This book is a study of the mystical nature of tradition, and the traditional nature of mysticism, and of St Symeon as both a highly personal and very traditional ecclesiastical writer. The teachings of St Symeon (949-1022) created much controversy in Byzantium and even led to a short-lived exile to Asia Minor in 1009. For the first time in modern scholarship these teachings are examined from within the tradition to which both St Symeon and Dr Alfeyev belong.

This is the fourth book in Met. Hilarion Alfeyev's series, "Jesus Christ: His Life and Teaching," In this volume, Met. Hilarion explores the most distinct aspect of Jesus' teaching ministry: his parables. The parables are explored from multiple angles, giving due consideration both to modern biblical scholarship and the insights it can be give, as well as the ancient tradition of the Church, and the extensive commentaries of the Church Fathers. This is the fourth book in Met. Hilarion Alfeyev's series, "Jesus Christ: His Life and Teaching," In this volume, Met. Hilarion explores the most distinct aspect of Jesus' teaching ministry: his parables. The parables are explored from multiple angles, giving due consideration both to modern biblical scholarship and the insights it can be give, as well as the ancient tradition of the Church, and the extensive commentaries of the Church Fathers. This is the fourth book in Met. Hilarion Alfeyev's series, "Jesus Christ: His Life and Teaching," In this volume, Met. Hilarion explores the most distinct aspect of Jesus' teaching ministry: his parables. The parables are explored from multiple angles, giving due consideration both to modern biblical scholarship and the insights it can be give, as well as the ancient tradition of the Church, and the extensive commentaries of the Church Fathers.