The blessing of St Symeon ...

To the "lovers" of God:

"Blessed are those who are clothed in light,
for they are wearing the wedding garment.
Their hands and feet shall not be bound,
nor shall they be thrown into everlasting fire. Blessed are those who have kindled the light
in their hearts, who keep it unquenched,
for as they joyfully depart from this life,
they will meet the bridegroom, torch in hand,
as he leads them into the bridal chamber.
Blessed are those who have approached the divine light,
who have entered it and been absorbed by it,
mingled in its brightness, sin has no more power,
they will weep bitter tears no more.
Blessed is the monk, offering his prayers to God,
who sees Him, and is seen near Him,
who feels himself out of time and space,
for he is in God alone, knowing not
if he is in or out of the body;
he hears inneffable words, not to be spoken;
he sees what no eye has seen or ear heard,
nor has it entered the heart of man.
Blessed is he who has seen the Light of the world
formed in himself, for he has conceived Christ
within himself; he will be counted as his mother,
as Christ, in Whom there is no lie, has said".