Byzantine Mysticism

Byzantine Mysticism refers to the spiritual practices and theological insights developed within the Byzantine Empire, particularly in the Eastern Orthodox Church. It emphasizes a direct, personal experience of God through prayer, contemplation, and the sacraments. Mystics sought to achieve union with the divine, often through theosis, which is becoming one with God. This mysticism is characterized by an intricate blend of theology, asceticism, and devotional practices, often expressed in the rich traditions of iconography, liturgy, and monastic life, highlighting the profound connection between the divine and the human soul.