The Letters of Barsanuphius and John: Desert Wisdom for Everyday Life

Description

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. Contents List of Illustrations Foreword • Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia Introduction Part One: The Desert Blossoms: Setting the Scene 1 Monasticism in Egypt and Palestine: A Historical Framework 2 Luminaries of Gaza: Prominent Personalities and Identities 3 Fundamental Concepts and Principles: Looking through a Window Frame Part Two: The Desert Beckons: Sitting by the Cell 4 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 Stillness: Subtle Variances of the Soul Conclusion Select Bibliography Acknowledgments Index