The concept of love in the "Hymns" of Symeon the New Theologian

The aim of this article is to examine selected passages from the Hymns of Saint Symeon the New Theologian in terms of the love themes they contain in the context of religious experience. Mystical experience is an element of Symeon’s biography, description of love in the hymns is based on a real and deep contemplation of God. The article answers the following questions: What love is like? Who (or what) is love? What the relationship is between the author or subject and Love? The most obvious source of Symeon’s reflections on love is the "Hymn to Love" of St. Paul (1 Cor 13: 1-13). Symeon also gives the personal qualities to love, some hymns are an example of such a personification and apotheosis of love. A special place in the hymns of Symeon is the identification of love with the Holy Spirit, hence the emphasis on action. Love is also associated with light, a concept influenced by St John the Evangelist. Symeon emphasizes "theosis" or "henosis", the mystical path of union with God, which anyone can achieve. This idea is not new and has been discussed by earlier spiritual masters like John Climacus. However, Symeon’s approach to knowing God’s love differs. Instead of a symbolic ladder, he teaches that love itself invites action. The hymns focus on the relationship between the individual and God, with Love portrayed as forgiving and merciful towards sinners. Symeon’s emphasis lies on the synergy between God’s grace, His Love, and the love of the individual seeking God.