The Philokalia is a four-volume collection of writings from early Church fathers, ascetics and theologians. This third volume presents St. Philotheos of Sinai, Ilias the Presbyter, a spiritual predecessor of St. Gregory Palamas, St. Peter of Damaskos (eleventh century), whose 'Treasury of Divine Knowledge' occupies more space in The Philokalia than any other writer save Maximos, and St. Symeon Metaphrastis' 'Paraphrase of the Homilies of St. Makarios of Egypt.' Its themes of unseen warfare in the human heart, of synergeia or co-operation between divine grace and human will, and the possibility of conscious assurance of the indwelling grace of the Holy Spirit foreshadow the spirituality of St. Symeon the New Theologian. 457 pp. Seller Inventory # 5709
Synopsis:
The Philokalia is a collection of texts written between the fourth and the fifteenth centuries by spiritual masters of the Orthodox Christian tradition. First published in Greek in 1782, then translated into Slavonic and later into Russian, The Philokalia has exercised an influence in the recent history of the Orthodox Church far greater than that of any book apart from the Bible. It is concerned with themes of universal importance: how man may develop his inner powers and awake from illusion; how he may overcome fragmentation and achieve spiritual wholeness; how he may attain the life of contemplative stillness and union with God.
This third volume contains works dating from the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Peter of Damaskos, the chief author included, offers a clear an comprehensive survey of the spiritual way, quoting abundantly from earlier writers. Symeon Metaphrastis, in his paraphrase of Makarios, stresses the central place of the Holy Spirit. As in the first two volumes, the editors have provided introductory notes to each of the writers, a glossary of key terms, and a detailed index.
From the Back Cover: 'The Philokalia' is a collection of texts on prayer and the spiritual life, written between the fourth and fifteenth centuries by spiritual masters of the Orthodox Christian tradition. Also devoted to themes of universal significance: how we may develop our inner powers and awake from illusion; how we may overcome fragmentation and achieve wholeness; how we may attain contemplative stillness and union with God.
Title: The Philokalia, Volume 3: The Complete Text;...
Publisher: Faber & Faber August 1986
Publication Date: 1986
Binding: Paper Back
Condition: New