“That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You” - John 17:21

As we walk the ascetical path of Great Lent, the journey of our spiritual transformation now leads us to its sixth stage: Union with God. Awakening stirred our hearts. Repentance turned us. Purification cleansed us. Renewal strengthened us. Illumination enlightened us. Now, transformation leads us to its true goal — communion with God.

Union is not absorption or loss of self; it is loving participation in the life of Christ. As iron placed in fire becomes radiant without ceasing to be iron, so the soul united to God becomes filled with divine light while remaining fully human. St. Ephrem the Syrian writes: “The Most High came down and dwelt in the lowly, that He might raise the lowly to the heights.” This is the heart of Orthodox spirituality — theosis, living in an active relationship with the Lord.

Union is deeply practical. Pray throughout the day, not only at set times. Whisper the Jesus Prayer while walking, working, or waiting. Receive the services of the Church with attention. Forgive quickly, for division clouds communion. Today, seek nearness. Speak to Christ and offer Him your thoughts before they become actions. Transformation is not self-improvement — it is divine intimacy. In union, the soul rests in God, and God lives within the soul.