By Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos
After
purification of the heart and illumination of the nous comes
glorification, which is the third stage of the journey towards
perfection. Glorification is linked with theoria, which is the vision of
the glory of God. When we say glorification we mean vision or theoria
of the uncreated energy of God, which is seen as glory, as Light.
Purification – the rejection of all thoughts (logismoi) from the
heart and the transformation of the passible part of the soul (desire
and anger) – must come first, as well as illumination of the nous, which
is noetic prayer.
It should be stressed at the outset that glorification is an experience; it is not speculation or philosophy.
“Glorification is an empirical state. It has nothing to do with metaphysics.”
Man is not
capable of arriving at this state on his own, but he is empowered by
God. Thus glorification is a gift of God to the one who has struggled to
keep His commandments. The Psalmist writes: “In Your light we shall see light” (Ps. 35[36]:10).
“There is no
question of man being capable of knowing God. This is impossible. Only
someone who is within the uncreated Light sees the uncreated Light. One
must be in God to see God. Man sees God through God.”