Teachings of Neilos of Ancyra

Tim Vivian is professor emeritus of religious studies at California State University, Bakersfield, and a retired priest of the Episcopal Church. He has published, among many books, The Life of Antony (with Apostolos N. Athanassakis, 2003), Becoming Fire: Through the Year with the Desert Fathers and Mothers (2009), The Life of Bishoi: The Greek, Arabic, Syriac, and Ethiopic Lives (with Maged S.A. Mikhail, AUC Press, 2022), and Exhortation to the Monks by Hyperechios: Reflections on the Spiritual Journey (AUC Press, 2024).

• Foreword John McGuckinPrefaceAcknowledgmentsAbbreviationsDictionaries UsedPrologue: Modern Thoughts on Key Words1. General IntroductionI. Neilos (Νεȋλος)II. Ankyra III. Crime & Punishment, Law & Order2. Brief Statements or ExhortationIntroductionTranslation and Text3. Guidance that Leads a Person away from What is Corruptibleand Unites that Person with What is IncorruptibleIntroductionI. Foreword: Spiritual DoctrineII. What is Corruptible and What is IncorruptibleIII. The World CorruptedIV. Do Not Wish to Be WealthyV. Possessions Ever Now PerishingVI. Fire, Judgment, and the JudgeVII. Honor and Esteem the SoulVIII. Anti-Beatitudes and BeatitudesTranslation and Text 4. Concerning the Eight Evil ThoughtsIntroductionI. Neilos and EvagriusII. Neilos and HyperechiosIII. Neilos and CassianIV. A Fire that Burns Without ConsumingV. Concerning the Eight Evil ThoughtsTranslation and TextI. Concerning GluttonyII. Concerning Sexual ImmoralityIII. Concerning Love of MoneyIV. Concerning AngerV. Concerning GloominessVI. Concerning AcediaVII. Concerning Self-importanceVIII. Concerning Excessive PrideGlossarySelected BibliographyDictionaries and EncyclopediasEditions and TranslationsPoetry, Fiction, Memoir, Sermon, & SongStudies & Media PiecesIndexesOccurrences of Key Words TopicsAuthorsTransliterated Names and TermsScripture

"In The Teachings of Neilos of Ancyra, Tim Vivian offers mini-essays that constitute a primer for anyone interested in early Christian theologians and their world. He has a gift for dusting off these ancient writers and for 'unbarnacling' words like 'sin' that have lost their meaning over the centuries. In doing so, he is helped by the direct, non-abstract, and potent language these early Christian theologians employ. This book is a fine addition to Vivian’s work on the desert fathers and mothers."—Kathleen Norris, author of The Cloister Walk and Acedia & Me"Tim Vivian wonderfully draws out the contemporary resonances of these ancient texts, bringing them into conversation with all sorts of modern voices. The glossary alone is a masterpiece of synthesis and illumination."—Rowan Williams“Carefully examining one’s thoughts and gently nurturing one’s behavior is what the early desert tradition brings to the table, especially in an age when thoughtlessness and heartlessness—in oneself and one’s relationships—often go unchallenged. Neilos of Ancyra reminds us of the subtlety and sensitivity of a spirituality that balances the internal practices of prayer and discernment with the external realities of pride and possessions. Tim Vivian renders yet another series of extraordinary texts accessible for contemporary scholarship and a general readership.”—John Chryssavgis, author of In the Heart of the Desert and Letters from the Desert"Tim Vivian fills an enormous gap with this translation, which is both fluent and accessible, and his notes provide a wealth of background for even the most novice reader. Neilos is a crucial figure, and while there is much we do not know about him, these works are invaluable. Tim Vivian and Apostolos Athassakis now bring them into translation and accessibility for a much wider readership."—Michael Plekon, The City University of New York"Neilos of Ancyra deserves to be better known among those who study the early desert monastic tradition. With this excellent translation of his works, which now becomes a reality not only for scholars but for students and others who are eager to learn from and emulate the desert monks and nuns, Tim Vivian continues his tradition of excellent translations and editorial commentary."—Greg Peters, Nashotah House Theological Seminary"The spiritual and ascetic wisdom of the early Christian tradition is timeless, though perhaps never more timely! The texts, translations, and introductions offered here by Tim Vivian, together with Apostolos Athanassakis have much to offer, both for our understanding of the spiritual traditions of Christianity in Late Antiquity and also for living our own lives today. This is a most welcome volume, sure to become another classic."—John Behr, University of Aberdeen