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The Philokalia: Volume 1

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Original price $21.00 - Original price $21.00
Original price $21.00
$21.00
$21.00 - $21.00
Current price $21.00
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication Date:
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Availability: In Stock
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Compiled in 1782 by St Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain and St Makarios of Corinth, the Philokalia is a rich collection of spiritual writings from the fourth century on to the fifteenth from various saints and great minds giving counsel to monastics in their ascetic struggles. Though mostly written for monastics, under good spiritual guidance there is much to be gleaned by commonplace Catholics— in particular Eastern (Byzantine) Catholics, as most of the authors presented here were of the Eastern rites. That being the case, the Philokalia is commonly claimed by the Orthodox as their own heritage; however, one would be hard-pressed to argue from the text that it cannot also be claimed for the Catholic Church, especially as the writings of Volume 1 precede the Schism. As the Eastern churches were once Catholic, their pre-Schism heritage remains Catholic. Though the teachings of the Philokalia are most readily applicable to Byzantine Catholics, Roman Catholics and Catholics of other rites may find it just as illuminative and enriching of their spiritual lives, if not at least deeply insightful of the spirituality of their Eastern brothers.

Volume 1 of the 5 volume set includes writings from the fourth century up to the eighth.

Translated by G. E. H. Palmer, Philip Sherrard, and Kallistos Ware.


Editorial Reviews

"This excellent English translation, which takes into account the latest scholarly research into the original works, represents a major 'gift' from the wise men of the East. The fluency of the literary style of this translation and the practical understanding which these writings reveal for the spiritual predicaments facing each Christian in every generation brings the book well within the range of the ordinary reader who seeks spiritual counsel. The complete Philokalia covers the period from the fourth to the fifteenth century. Volume One . . . takes us up to the eighth century and is thus the common heritage of Orthodox and Catholics." —Chrysostom

"[The Philokalia] has had a profound influence on the spiritual life of the Eastern churches.” —Theology Digest

“A treasure of insight, wisdom, and counsel. The translation is clear and readable.” —Library Journal

Customer Reviews

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J
Joseph A. Raborg
Great Ascetical Writing

I've read the first three volumes of the Philokalia. Volume one is the least abstruse of them. It has some excellent practical advice. Some stories about the temptations suffered by the Desert Fathers are very uplifting. All in all, this volume is excellent food for thought.