Православное понимание духовности в творениях святителя Феофана Затворника

Abstract

The legacy of Saint Theophan the Recluse as the foundation of modern theological knowledge about spirituality is indisputable proof that the aspiration of an Orthodox person to God is a response to the timeless, spaceless and eternal Providence for man, for it is said in the Gospel: “Be ye therefore perfect, as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Studying the works and life of the saint helps us to realize and comprehend the spiritual truths of Orthodoxy. Correct spiritual life is of great importance for every person, because the spiritual state determines the entire order of his actions, thoughts and desires. The fatherly concern of Saint Theophan the Recluse that his spiritual children know how to pray, understand prayer, develop spiritual prayer practice in themselves, indicates the inseparable dependence of the spiritual qualities of a Christian on the level of the culture of prayer cultivated in him. Saint Theophan the Recluse is rightly considered a scholar-theologian who demonstrated in his spiritual heritage the heights of knowledge about spirituality as a quality of Orthodox culture, as a condition for the existence of the Orthodox people.