John Chryssavgis is Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Honorary Professor at Sydney College of Divinity, Australia.

• Foreword by Kallistos Ware, Metropolitan of Diokleia Introduction PART ONE: THE DESERT BLOSSOMS:Setting the Scene1. Monasticism in Egypt and PalestineA Historical Framework 2. Luminaries of GazaProminent Personalities and Identities 3. Fundamental Concepts and Principles Looking Through a Window Frame PART TWO: THE DESERT BECKONS:Sitting by the Cell4. Spiritual Direction Two Extraordinary Models 5. Fasting and Feasting: Sustained by God in the Wilderness 6. Mourning and Tears:The Way of Brokenness and Imperfection 7. Discernment and Compassion:The Way of Awareness and Authenticity 8. Solitude, Silence, and StillnessEchoes from the Barren Desert Conclusion Bibliography Index

It is a significant contribution to the study of the early monasticism of the Palestinian desert. Chryssavgis succeeds in offering what the book’s subtitle promises; desert wisdom for everyday life.

John Chryssavgis is Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Honorary Professor at Sydney College of Divinity, Australia.

• Foreword by Kallistos Ware, Metropolitan of Diokleia Introduction PART ONE: THE DESERT BLOSSOMS:Setting the Scene1. Monasticism in Egypt and PalestineA Historical Framework 2. Luminaries of GazaProminent Personalities and Identities 3. Fundamental Concepts and Principles Looking Through a Window Frame PART TWO: THE DESERT BECKONS:Sitting by the Cell4. Spiritual Direction Two Extraordinary Models 5. Fasting and Feasting: Sustained by God in the Wilderness 6. Mourning and Tears:The Way of Brokenness and Imperfection 7. Discernment and Compassion:The Way of Awareness and Authenticity 8. Solitude, Silence, and StillnessEchoes from the Barren Desert Conclusion Bibliography Index

It is a significant contribution to the study of the early monasticism of the Palestinian desert. Chryssavgis succeeds in offering what the book’s subtitle promises; desert wisdom for everyday life.

John Chryssavgis is Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Honorary Professor at Sydney College of Divinity, Australia.

• Foreword by Kallistos Ware, Metropolitan of Diokleia Introduction PART ONE: THE DESERT BLOSSOMS:Setting the Scene1. Monasticism in Egypt and PalestineA Historical Framework 2. Luminaries of GazaProminent Personalities and Identities 3. Fundamental Concepts and Principles Looking Through a Window Frame PART TWO: THE DESERT BECKONS:Sitting by the Cell4. Spiritual Direction Two Extraordinary Models 5. Fasting and Feasting: Sustained by God in the Wilderness 6. Mourning and Tears:The Way of Brokenness and Imperfection 7. Discernment and Compassion:The Way of Awareness and Authenticity 8. Solitude, Silence, and StillnessEchoes from the Barren Desert Conclusion Bibliography Index

It is a significant contribution to the study of the early monasticism of the Palestinian desert. Chryssavgis succeeds in offering what the book’s subtitle promises; desert wisdom for everyday life.