This collection of texts may date from the eighteenth century, but the works it contains are all medieval in origin. Together, they offer a diverse glimpse into the Eastern Orthodox tradition that shaped the religious life of the Byzantine world.
Excerpt:
In 1782 there was published in Venice the Philokalia of the Holy Ascetic Fathers. It appeared in two folio volumes, continuously paginated and usually bound together, consisting of an anthology (which is what philokalia means in Greek, though etymology suggests ‘love of the beautiful’) of works of ascetical and mystical theology from the fourth to the fifteenth century – more than a millennium of monastic literature.
Who is this book for?
This collection of 36 texts, dating from the fourth to the fifteenth centuries, represents only a selection from the full Philokalia, which has been translated into five volumes in English. Its central aim is to guide readers in the practice of prayer and explain how spiritual discipline could lead to inner transformation.
Alongside the Bible, The Philokalia is regarded as one of the most influential works in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Medievalists interested in Christianity, Byzantine spirituality, and monastic practices will also find it a valuable resource.
“There is no richer anthology of spiritual wisdom than The Philokalia, and every page — which must be savored slowly and prayerfully to be absorbed — is a treasure trove.” ~ review by Addison Hodges Hart in The Pragmatic Mystic.
The Translators
Andrew Louth is Emeritus Professor of Patristic and Byzantine Studies at Durham University. Jonathan L. Zecher is Associate Professor at the Australian Catholic University.
The Philokalia: A Selection
Translated by Jonathan L. Zecher and Andrew Louth
Penguin Books
ISBN: 978-0-241-20137-4
This collection of texts may date from the eighteenth century, but the works it contains are all medieval in origin. Together, they offer a diverse glimpse into the Eastern Orthodox tradition that shaped the religious life of the Byzantine world.
Excerpt:
In 1782 there was published in Venice the Philokalia of the Holy Ascetic Fathers. It appeared in two folio volumes, continuously paginated and usually bound together, consisting of an anthology (which is what philokalia means in Greek, though etymology suggests ‘love of the beautiful’) of works of ascetical and mystical theology from the fourth to the fifteenth century – more than a millennium of monastic literature.
Who is this book for?
This collection of 36 texts, dating from the fourth to the fifteenth centuries, represents only a selection from the full Philokalia, which has been translated into five volumes in English. Its central aim is to guide readers in the practice of prayer and explain how spiritual discipline could lead to inner transformation.
Alongside the Bible, The Philokalia is regarded as one of the most influential works in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Medievalists interested in Christianity, Byzantine spirituality, and monastic practices will also find it a valuable resource.
“There is no richer anthology of spiritual wisdom than The Philokalia, and every page — which must be savored slowly and prayerfully to be absorbed — is a treasure trove.” ~ review by Addison Hodges Hart in The Pragmatic Mystic.
The Translators
Andrew Louth is Emeritus Professor of Patristic and Byzantine Studies at Durham University. Jonathan L. Zecher is Associate Professor at the Australian Catholic University.
You can learn more about this book from the publisher’s website.
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