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.
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, Nikolaos Asproulis, USA) Chryssavgis, The Rev. Dr John (Office of Ecumenical and Inter-Faith Affairs of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Greece) Asproulis, Dr Nikolaos (Volos Academy for Theological Studies