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John Chryssavgis explores the ascetic teaching and theology of St
John Climacus, a classical and formative writer of the Christian
medieval East, and the author of the seventh-century Ladder of
Divine Ascent. This text proved to be the most widely used handbook
of the spiritual life in the Christian East, partly because of its
unique and striking symbol of the ladder that binds together the
whole book. It has caught the attention of numerous readers in East
and West alike through the ages and is a veritable classic of
medieval spirituality, whose popularity in the East equals that ofA
The Imitation of Christ in the West. Chryssavgis follows the
development and influence of earlier desert literature, from Egypt
through Palestine into Sinai, and includes a discussion of the
theology of tears, the concept of unceasing prayer, as well as the
monastic principles of hesychia (silence) and eros (love).
John Chryssavgis explores the ascetic teaching and theology of St
John Climacus, a classical and formative writer of the Christian
medieval East, and the author of the seventh-century Ladder of
Divine Ascent. This text proved to be the most widely used handbook
of the spiritual life in the Christian East, partly because of its
unique and striking symbol of the ladder that binds together the
whole book. It has caught the attention of numerous readers in East
and West alike through the ages and is a veritable classic of
medieval spirituality, whose popularity in the East equals that ofA
The Imitation of Christ in the West. Chryssavgis follows the
development and influence of earlier desert literature, from Egypt
through Palestine into Sinai, and includes a discussion of the
theology of tears, the concept of unceasing prayer, as well as the
monastic principles of hesychia (silence) and eros (love).
In celebration of the 2021 visit to the University of Notre Dame by
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as well as the thirtieth
anniversary of his election, this groundbreaking volume gathers
together and introduces eleven important joint statements from the
patriarch, addressing diverse topics from climate change to
ecumenical dialogue. As the spiritual leader of 300 million
Orthodox Christians worldwide, His All-Holiness Bartholomew,
Orthodox Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical
Patriarch, has long been a beacon for strengthening inter-religious
and inter-faith dialogues on the world stage. This volume assembles
eleven joint statements initiated by the ecumenical patriarch with
prominent global Christian leaders, including Pope Francis, Pope
Benedict XVI, Pope St. John Paul II, Archbishop of Canterbury
Justin Welby, and Archbishop Ieronymos II. It also includes
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's address at Notre Dame upon
receiving an honorary doctorate. The statements address a wide
array of pressing issues, including human rights, the environment,
support of migrants, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the relationship
between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, frequently
referred to as "sister churches." The book contains a foreword by
John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of the University of Notre Dame,
and an introduction by John Chryssavgis, which provides an overview
of the ecumenical patriarch's long ministry and powerful vision,
illustrating his significance both within the Orthodox world as
well as on the world stage. Beyond its testimony to the patriarch's
longstanding commitment to interreligious and inter-Christian
dialogue, this collection of joint statements has the added benefit
of gathering these all-important texts into one convenient place
for the first time.
The Desert Fathers and Mothers - those early Christian ascetics who
withdrew from the world to seek God - have influenced the spiritual
lives of many people, from Saint Augustine to Thomas Merton. Their
words, sometimes inspiring and uplifting, sometimes agonisingly
painful, sometimes humorous, always speak straight from the heart.
They resonate through the centuries because they tell the story of
the "deserted" soul in its pilgrimage from darkness to light, from
ignorance to truth, from sin to sanctity. This revised edition of
Father John Chryssavgis' fresh and vital introduction to the
spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers brings their words
to life and provides a key which unlocks their relevance for the
reader of today. It also features: * A preface by Sister Benedicta
Ward * A translation of the 'reflections' by Abba Zosimas, an early
Desert Father * 16 Colour photos and illustrations and a map of the
ancient Near East * A chronology of the most important Desert
fathers and Mothers * A full bibliography * A new extensive index
Can Orthodox Christianity offer spiritual resources uniquely suited
to the environmental concerns of today? This book makes the case
emphatically that it can indeed. In addition to being the first
substantial and comprehensive collection of essays, in any
language, to address environmental issues from the Orthodox point
of view, this volume (with contributions from many of the most
influential theologians and philosophers in contemporary world
Orthodoxy) will engage a wide audience, in academic as well as
popular circles—resonating not only with Orthodox audiences but
with all those in search of a fresh approach to environmental
theory and ethics that can bring to bear the resources of ancient
spirituality, often virtually unknown in the West, on modern
challenges and dilemmas.
Revealing unexpected truths about early desert spirituality, this
volume argues that the lives of Barsanuphius and John relate
closely to contemporary urban communities and how clergy tackle
social challenges. The early Desert Fathers and Mothers have
exercised a particular charm and appeal in recent years, but they
have often been portrayed as inaccessible and eccentric figures in
the history of monastic spirituality. John Chryssavgis argues that
the elders have an unusual capacity to reach into the depths of the
heart to reveal the extraordinary in the very ordinary, and that
the correspondence between Barsanuphius and John offers an
unparalleled glimpse into the sixth-century religious, political,
and secular world. It opens with an exploration into the historical
context of Palestinian monasticism, followed by an evaluation of
the fundamental principles and practices of Barsanuphius and John.
Over the past two decades, the world has witnessed alarming
environmental degradation—climate change, the loss of
biodiversity, and the pollution of natural resources—together
with a failure to implement environmental policies and an
ever-widening gap between rich and poor. As this new volume of his
writings reveals, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has continually
proclaimed the primacy of spiritual values in determining
environmental ethics and action. For him, the predicament we face
is not primarily ecological but in fact spiritual: The ultimate aim
is to see all things in God, and God in all things. On Earth as in
Heaven demonstrates just why His All Holiness has been dubbed the
“Green Patriarch” by former Vice President Al Gore (recipient
of the Nobel Peace Prize for his environmental activism) and the
media. This third and final volume of the spiritual leader’s
selected writings showcases his statements on environmental
degradation, global warming, and climate change. It contains
numerous speeches and interviews in various circumstances,
including ecological symposia, academic seminars, and regional and
international events, over the first twenty years of his ministry.
This volume also encompasses a selection of pastoral letters and
exhortations—ecclesiastical, ecumenical, and academic—by His
All Holiness for occasions such as Easter and Christmas, honorary
doctorates, and academic awards. On Earth as in Heaven is a rich
collection, essential for religious scholars, those looking for a
deeper understanding of Orthodox Christianity, and anyone concerned
with the environmental and social issues we face today.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew speaks to a contemporary world
about, human rights, religious tolerance, international peace,
environmental protection, and more. In the World, Yet Not of the
World represents a selection of major addresses and significant
messages as well as public statements by His All Holiness
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, "first among equals" and
spiritual leader of the world's 300 million Orthodox Christians.
The Patriarch is as comfortable preaching about the spiritual
legacy of the Orthodox Church as he is promoting sociopolitical
issues of his immediate cultural environment and praying for
respect toward Islam or for global peace. As the documents reveal,
the tenure of the Ecumenical Patriarch has been characterized by
inter-Orthodox cooperation, inter-Christian dialogue and
interreligious understanding. He has traveled more extensively than
any other Orthodox Patriarch in history, exchanging official
visitations with numerous ecclesiastical and state dignitaries. In
particular, because he is a citizen of Turkey and the leader of a
Christian minority in a predominantly Muslim nation, Ecumenical
Patriarch Bartholomew's personal experience endows him with a
unique perspective on religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue.
These documents are drawn from his prominent leadership roles as
primary spiritual leader of the Orthodox Christian world and
transnational figure of global significance - influential roles
that become more vital each day. Published together here for the
first time, the writings reveal the Ecumenical Patriarch as a
bridge builder and peacemaker. One of his catchphrases is "War in
the name of religion is war against religion." Over the past
eighteen years, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's inclination and
intention have been to address the most difficult issues facing the
world-the deep and increasing mistrust between East and West, the
decay and widening destruction of the natural environment, as well
as the sharp divisions among the various Christian confessions and
diverse faith communities-whether on religious, racial, or cultural
levels. He regards being a servant of reconciliation as a primary
obligation of his spiritual ministry to. This book reveals the
powerful influence of a spiritual institution from the unique
perspective of a Christian leader in the world, and yet not of the
world. Some of the topics covered: oFaith and freedom oRacism and
fundamentalism oMutual respect and tolerance oEcology and poverty
oHuman rights and freedom oRacial and religious discrimination
oChurch and state oTerrorism and corruption oFreedom of conscience
oEurope, Turkey and the world oReligion and politics oChristians
and Muslims oChristians and Jews
In 1964, a little-noticed albeit pioneering encounter in the Holy
Land between the heads of the Roman Catholic Church and the
Orthodox Church spawned numerous contacts and diverse openings
between the two "sister churches," which had not communicated with
each other for centuries.
Fifty years later, Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch
Bartholomew meet in Jerusalem to commemorate that historical event
and celebrate the close relations that have developed through
mutual exchanges of formal visits and an official theological
dialogue that began in 1980. This book contains three unique
chapters: The first is a sketch of the behind-the-scenes challenges
and negotiations that accompanied the meeting in 1964, detailing
the immediate consequences of the event and setting the tone for
the volume. The second is an inspirational account, interwoven with
a scholarly evaluation of the work of the North American Standing
Council on Orthodox/Catholic relations over the past decades. The
third chapter presents a recently discovered reflection on the
meeting that took place fifty years ago by one of the most
important Orthodox theologians of the twentieth century, expressing
cautious optimism about the future of Christian unity.
The only comprehensive critical anthology of theological and
historical aspects related to Florovsky's thought by an
international group of leading academics and church personalities.
It is the only book in English translation of Florovsky's key study
in French - "The Body of the Living Christ: An Orthodox
Interpretation of the Church". The contributors tackle a broad
range of subjects that comprise the theological legacy of one of
the most influential theologians of the twentieth century. The
essays examine the life and work of Florovsky, his theology and
theological methodology, as well as ecclesiology and ecumenism. A
must-have volume for those who study Florovsky and his legacy.
The only comprehensive critical anthology of theological and
historical aspects related to Florovsky's thought by an
international group of leading academics and church personalities.
It is the only book in English translation of Florovsky's key study
in French - "The Body of the Living Christ: An Orthodox
Interpretation of the Church". The contributors tackle a broad
range of subjects that comprise the theological legacy of one of
the most influential theologians of the twentieth century. The
essays examine the life and work of Florovsky, his theology and
theological methodology, as well as ecclesiology and ecumenism. A
must-have volume for those who study Florovsky and his legacy.
Based on a constructive reading of Scripture, the apostolic and
patristic traditions and deeply rooted in the sacramental
experience and spiritual ethos of the Orthodox Church, John
Zizioulas offers a timely anthropological and cosmological
perspective of human beings as "priests of creation" in addressing
the current ecological crisis. Given the critical and urgent
character of the global crisis and by adopting a clear line of
argumentation, Zizioulas describes a vision based on a
compassionate and incarnational conception of the human beings as
liturgical beings, offering creation to God for the life of the
world. He encourages the need for deeper interaction with modern
science, from which theology stands to gain an appreciation of the
interconnection of every aspect of materiality and life with
humankind. The result is an articulate and promising vision that
inspires a new ethos, or way of life, to overcome our alienation
from the rest of creation.
The complete text of the Letters of Barsanuphius and John appears
here in English for the first time. John Chryssavgis's faithful and
deft translation brings vividness and freshness to the wisdom of a
distant world, ensuring its accessibility to contemporary readers.
Addressed to local monastics, lay Christians, and ecclesiastical
leaders, these remarkable questions and responses (850 of them)
offer a unique glimpse into the sixth-century religious, political,
and secular world of Gaza and Palestine during a period torn by
doctrinal controversy and in a context shaped by the tradition of
the early desert fathers. The ""great old man,"" Barsanuphius, and
the ""other old man,"" John, flourished near Gaza around the early
sixth century. Choosing to dwell in complete isolation, they saw no
one with the exception of their secretaries, Seridos and the
well-known Dorotheus of Gaza. Barsanuphius and John communicated in
silence through letters with numerous visitors who approached them
for counsel. Curiously, this inaccessibility became the very reason
for the popularity of the elders. They formed an extraordinarily
open system of spiritual direction, which allowed space for
conversation and even conflict in relationships, while also
accounting for the wisdom and the wit of the correspondence.
Barsanuphius's inspirational advice responds to problems of a more
spiritual nature; John's institutional advice responds to more
practical problems. The two elders in fact complement one another,
together maintaining a harmonious authority-in-charity. Their
letters are characterized by spontaneity and sensitivity, as well
as by discretion and compassion. They stress ascetic vigilance and
evangelical ""violence,"" gratitude and joy, humility and labor,
prayer and tears.
The second volume of the Letters of Barsanuphius and John completes
the collection of these monastic writings, which provided both
spiritual and practical advice to a variety of sixth-century
interlocutors from diverse walks of life. The two anchorites,
having settled in an isolated location near Gaza, were in demand as
trusted counselors, responding to questions on topics ranging from
relationships within monasteries to problems of municipal taxation.
Barsanuphius, the ""great old man,"" and John, the ""other old
man,"" fulfilled their time-honored role as resident holy men in
their locality, leaving behind a wealth of monastic wisdom as well
as inspiration for all Christians. Distinctive to this volume are
many colorful letters that will attract the interest of historians
of this period. Some of these are responses to inquiries about
specific problems of mundane life, such as veterinary treatment for
a horse, the leprous disease of a household servant, and vandalism
in a vineyard. Of broader applicability is the advice regarding
such issues as the replacement of an unworthy bishop, the
management of alms donated for the poor, and the quality of public
entertainment in faraway Constantinople. The religious diversity of
the Gaza region at this time, a century before the advent of Islam,
generated questions about how Christians should interact with
Jewish, pagan, and Manichaean fellow citizens. Abundant also are
insights into the human heart. Barsanuphius and John offer timeless
teachings on the inner warfare against resentful thoughts,
temptations, doubts, anxieties, and reluctance to surrender oneself
trustfully to God. They examine the human foibles arising from
relationships among monks, and between monks and abbots, with a
serene clarity resulting from these holy men's long experience with
the introspective asceticism of the desert. Charity and humility,
perpetual watchwords of the Christian life, are combined with
prudence and discretion to create a literary corpus that both
inspires and informs.
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Ascetic Discourses (Paperback)
Abba Isaiah Of Scetis; Translated by John Chryssavgis, Pachomios Robert Penkett
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R1,025
R867
Discovery Miles 8 670
Save R158 (15%)
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Ships in 10 - 15 working days
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Written in the fifth century, during one of the most formative
periods of christian monasticism in Egypt and Palestine, the
Ascetic Discourses show a strong influence of the Scriptures, both
Old and New, and of earlier monastic writers. They are marked by a
faithfulness to tradition, yet equally by a note of originality
distinctive to the Gaza region. Abba Isaiah has set forth a
practical guide for monks, ever aware of the challenges that
interpersonal relationships present within monastic communities.
Functionality, however, does not overwhelm Isaiah's emphasis of the
intimate nature of the relationship between the monk and Jesus. He
does this by illustrating that the imitation of Christ is at the
core of each monk's life.
John Chryssavgis explores the sacred dimension of the natural
environment, and the significance of creation in the rich
theological history and spiritual classics of the Orthodox Church,
through the lens of its unique ascetical, liturgical and mystical
experience. The global ecological crisis affecting humanity's air,
water, and land, as well as the planet's flora and fauna, has
resulted in manifest fissures on the image of God in creation.
Chryssavgis examines, from an Orthodox Christian perspective, the
possibility of restoring that shattered image through the
sacramental lenses of cosmic transfiguration, cosmic
interconnection, and cosmic reconciliation. The viewpoints of early
theologians and contemporary thinkers are extensively explored from
a theological and spiritual perspective, including countering those
who deny that God's creation is in crisis. Presenting a worldview
advanced and championed by the Orthodox Church in the modern world,
this book encourages personal and societal transformation in making
ethical and economic choices that respect creation as sacrament.
John Chryssavgis explores the sacred dimension of the natural
environment, and the significance of creation in the rich
theological history and spiritual classics of the Orthodox Church,
through the lens of its unique ascetical, liturgical and mystical
experience. The global ecological crisis affecting humanity's air,
water, and land, as well as the planet's flora and fauna, has
resulted in manifest fissures on the image of God in creation.
Chryssavgis examines, from an Orthodox Christian perspective, the
possibility of restoring that shattered image through the
sacramental lenses of cosmic transfiguration, cosmic
interconnection, and cosmic reconciliation. The viewpoints of early
theologians and contemporary thinkers are extensively explored from
a theological and spiritual perspective, including countering those
who deny that God's creation is in crisis. Presenting a worldview
advanced and championed by the Orthodox Church in the modern world,
this book encourages personal and societal transformation in making
ethical and economic choices that respect creation as sacrament.
Revealing unexpected truths about early desert spirituality, this
volume argues that the lives of Barsanuphius and John relate
closely to contemporary urban communities and how clergy tackle
social challenges. The early Desert Fathers and Mothers have
exercised a particular charm and appeal in recent years, but they
have often been portrayed as inaccessible and eccentric figures in
the history of monastic spirituality. John Chryssavgis argues that
the elders have an unusual capacity to reach into the depths of the
heart to reveal the extraordinary in the very ordinary, and that
the correspondence between Barsanuphius and John offers an
unparalleled glimpse into the sixth-century religious, political,
and secular world. It opens with an exploration into the historical
context of Palestinian monasticism, followed by an evaluation of
the fundamental principles and practices of Barsanuphius and John.
Based on a constructive reading of Scripture, the apostolic and
patristic traditions and deeply rooted in the sacramental
experience and spiritual ethos of the Orthodox Church, John
Zizioulas offers a timely anthropological and cosmological
perspective of human beings as "priests of creation" in addressing
the current ecological crisis. Given the critical and urgent
character of the global crisis and by adopting a clear line of
argumentation, Zizioulas describes a vision based on a
compassionate and incarnational conception of the human beings as
liturgical beings, offering creation to God for the life of the
world. He encourages the need for deeper interaction with modern
science, from which theology stands to gain an appreciation of the
interconnection of every aspect of materiality and life with
humankind. The result is an articulate and promising vision that
inspires a new ethos, or way of life, to overcome our alienation
from the rest of creation.
Nikos Nissiotis (1924-1986) was one of the foremost and formative
intellectuals of the ecumenical movement in the twentieth century.
As professor of philosophy and psychology of religion at the
University of Athens, director of the Bossey Institute, and
Chairman of the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of
Churches, he interpreted the Orthodox spiritual tradition for a
Western audience and highlighted the role of Christian thought in
the modern world. This collection of his most fundamental and
significant articles - some of which have been largely inaccessible
until now - includes an introduction by the editors to the
ecumenical and theological legacy of this exceptional thinker.
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