In the Heart of the Desert The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers

by Chryssavgis, John; Ware, Metropolitan Kallistos; Ward, Benedicta

• ISBN13: 9781933316567
• ISBN10: 193331656X
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-06-06
• Publisher: INGRAM

Summary

Father John's inspiring introduction to the spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers brings their words to life for the modern reader. These key figures of the early church chose lives of hardship and solitude, where they could point their hearts away from the outward world and toward an introspective path of God's calling in a deliberate and individual way. Contains a Foreword by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, the second highest ranking Orthodox Bishop in England.

Table of Contents

List of Color Illustrations	p. viii
List of Black-and-White Illustrations	p. ix
Publisher's Preface	p. xi
Foreword to the Revised Edition	p. xiii
Foreword to the Original Edition	p. xvii
Introduction	p. 1
The Text through the Centuries	p. 9
The Age of the Desert Fathers and Mothers	p. 15
Key Personalities	p. 19
The Desert as Space	p. 33
The Struggle against Demons	p. 37
The Patience of the Cell	p. 41
Silence and Tears	p. 45
The Treasury of the Heart	p. 53
Spiritual Guidance along the Way	p. 63
The Power of Detachment	p. 69
Education and Formation	p. 75
Solitude and Charity	p. 79
The Desert and the Body	p. 83
The Desert and the Environment	p. 85
The Desert and Gender	p. 89
Miracles and Signs	p. 93
Praying to God	p. 97
Encountering God	p. 103
Conclusion	p. 109
Introduction to Abba Zosimas: Reflections	p. 111
The Text of the Reflections	p. 123
Give me a Word, Abba	p. 151
Chronological Table	p. 159
Map	p. 161
Bibliography	p. 163
Biographical Notes	p. 171
Index	p. 173
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