SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATIONS OF ORTHODOX SPIRITUALITY
SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATIONS OF ORTHODOX SPIRITUALITY

Author(s): Gavril Trifa
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Comparative Studies of Religion, Biblical studies, History of Religion
Published by: Editura Eikon
Keywords: Orthodox spirituality; biblical foundation; holiness of life; spiritual ascent; Holy Scripture;
Summary/Abstract: The present study aims to introduce the identification of scriptural foundations of Orthodox spirituality, given the indestructible relationship between the life of the believer and the Word of Life. Spirituality, understood in the Old Testament as the sanctification of life through the strict fulfillment of the Law in its letter, has acquired new meanings in the New Testament through the Revelation fully transmitted by the Son of God made Man. One’s spiritual ascent to the likeness of God involves a journey that begins with the recognition of sinfulness and the desire to renounce everything that can lead away from life in Christ. The work of grace helps the Christian to stay on this path and to grow in love, associated in the New Testament with the term “purification”, which also signifies a growth in the knowledge of God and in love. This ascent is a lifelong process, but it takes on value in the measure in which man realises his value as a being called to become “God by grace”. Orthodox spirituality, understood as life in Christ, is a spirituality of communion, which has its source in the text of the Holy Scripture, inspiring concepts such as “love”, “fulfillment” and “holiness”.

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