St. Symeon the New Theologian was abbot of the monastery of St. Mamas in Constantinople at the turn of the eleventh century. He was also perhaps the most remarkable and certainly the most forceful advocate of the mystical experience of God in the history of the Byzantine Church.
This third book in the series of St. Symeon's Ethical Discourses places his teachings in their proper context, both among his other writings, and with regard to the ascetical and mystical literature in the Eastern tradition. Included is a sketch of Symeon's life and times where we capture a picture of the New Theologian as a thoroughly traditional representative of the central themes in Greek patristic thought, in particular of the doctrine of deification (theosis), here summing up the Christian hope of salvation.
About the Popular Patristics Series The Popular Patristics series published by St. Vladimir's Seminary Press provides readable and accurate translations of a broad range of early Christian literature to a wide audience--from students of Christian history to lay Christians reading for spiritual benefit.
Recognized Patristic scholars provide short but comprehensive and clear introductory essays according to their specializations for each volume.
Texts include classics of Christian literature, thematic volumes, homily collections, letters, spiritual guidance, and poetical works from a wide variety geographical contexts and historical backgrounds. The purpose of the series is to mine the riches of the early church and to make these invaluable writings available to all.
