Nous
“The Greek biblical word “nous” (adjective “noetic”) gets translated “mind” in English bibles, but it doesn’t mean the cogitating intellect. The nous is the aspect of “mind” that comprehends and understands; it is designed to perceive the voice and presence of God...“Noetic reality,” the reality of God’s presence.” (Frederica Mathewes-Green)
“The word for heart in the original [Biblical text] is nous, an inclusive term for the interior life that often refers to the innermost center of our heart or spirit…Our nous is a place deep within us: a quiet, inner temple where we may encounter God. Yet before such a meeting can take place, we must turn our heart, mind and will solely to the Christ, without distraction or false remembrance.” (OCPM 1/22/2016, 12/19/2015)
“The words ‘intelligent,’ ‘intelligence,’ and ‘mind’ are easily confused in the English language…The Christian Patristic literature testifies to an understanding of the profound difference between mere human knowledge and what is called “noetic” knowledge…St. Paul's injunction in his letter to the Romans (12: 2), “...be transformed by the renewing of your mind...,” would be understood by an English reader to refer to the rational mind (reason). On the other hand, the Church Fathers would understand that St. Paul is referring to knowledge from the depth of one’s heart, which they would call the nous or noetic mind.” (Father George Morelli)
“Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” [Ephesians 4:23]… The apostle’s [Saint Paul’s] vocabulary is important here. The word translated as “mind” in verses 17 and 23 is actually nous in the original Greek. Hence, in verse 17, the apostle says that majority of people in this world “walk, in the futility of their nous.” He urges us to pursue the inner work of the life in Christ earnestly, so that we may be “renewed in the spirit of [our] nous” (vs. 23). The Church understands the nous to be the deep center of our inner life: the location of our fall and also our restoration in Christ.” (Dynamis 9/21/2018)
“… nous is the primary and direct spiritual conduit that connects us with God and God with us. It contains our conscience and our spiritual eye to see the things of God…In our fallen state, our brokenness keeps us separated from God, for our darkened nous cannot see clearly…The spirits of self-indulgence kindle the soul’s desiring faculty, and they also confuse the nous [heart/mind] and plunge it into darkness…Repentance changes our nous, clearing the way for complete union with Christ and making us whole.” (Father David L. Fontes, PsyD, St. Gregory of Sinai, Abbot Tryphon)