor is both visible and more than
visible. It is not a purely intellectual light, as in
the Roman Catholic view of beati¿ c vision. It is
literally seen by the eyes, but only when they are puri¿ ed by the Holy Spirit.
In addition, it is more than light, for it affects ears and heart and is perceived
in prayer.In connection with the light of Tabor, Palamas develops a distinction
between the essence and energies of God that is characteristic of Eastern
Orthodox theology. The energies of the Trinity are the uncreated glory of
God, which can, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, be made perceptible to
human beings. The energies are literally the “workings” or “operations”
of God, often identi¿ ed with his glory. Furthermore, they are the medium
by which the creature participates in the life of the triune Creator. They are
distinct but inseparable from the one essence (ousia) of God, which is utterly
incomprehensible, not something creatures can participate in.The light of
Trans¿ guration, also
known as the light
of Tabor, transforms,
beati¿ es, and dei¿ es
those who see it.