The Christian’s spiritual life (life in the Spirit) is intimately connected with the Church’s faith and worship. While we may consider them separately, we must know that they are essentially related, simply different aspects of the same reality. “Theology” (the study of God) for the Eastern Christian is not an abstract knowledge of the truth, but a knowledge flowing from a living experience of God – not from thought about Him or any logical consequences derived from intellectual analysis. Eastern Christianity does not see truth as primarily an intellectual reality deduced rationally, but as something experienced with the “eyes of the Spirit.” Theology that does not flow from and/or lead to a deep union with God is merely speculation and may be dangerous and harmful.

This is why, in the Eastern Tradition, only three saints are called “the Theologian”: SS. John the Apostle and Evangelist, Gregory Nazianzen and Symeon the “New” Theologian. Their writings reflect a deep personal union with God. They manifest a knowledge of the “heart” or “spirit” flowing from an experience of union with God.

Likewise, Liturgy must be understood as an experience of the divine realities – in particular a participation in the mystery of salvation. By the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ prays and acts through His Body, the Church. As Christians participate in the Liturgy, they experience the “Truth” and come to “know” our God by experience and participate in the life of the Trinity, which the risen Christ communicates to them in and through the Spirit. Liturgical celebrations teach us the Church’s true theology. Our spirituality is a living out of this Theology, which is experienced and manifested in Liturgy. All are expressions of Tradition, and ongoing life in the Spirit, an experience of the same reality.
Think about this!