Many are familiar with the Orthodox ‘Jesus prayer’, but there is much
more to discover about its tradition of contemplation as a grounding
both for the interior spiritual life, and for compassionate action in
the world. The author, an Anglican Franciscan friar and theologian,
reflects on the wealth of Orthodox spirituality through the teachings of
its key figures and texts:
· Evagrius of Pontus (345 – 399) One of the first Orthodox theologians
and desert father.
· John of Sinai (c. 579 – 649) Abbot and writer of the highly
influential The Ladder of Divine Ascent.
· Isaac of Syria (7th century) A much-loved hermit
· Maximos the Confessor (580 – 662) A philosopher, theologian, martyr
and teacher.
· Symeon the New Theologian (949 – 1022) A monastic reformer, with deep
mystical experiences of God’s radiant light.
· Gregory Palamas (1296 – 1359) A theologian, monk, and teacher of
practice of silent prayer.
The aim is to enable readers to gain a sense of connection with the
saints of Eastern Christianity as spiritual guides for today.