Looking for some books [Archive] - Monachos.net Discussion Community

Fr Seraphim (Black)

01-02-2006, 04:20 AM

The New Testament which I read and re-read and find it ever new.

The Psalter, essential.

And God's gift to me, 'Saint Silouan the Athonite', by Archimandrite Sophrony (Sakharov.)

I first read it in India in 1973. It was the original English translation, by Rosemary Edmonds, entitled 'The Undistorted Image' with an Introduction by the now reposed and blessed Metropolitan Anthony (Bloom) of Sourozh.

It was lent to me by the the Abbot of an Oriental Christian Monastery in India who had received it as a gift from Fr. Sophrony when they shared a guest room in Jerusalem.

I read it in one night. The photo of Staretz Silouan (canonized in 1988) was a living icon. From that evening his life forever changed mine.

Notable is the simple description of his last days, yet the profoundness of what is revealed in the dialogue between Fr. Sophrony and his Staretz, Silouan.

'Staretz, what is the matter?'
'I don't feel well.'
'What's wrong?'
'I don't know.'
He got up from the stool and sank heavily on his bed, leaning back against the wall, with his right hand propping himself up in a half-reclining position. Slowly straightening his neck, he lifted his head and an expression of suffering settled on his face.
I said, 'Staretz, are you going to die?'
'I HAVE NOT YET LEARNED HUMILITY,' was his reply.

I have been reading this book daily since 1973. When years later Fr. Sophrony showed me the original hand-written notes of Saint Silouan, they were as gold, as the luminous halo around the heads of our Saints on the Holy Icons, depicting Theosis and the Uncreated Light.

"It is a great good to give oneself over to the Divine will. Then the Lord alone occupies the soul. No thought can enter in, and the soul, undistracted, prays to God, and is full of love for God even though the body be suffering.
When the soul is entirely given over to the will of God, the Lord Himself takes her in hand, and the soul learns directly from God; whereas, before she turned to teachers and the Scriptures for instruction. But it rarely happens that the soul's Teacher is the Lord Himself through the grace of the Holy Spirit, and few there be that know of this, save only those who live according to God's will...No one on this earth can avoid affliction; and although the afflictions the Lord sends are not great, men imagine them beyond their strength and are upset by them. This is because they will not humble their souls and commit themselves to the will of God. But the Lord Himself guides with His grace them that are given over to God's will, and they bear all things with fortitude for the sake of God Whom they have so loved and with Whom they are glorified forever."

Sean Kealey

01-02-2006, 04:40 AM

Marc Guindon, I am curious as to what is wrong with Monk Damascene Christensen's biography of Seraphim Rose. At least the first edition.

Sean

Seraphim de'angelo

01-02-2006, 02:10 PM

Fr. Seraphim, Glory to Jesus Christ!.

You say And God's gift to me, 'Saint Silouan the Athonite', by Archimandrite Sophrony (Sakharov.)

I think I have that book. But my version is called "The Undistorted Image". Is that the same book?

Fr Seraphim (Black)

01-02-2006, 03:58 PM

Yes, as I mention in my post, it is the original English version, translated by the late Rosemary Edmonds, herself a great soul.

Another element of Father Sophrony's account of the last days of Staretz Silouan is Father Sophrony's remark, 'Staretz, are you going to die.'

Those who know the life of St. John Maximovitch, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco (+1966) will know that from the moment of taking monastic vows he never laid down to sleep. His asceticism was astounding. He reposed in his chair. The book of his life published by the Saint Herman Brotherhood in Platina, which is a composite of the Vita Prima by Father Seraphim (Rose) and the most wonderful miracles, is yet another worthy addition to any Orthodox library.

I had this book once but a nun in Romania whose love for St. John surpassed her knowledge of English borrowed the book and though I was many times at her Convent giving conferences, I have yet to see this book again.

As many Saints, the same was true of Saint Silouan. He never slept lying down, yet slept on a stool for one half hour to one hour out of twenty-four all his monastic life.
This prompted Father Sophrony's question, indeed the Staretz died a few days later.

This underlines what Fr. Raphael states in his post #905. Reading the lives of the Saints truly nourishes the soul.

I must confess that I am addicted to books. When I frequent the book stores in Oxford and Cambridge I practically faint from delirium.

I have always admired those monks and nuns whose cells contain a Bible, a Book of Prayers, their Prayer Rope and a few vestments. In this way they fly through the spiritual battle field, slaying the demons like St. George.
Wonderful is their zeal for Christ.

By the way again, I know a neuropathologist in Thessaloniki, Greece who sleeps only two hours out of twenty four. He is married, with children, teaches at the University and has a private practice. By the Providence of God and the Protection of the Mother of God he saved my life in 1985, other wise I would be long gone. It is not only monks and nuns who endeavour to crucify themselves to this world, it is the ascetical undertaking of the laity also.

Marc

02-02-2006, 12:43 AM

[Dear Sean, I did not like to say what I said about the book "Not of This World."

My statement was made because of the ending of the book which was, if my memory does not fail me, tending to say that because we are living in the end times we will find many bishops unfaithful and we must look for elders who have continued to display the charismatic gift of eldership and these should be our directors.

That ending for me appeared to have been written in light of the monastery's trials. You will notice that the new edition is a more complete account, including pictures, and in my opinion does not display the same negative aspects in the ending as the first edition. ] I enjoyed both books but would recommend the new edition because of this.

Let me state that I admire Fr. Seraphim's life very much and am happy that we in the States have had men like him who took up the faith in such a whole-souled fashion. I have not yet had the opportunity to visit the monastery but am hopeful to do so some day.

Perhaps others have a different opinion or a similar one and would like to express that. I am not debating my thought, only giving my opinion.

Yours in our Lord, Marc

Trudy

02-02-2006, 04:36 AM

Michelle,

I would recommend the following:

"Thirsting for God in a Land of Shallow Wells" by Matthew Gallatin. He is a philosophy professor who was Protestant and is now Orthodox. He takes a fair and balance approach of comparing Protestantism to Orthodoxy.

"The Faith" by Clark Carlton. He was Southern Baptist and brings a good and simple text to explain Orthodoxy. It is good read for someone who is very new to studying Orthodoxy from a Protestant background.

Humbly your servant,
Athanasia

Byron Jack Gaist

02-02-2006, 07:32 AM

Dear Fr Seraphim,

Bibliophilia should be a diagnosable disorder; book-lovers all over the world know and understand what I mean. That smell of fresh pages in a new book, or the worn appearance of a second-hand tome, both equally irresistible to the wallet! A world without books has to be a kind of nightmarish Kafkaesque dystopia. Nevertheless, there is probably a fine line between bibliophilia and bibliolatry, so there is, even in this tongue-in-cheek posting, a caution there! It is probably hard for introverted personalities to find a truer friend in this world than a good book; but obviously a sense of the presence of God and the angels and saints, closer to us than we are to ourselves, offers a much deeper friendship than even a good book can afford us!

In Christ
Byron

Fr Seraphim (Black)

02-02-2006, 08:11 AM

Dear Sean,

In response to your legitimate question regarding Hieromonk Damascene's labour of love in writing the life of Blessed Hieromonk Seraphim, I have this to say.

By the monastic obedience given to me I laboured on the Romanian translation of 'Not of This World.' I worked with the original and sole translator of this translation, Mrs. Gratia Lungu, of Iasi, Romania.

Mrs. Gratia Lungu worked for almost two years, amongst her other translations to bring this book into Romanian. Staretz Iustin (Pirov) of the Holy Monastery of the Holy Archangels, Petru Voda, Neamts Region, Romania asked me to help Mrs. Gratia Lungu.

We were in direct email contact with Father Damascene throughout this labour.

It was the express desire of the Brotherhood of St. Herman of Alaska, to republish a second edition, reasons for which are given in the second edition.

It is also the position of the Brotherhood that the first edition be not translated into other languages and though it is available, it has been superceded by the second edition.

I see no spiritual value in attempting to learn why Hieromonk Damascene and the Brotherhood chose to re-publish the book, which differs in certain sections.

Hieromonk Seraphim along with Hieromonk Herman built this Monastery. It has a unique and highly valued reputation in the Orthodox world, especially Romania, where there has been already a local canonization of Father Seraphim, including an Icon which you see in almost all monasteries and convents in Romania.

Fr Seraphim (Black)

02-02-2006, 05:04 PM

Dear Dr. Byron,

Thank you for the diagnosis, the prognosis though, I am told is irreversible.

Better read up on Luke 14:26, soon we will begin our journey.

By the way keep in mind the paradoxical nature of many of Christ's sayings. What appears as a contradiction is not necessarily so with the statements of Our Lord.

(By the way if it wasn't for the genius of Matthew's spell checker, I would be in even more serious trouble. Sometimes I have to correct my posts more than four times. Is this a result of reading too many books on Orthodoxy?)

Douglas R Gwinn

03-02-2006, 05:20 AM

Michelle,

I would reiterate Athanasia's plug for, "Thirsting for God in a Land of Shallow Wells" by Matthew Gallatin. A chanter at the Antiochan church in Post Falls, ID as well as a philosophy professor. In addition to his pilgrimmage, it goes over multiple aspects of Orthodoxy including liturgy, formal prayers, veneration of Mary, icons, etc that are often stumbling blocks for those of us coming out of a non-Orthodox Christian background. It's an easy read, understandable, thorough, accurate, not simplistic. I've read a ton of books since beginning investigating Orthodoxy last summer (now a Catechumen)--this has been the best and most helpful.

In terms of the Saints, I would highly recommend "Father Arseny." Awesome spell-binding book about a contemporary (1873-1973) Russian priest and art historian who spent nearly 20 years in a Communist death camp where few survived a year. Incredible miracles, incredible humility--a must read!

Lord have Mercy,

Doug

Seraphim de'angelo

03-02-2006, 04:45 PM

You say:

I see no spiritual value in attempting to learn why Hieromonk Damascene and the Brotherhood chose to re-publish the book, which differs in certain sections.

However we are admonished in the scriptures to:

"Prove all things: hold fast that which is good."
--1 Thessalonians 5:21 so that, if I may be so bold would be the 'spiritual value in seeking to discern the difference in the two editions.

I think that the book Seraphim Rose: The True Story and Private Letters (which is now difficult to find) would also be worth reading. It speaks of Fr. Seraphim's struggle with homosexuality and his overcoming it thru becoming a priest-monk. That (which is often 'covered up') is a tremendous encouragement and should be a testimony to the power of Christ and His Church.

Peace

Seraphim

Fr Seraphim (Black)

03-02-2006, 06:54 PM

The book by his niece 'The True Story and Private Letters' is available.

As for a Monastery's decision to republish 'Not of This World' that is the Monastery's absolute right.

We need a certain discernment in these matters and also respect.

If this matter is so important, then contact Hieromonk Damascene.

Seraphim de'angelo

03-02-2006, 07:49 PM

Actually, Regina Orthodox Press no longer carries it (I'm their webmaster) and it is out of print on Amazon & Barnes and Noble.

We need a certain discernment in these matters and also respect.

please enlighten this one as to where respect was not present...

Sean Kealey

03-02-2006, 09:34 PM

Seraphim Black, you are probably right about not going into the details of why the second addition is out. I read "Not of This World" and I am looking forward to reading the new version, though I see it is over 100 pages longer. That, to me, though, is great. Thanks for answering my post.

Sean

Marc

03-02-2006, 11:43 PM

Dear all,

Even though this note was not addressed to me, I think I will add a note here.

It seems that the topic which led to this discussion was to help a lady out with a few suggestions on Orthodox books. I made one with a caveat on the first edition. I stated I have read both editions entirely and I must add, with loving respect. I did not keep my copy of the first edition of Seraphim Rose's Life because I have the new one. From page, 1057 the author states a few reasons for a new edition. Among these are the following. I will quote them here because they demonstrate why I said I did not recommend the first edition.

This is not to belittle anyone, authors, monks, monasteries or those who have written here. I will just add that we should be able to look at a topic without taking some kind of offense or feel we need to defend someone we might *imagine* to have been slighted. In my case, I'll not say any more here on this topic after I append this quotation. In doing so, I prayerfully hope no one is or was offended.

"When addng new material, we have also omitted or changed sections in the earlier edition that were less than edifying, especially regarding personal disputes within the Church."

I do hope this is sufficient. Just read the book and enjoy it as a great testimony to God's work in America which has also gone beyond our shores.

Glory to Jesus Christ! Sincerely, Marc

Alec Lowly

04-02-2006, 01:48 AM

Seraphim de Angelo writes:

"I think that the book Seraphim Rose: The True Story and Private Letters (which is now difficult to find) would also be worth reading. It speaks of Fr. Seraphim's struggle with homosexuality and his overcoming it thru becoming a priest-monk. That (which is often 'covered up') is a tremendous encouragement and should be a testimony to the power of Christ and His Church."

I agree. One of the things that turns me off about traditional hagiographies is a sense I just cannot escape that the whole person is ~not~ present, just the holy bits. And I do not find this terribly helpful.

I would not recommend any biography of Father Seraphim, or any works from his pen, to an inquirer or to a new convert.

I read the more than 1,000 pages of "Father Seraphim Rose: His Life and Works" by Hieromonk Damascene (2003) and it left me feeling deeply ambivalent. I've also read several books that Father Seraphim wrote or edited. So much that was inspiring, yes -- but also so much that was troubling.

For instance, I've no idea what to believe about the toll houses. Father Seraphim puts this front and center in Orthodox eschatology -- but I am aware of and sensitive to the counter-arguments. I give up. So I don't affirm, I don't deny, I just shrug my shoulders and get on with the Christian life.

I'm also deeply troubled by Father Seraphim's fortress mentality. He leaves me feeing that there's no hope except to go off into the woods and await the parousia. This isn't a very helpful plan of action for a church that has no choice but to deal with a new century and new circumstances (the diaspora, the collapse of Communism, etc).

And, frankly, I'm not at all keen on apocalyptic personalities and apocalyptic agendas, whether it be Father Seraphim or the pentecostal preacher down the street.

The problem for Orthodoxy is not whether the end is at hand. If it is, then it is -- and we'll know soon enough. The problem for Orthodoxy is whether the end is ~not~ at hand -- and if it's not, then where do we go from there?

All I know is that it's not terribly helpful to decry as "apostate" or "renovationist" ot "heretical" views that appear to conflict with your own.

Forgive my ramblings, but these thoughts have been on my mind for a long time.

In XC,
Alec Lowly, sinner

Sean Kealey

05-02-2006, 09:54 PM

I, like Michelle, am a protestant looking into Orthodoxy, though it seems she may be further down the road than I. While I still have problems with many of the Orthodox practices and customs, for whatever reason, I still find it very...softening to read the lives of the saints. I have read more than a few lives of RC saints, and just having recently been reading Orthodox liturature, I was wondering if I could get some recommendations. I saw Seraphim's endorsement for St. Siluaon, and the more familiar names I have heard of are Tikhon, Seraphim of Serov, and of course those writers in the Philokalia. And as I said in an earlier post, I have read "Not of This World". Come to think of it, that is the only life I have read. Anything else has just been little snippets from off of the internet. Again, I really enjoy reading them because I have found that they soften my heart to many things, but especially some to the Orthodox practices my mind just can't get over on its own. Any recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Sean

Sean Kealey

05-02-2006, 10:28 PM

This is a post script to the message I just posted. Orhtodoxy seems to me to be, in a sense, nationalistic and I was curious if there were any Orthodox saints in Ireland. I am primarily Irish and I know that Ireland is a Catholic country, but I figured there may be orthodox there as well, seeing as how the U.S. is consitered a protestant country yet there are Orthodox saints that have come from here, e.g. father Herman (I think). I don't know if this needed to be posted in another section or not. Again, thanks for any recommendations on saints lives.

Sean

Olga

06-02-2006, 04:13 AM

Dear Sean

There are most certainly a huge number of saints of Ireland, and the other British isles, as well as from countries of Western Europe, who can be properly venerated by Orthodox! Briefly put, these would be saints who lived prior to the great schism with Rome in the eleventh century. Sts Patrick of Ireland, Columba of Iona, Alban the protomartyr of Britain, Genevieve of Paris, Boniface the archbishop of Maintz and enlightener of Germany, can all be venerated, and this is but a tiny selection. Much work was done to revive the Orthodox veneration of these saints of the West by the late Archbishop John (Maximovitch)(1896-1966), now known as St John of Shanghai and San Francisco after his canonisation in 1994. A wealth of biographical material, and many of his writings are readily available online, and well worth reading. St John is also known as the Apostle to the West, as he served as bishop or archbishop in Shanghai, Paris (with responsibility for the Orthodox churches of Holland and Belgium), and San Francisco, cities in lands not normally associated with Orthodoxy.

A couple of websites to get you started:

www.orthodoxengland.org.uk (http://www.orthodoxengland.org.uk)

www.saintjohnwonderworker.org (http://www.saintjohnwonderworker.org)

Doug Gwinn

06-02-2006, 06:43 AM

Sean,

I was so taken with "The Blessed Surgeon: The Life of Saint Luke," that I decided to take him as "my saint." This is Luke, Archbishop of Simferopol and the Crimea (1877-1961), a recent enough Saint that his icon was difficult to find. He was a priest and an accomplished surgeon who wrote a world famous classic work on the surgery of infected wounds. He was tortured by the Communists, refused to operate without an icon in his O.R., and was personally called back from exile by Stalin to do surgery for soldiers only he could do. Another amazing book, especially for anyone medical or interested in more modern confessors/martyrs.

Doug

Byron Jack Gaist

06-02-2006, 08:08 AM

Dear Sean and all,

I am an Orthodox lay person who has lived in the West and had some inevitable interaction with both Protestants and Catholics. So far in my own spiritual journey (and this is really not saying very far at all), I have come to feel respect for Christians of all three major traditions, as well as people of non-Christian and non-religious backgrounds. I sense that true Orthodoxy is a very mysterious thing indeed, and make the dangerous assertion here that perhaps in some ways a Hindu or a Jew may be more Orthodox than a RC or EO. Not necessarily because of the dogmas which they hold, which I believe are contained fully in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church which is for me exemplified in and identical with the Eastern Orthodox Church, but because of the truth of their life-paths. Perhaps I am being naive, or expressing myself in ways which are doubtlessly outside the boundaries of my wisdom and knowledge here; all I'm trying to say is that it seems to me there is only One Truth, and all philosophies and religions share in it to greater or lesser extents. In Orthodoxy we are taught that our faith is not a "religion" or a philosphical system; it is a Way of life, "the Way, the Truth and the Life" as revealed in the Person of Jesus Christ. Even an exhaustive catechism of the Orthodox Church will not describe that elusive ultimate Truth perfectly; even Church dogma cannot circumscribe this Truth, however foolish it would be for individual believers to try to do so by themselves. I think Fr Seraphim has referred to it on another thread as the "Inexpressible". The way we live our lives is also an indication of the extent to which we each share in and participate - or not - in this Truth, and that's why I say that, with all humility, the life of a Hindu or a Sufi may be Truer than that of a nominal "Orthodox Christian".

I hope none of what I say here is taken as presenting the Orthodox faith to newcomers. I am simply expressing some of my own thoughts from within the community of Orthodox Christians, but these are not representative of Church teaching, God forbid. It's just that a lot has been said on this and other threads regarding "others" and I am here expressing my wish and personal need to love and appreciate these others, and my joy in my faith being loved and appreciated by them.

Having said all that, I think a book about a modern saint's life which I personally found very inspiring was the one recommended earlier about the life of Fr Arseny in the Russian labour camp.

Like Alec, I also feel that the works of Fr Seraphim Rose may put some new inquirers off, not because they are not very worthwhile in themselves (I believe they are, and they do deal with some important modern themes), but precisely because there is an apocalyptic quality to them which can sound rather shrill to those coming from a non-Orthodox background.

In Christ
Byron

Fr Seraphim (Black)

06-02-2006, 03:39 PM

I was very pleased to see Doug Gwinn's mention of "The Blessed Surgeon: The Life of Saint Luke." While on pilgrimage to England in late October, early November a very good and dear friend, showed me a video (in Greek) on St. Luke. It was tremendously inspiring. It contains actual film footage of him, both in the operating room and in other ecclesial circumstances. I do not if the video is available in English, but even if you do not know Greek, it is worth watching.

Also, I am a little surprised no one has yet recommended that gem of Orthodoxy 'The Way of the Pilgrim.' This book is so wonderful, I personally know people who whether cradle Orthodox or non-Orthodox have been moved through reading it, to embrace Orthodoxy on a daily basis. For the cradle Orthodox it is a 'wake-up call' as it were, and for those new to Orthodoxy it is an extremely inspiring true account of a simple Russian peasant who in the latter part of the 1800's encounters a Staretz who answers his own personal question:

"...On the 24th Sunday after Pentecost I went to church to say my prayers there during the Liturgy. The first Epistle of St. Paul to the Thessalonians was being read, and among other words I heard these - 'Pray without ceasing.' It was this text, more than any other, which forced itself upon my mind, and I began to think how it was possible to pray without ceasing, since a man has to concern himself with other things also in order to make a living...I thought and thought but knew not what to make of it. 'What ought I to do?' I thought. 'Where shall I find someone to explain it to me...' Read on, dear readers, truly a wonderful pilgrimage!

Another set of contemporary lives of locally canonized Saints, is Archimandrite Cherubim (Karambelas') two volume set: 'Contemporary Ascetics of Mount Athos' published by the St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood Press.

These two volumes are a few of the texts which I have managed to salvage from the ravages of time and travel. Most of my library is still on the Holy Mountain and in Romania and England. The lives are all from the 20th century, are very human, full of humour and extremely inspiring.

Also, as an indirect advertisement, that those of us in the frozen north are doing our best despite frost bite, Alexander Press, out of Montreal, Quebec, has a wonderful series. Here you will find:

i) My Recollections of Papa Tykhon - by Priestmonk Agathanghelos (Kalaphatis) of Mount Athos. Monk Moses, also a contemporary author on the Holy Mountain, has this to say in the introduction: 'He was devoted to the Theotokos and was a worthy minister of the Most High God, the celebration of the Divine Liturgy being his particular delight...He used boards for a bed and patched garments as blankets. The wild mountain goats were his companions. He constantly shed tears over the wood of the Precious Cross which he kept in his hut. He dug his own grave with his bare hands, and with his every breath gave glory to God. He knew long beforehand the hour of his death. To this very day I have never forgotten his luminous, peaceful countenance.'

There are ten other volumes in the series, entitled 'Mount Athos.' Dr. John Hadjinicolaou, (the Publisher) has not only fervently embraced the bitter winter winds of Montreal (though Fr. Raphael may say Winnepeg is more of a podvig weather-wise), he is also a disciple of Archimandrite Vasileios, Abbot of Iveron Monastery on Mount Athos.

Many of the volumes are penned by Abbot Vasileios and are very inspiring.

If you have the time and possibility, I can not too strongly suggest taking Modern Greek courses. The wealth of material in Greek will make you faint. All you have to do is walk into 'To Perivoli tis Panagia' on a side street near Agia Sophia in Thessaloniki, to experience the inexpressible yet tangible touch of the Holy Spirit expressed through the Icons and books on display. (I usually have to be forced out of the store, by the owner Nick, because I keep asking him for one more 'evologia' since we originally met at Fr. Sophrony's monastery in the mid-seventies.)

Alas, the vow of poverty, how shall I ever reconcile myself to it...

Sean Kealey

06-02-2006, 06:15 PM

Thank you all so much. Fr Seraphim, it was "The Way of the Pilgrim" that started my looking into Orthodoxy. I hope Alexander Press has a web site, I am about to find out. Byron, I had read of Fr Arseny in the earlier posts, but then the debat insued as to wether or not all those accounts could actually be contributed to him so I'm a little leary there. Olga, again, thanks for the links. I look forward to reading up on St John. And Doug, thank you as well, Luke seems to be a common physician's name. Though I know nothing of those sciences, I look forward to reading about him. Thanks to all of you again.

Sean

Fr Seraphim (Black)

08-02-2006, 08:26 AM

When I first saw Michelle's request for 'some good basic books on the Church's belief and how they differ from other churches' I must confess to thinking 'where to start' as there exists such a wealth of books.

A remarkable and good introduction is Bishop Hilarion Alfeyev's "The Mystery of Faith".

To quote from the back cover notes: 'In the Mystery of the Faith Hilarion Alfeyev provides a personal commentary on the teaching of the Orthodox Church, its historical development and its relationship to the spiritual life. Drawing on ancient texts and contemporary sources, he combines a clear exposition of the central doctrines of God, the Trinity, creation, the Church, prayer and the sacraments with an exploration of their meaning for today.'

It also notes that as 'Bishop of Podolsk, (he) is head of the Moscow Patriarchate representation at the European Union in Brussels. He has studied under Bishop Kallistos Ware at Oxford University, lectured at the Moscow Theological Academy, and is the author of more than 150 scholarly publications.'

I had the joy and blessing to serve in the altar in the Liturgies following Palm Sunday 2003 with Bishop Hilarion, and to enjoy some long walks and cups of tea. He is a young, vibrant Bishop, with a remarkable mind.

Highly recommended.

Fr Seraphim (Black)

08-02-2006, 08:35 AM

Dear Sean,

I wonder what 'debate' your are referring to in your post #11, regarding the two volumes about Fr. Arseny. There is absolutely no need to be 'leary.' The two volumes are extremely inspiring and there is absolutely no reason to doubt the veracity of the accounts described therein.

Sean Kealey

08-02-2006, 06:56 PM

Seraphim Black, the debate which I am refering to is found in the "In Depth: Texts, Sources and Fathers" section uner "Specific Individuals", then "Arseny the Russian, 1893-1973". The first few people talk about how great the books testifying of him are then the question of him actually existing comes up. After that it is a question of wether or not all of those things can be attributed to him. So, I just thought I would stick with saints where such a question hasn't arisen for now.

Sean

Fr Seraphim (Black)

09-02-2006, 01:22 AM

Dear Sean,

You are certainly free vis a vis Fr. Arseny. For myself, I can't decide which volume is more wonderful. The books are written by his disciples and the accounts of his miracles are to anyone who has passed time living with people such as Fr. Arseny, completely believable.

While I was in Romania I lived at the Monastery of the Holy Archangels, Gabriel and Michael, its dedication is to the New Martyrs of Romania. The Spiritual Father of this particular monastery, Father Iustin (Pirov) spent 16 years in the camps in Romania, sometimes years of which were under the ground.

He went into the camps as a young priestmonk from Bistrita Monastery, the sole charge, being a priest and a monk. He does not often talk of those 16 years, but at certain moments he will, depending on your spiritual state, open up. His accounts are strikingly similiar to those of Fr. Arseny.

It does not take long, living in Romania, to realize that Capitalism has been more successful in wiping out belief in the Triune God than Communism. I was raised in the comfortable West where it is your business whether you go to Church or not. Imagine living in a state where for 45 years, the Priest could pronounce no homilies after the Gospel, catechism was forbidden, and to baptize your children was to lead to social condemnation.

I often think the best spiritual awakening for any Western convert to Orthodoxy is to live for six months to a year in any of the former Soviet countries. There you find Orthodoxy! Here we battle against accidie.

To quote from Father Sophrony (Sakharov): "The word accidie means etymologically,'lack of care'" - it is also translated as despondency or spiritual sloth (according to St. John Climacus this particular demon is a hermit's best friend!). Living as a hermit I have become very familiar with this guy, believe me.

I digress, to continue from Fr. Sophrony: "With few exceptions, all humanity is now living in the state of accidie. People have become indifferent about their salvation. They do not seek the divine life. They confine themselves to forms of life which appertain to the flesh, to everyday needs, to the passions of this world to mundane activities. God, though, created us out of nothing, in the image of the Absolute, and after His likeness. If this revelation is true, THEN THE ABSENCE OF CONCERN FOR SALVATION IS NOTHING ELSE THAN THE DEATH OF THE HUMAN PERSON." (Capitals are mine) From 'Words of Life', Archimandrite Sophrony (Sakharov), pg. 10.

It is very Roman Catholic, this way of thinking, to stick with just the canonized Saints. If you look around and are patient, you will encounter non-canonized Saints living at this very moment.

Sean Kealey

17-02-2006, 01:09 AM

O.K. I have another book question. First, thank you for all the suggestions on previous book questions, I have ordered many of them. I was curious if anyone could recommend a good book or website that covers St Gregory Palamas and his defense of Hesychasm. I have read the writings of his in the fourth volume of the Philokalia, but I was curious if there is anything that deals more with the history of the issue as far as what was going on, who he was defending the practices to and why, etc. Thank you all.

Sean

Hieromonk Ambrose

25-02-2006, 03:35 PM

Dear Sean,

You will find a lot of information on this pelagia site which you could print off and read when convenient, at least the sections which interest you. I find I am too old to adjust to reading lengthy pieces of material on the monitor and have pages and pages of printed material strewn around my cottage.

[Link] (http://www.pelagia.org/htm/b16.en.saint_gregory_palamas_as_a_hagiorite.00.htm )

Also,there is Fr John Meyendorff's book "Saint Gregory Palamas and Orthodox Spirituality.

Also, one of my favourites is a monograph on Saint Gregory Palamas and Hesychasm written by Archbishop Basil Krivosheine when he was archbishop of Brussels. This was published in the mid 1950s as a supplement to an Anglican-Orthodox journal "Eastern Churches Quarterly." It may be hard to track down these days but any large library or seminary library with a set of the ECQ should be able to locate it for you. Archbishop Basil has a uniquely beautiful writing style. My first encounter with this work was as a young man in the mid 60s when I was, briefly, an aspirant for the monastic life at Tolleshunt Knights.

Dear Fr Seraphim, I have just been reading your posts and am delighted to read that you have a connection with Fr Sophrony's community. Such a small world. Not so delighted of course to read of your poor health and I assure you of my prayers and ask for yours for me since life is dominated by a cardiac problem. Let me be a small crumb on your diskos this coming Sunday.

(Message edited by admin on 25 February, 2006)

Sean Kealey

25-02-2006, 09:49 PM

Hieromonk Ambrose,

I must tell you that I am glad to hear Fr Meyendorff's book recommended. I had not gotten a response on my post about Palamas and so after a few days I went serching on amazon.com for a book about him and his debate with Barlaam and came across that one. I ordered it and it just arrived a couple days ago. I look forward to reading it.

Also, there is a catholic book store near me that, off in a corner, they have an orthodox section. In it I found two of Metroplotian Heirotheos' works; "A night in the desert of the Holy Mountain..." and " The illness and cure of the soul in the Orthodox Tradition". I mention those because I saw they were on the palagios site. I look forward to reading other works that are on there.

Thank you for taking the time to respond and recommend such great liturature.

Sean

Gilbert Gandenberger

26-02-2006, 06:11 AM

There are now two volumes of St Gregory Palamas' homilies recently translated by Christopher Veniamin. Publisher is Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press. Excellent translations, third volume should be out by the end of 2006. Also, he is translating homilies on Mary the Mother of God, should be out now, from Mt Thabor Publishing. I haven't looked for that yet, but will soon.

Not a lot out on St. Gregory, his Triads in an abridged version was published some time ago, with intro by Fr. Meyendorf, by Paulist Press - I try to read this every other Lent or so.

Hope this helps, I got the Triads thru a Roman Catholic bookstore many years ago, haven't seen on Amazon, don't know if it's currently in publication. The homilies volumes 1 & 2 have been available thru St Thikhon and I've seen them on the Light and Life site. Sounds like you've gotten already his debate w/Barlaam - I just stumbled across that on Amazon a month ago or so, haven't ordered yet but will be soon.

Hope this helps! Good stuff, Triads in particular are challenging the first ten or so times thru!

Sean Kealey

26-02-2006, 11:03 PM

Thank you, Gilbert. I will look into getting his homilies and also Triads. The further I treak into the spirituality of Orthodoxy, the more nessecity I see in needing to read Palamas' works. Thanks for the recommendations.

Sean

Gilbert Gandenberger

27-02-2006, 02:36 AM

St Gregory pretty well capped off the development of the key theological issues, Trinity, Incarnation, Deification. Foundational to understanding him is Dionysius the Areopagite and St John of Damascus; after them of course St Symeon & St Maximus. St Gregory is challenging reading, because he ties together so well the practice of deep spirituality with very high level theological insight. My favorite of the patristic period by far.

Fr Seraphim (Black)

28-02-2006, 05:47 AM

It is rather amazing to witness how these 'threads', 'morph' along the way; (please forgive the modern terminology).

Christopher Veniamin is an old friend of mine, from our days, washing up the dishes, at Tolleshunt Knights.

Dear Fr. Ambrose,

I am an unworthy schemamonk, not a priest, but I am grateful for your prayers, and please rest assured that you are also in my prayers.

Returning to books...for myself personally...what is there to say? Have I put the simple Gospel precepts into practice?

When we move so far away from the original posting, regarding books as an introduction into Orthodoxy, and suddenly, we find ourselves talking about St. Gregory Palamas...

Why stop there? St. Symeon the New Theologian...St. Maximus the Confessor...Father Cleopas of Sihastria Monastery in Romania...Fathers and Mothers who are alive this very moment - Parinte Raphael (Noica) of Tolleshunt Knights, now living as a hermit in Romania, Archimandrite Zachariah, whose book, in English, 'Christ, Our Way and Our Life, a Presentation of the Theology of Archimandrite Sophrony,' also of the Monastery of St. John the Baptist, Essex...

Let us return to our source. The life-giving Spring of the New Testament. Is not the rest, an exegesis on the words of Christ?

As we approach the Holy and Great Fast, in our Monasteries and Convents, the reading at trapeza is St. John Climacus, but in the Church our readings are the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah and the entire Four Gospels. We also read the entire Psalter twice per week.

These are our readings now. Simplify... let us be attentive, let us stand up, let us pay heed...

"The reading is..."

Sean Kealey

28-02-2006, 04:00 PM

Seraphim, please forgive my "morphing" of this thread. I thought the thread title, Looking for some books..., meant I should post my similar question under it. Good call with the New Testament.

Sean

M.C. Steenberg

02-03-2006, 08:34 PM

Sean wrote:

Seraphim, please forgive my "morphing" of this thread. I thought the thread title, Looking for some books..., meant I should post my similar question under it.

Of course you are quite right! The thread is for seeking out help in finding books. It is by no means whatever restricted to the books initially requested at its beginning.

Threads 'morph' all the time -- part of the medium. But here it's hardly the case at all: you are right on track.

INXC, Matthew

Fr Seraphim (Black)

10-03-2006, 09:01 PM

Dear Community Members,

It is with great sadness, that I must report two books which should NOT be on your reading list.

I say, with great sadness, because these books, published, without the blessing of Bishop Seraphim, Ruling Bishop of the Archdiocese of Canada (O.C.A) are not only sold over the internet, but at the actual bookshop of the Cathedral of the Annunciation/St. Nichoas, in Ottawa, Canada.

They are written, (in one case co-authored) by Rev. Symeon Rodger, assistant priest of this parish.

Their respective titles are: "5 Pillars of Life" - by Rev. Symeon Rodger, and "Wake Up...Live the Life You Love" (this, co-authored).

They are based on (to quote Rev. Symeon Rodger) 'decades of personal research in the Eastern Orthodox Christian mystical tradition, the Mahayana Buddhism of Tibet and the Complete Reality School of Taoism...methods that have proved themselves effective for at least ten centuries while studying Oriental Martial Arts over the past 30 years...HARA...its origins are in the Far East...'

'...Symeon Rodger has worked within a large organization...' (CSIS - the Canadian Spy Agency; the equivalent of the Securitatae in Romainia and the KGB in former Soviet Russia etc,) - (in brackets..CSIS et al...are mine.)

Rev. Symeon Rodger is an instructor in Qi Gong and a Stress Relief Coach.

Sadly, he is also a Priest of the O.C.A.

I post this at the end of the First Week of Great Lent, a week of ascetic effort, fasting, beautiful Services, two Presanctified Liturgies and the ever-glorious Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete.

As an aside, does anyone see in these services a mention of a stress-free existence? Of course, it depends on the definition of stress.

But ascetic alertness, 'standing steadfast', in my opinion hardly have anything to do with Taoism, Qi Gong or the atheisim of Mahayana Buddhism (despite the very rigorous asceticism found therein).

Also, in conversation with Bishop Seraphim, one wonders where Rev. Symeon Rodger received this blesssing.

The books are not published by an ecclesiastical publication house.

They are DEEPLY HERETICAL. It is a shame that a Priest of the O.C.A has taken it upon himself to publish these books, without the blessing of his Bishop.

Alec Lowly

11-03-2006, 01:38 AM

"They are based on (to quote Rev. Symeon Rodger) 'decades of personal research in the Eastern Orthodox Christian mystical tradition, the Mahayana Buddhism of Tibet and the Complete Reality School of Taoism...methods that have proved themselves effective for at least ten centuries while studying Oriental Martial Arts over the past 30 years...HARA...its origins are in the Far East...' "

Good grief. Thank you, Father Seraphim, for speaking up.

Timothy Richardson

11-03-2006, 04:00 PM

Does anyone have recommendations on books covering the iconoclast movement of eighth century byzantium?

Fr Raphael Vereshack

11-03-2006, 05:04 PM

Read the works of St John of Damascus- On the Divine Images; and St Theodore the Studite- On the Holy Icons. Both are available from SVS Press.

An explanatory work that we used in seminary was Jaroslav Pelikan's The Spirit of Eastern Christendom 600- 1700. (This is Vol 3 from his Christian Tradition series). Look in chap. 3 "Images of the Invisible." It's been a long time since I have looked at this. If there are any problems with this text that others know about perhaps they could post this.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

Fr Seraphim (Black)

14-04-2006, 08:34 PM

Dear Community Members,

I ask your prayers, since now I am under severe attack due to my post # 100. Thanks to Alec and others who have written to me in support.

Having warned the faithful of two books, one co-authored and the other written soley by Priest Symeon Rodger, Assistant Priest of the Cathedral of the Annunciation, Ottawa, under the Omophorion of His Grace, Bishop Seraphim, (Orthodox Church in America), I find myself slandered and accused (which is fine by me, but the books remain herectical).

If one remains silent, one is accused, if one dares to open one's mouth and defend Holy Orthodoxy; accusation, slander, threats, mis-interpretation and a host of 'flying objects' come one's way.

Tomorrow is Lazarus Saturday, following which is the Vigil of Palm Sunday. God blessed me to be born on Palm Sunday and further bent down to bless me with the grace of monasticism on the Vigil of Palm Sunday.

Hosanna in the Highest!

Stephanos

14-04-2006, 11:36 PM

I would like to add the following titles which have been of substantial help to me not only in making my comeback to Christianity but also in discovering Orthodoxy:

1. General introduction (these books are not written by Orthodox authors and some Monachos members will no doubt consider them "heretical" and perhaps even "dangerous". Just the same, I have derived from them many benefits):

- Smoley, Richard "Inner Christianity. A Guide to the Esoteric Tradition", Shambhala, 2002.

- Needleman, Jacob "Lost Christianity. A Journey of Rediscovery to the Centre of Christian Experience",
Element, 1993.

- "The Fullness of God. Frithjof Schuon on Christianity",
edited by James S. Cutsinger, World Wisdom, 2004.

- Nicoll, Maurice "The New Man. An Interpretation of Some Parables and Miracles of Christ", Vincent Stuart, 1961.

- Nicoll, Maurice "The Mark", Vincent Stuart, 1965.

(Nicoll's books can be difficult to find.)

- Perry, Whitall N. "A Treasury of Traditional Wisdom", Fons Vitae, 2000.

- "Paths of the Heart. Sufism and the Christian East", edited by James S. Cutsinger, World Wisdom, 2004.

2. Orthodox Christianity:

- Clement, Olivier "The Roots of Christian Mysticism. Texts from the Patristic Era with Commentary", New City Press, 1993 (an absolute gem!)

- Pseudo-Dionysius [i.e., St. Dionysius the Areopagite] "The Complete Works", series: The Classics of Western Spirituality, Paulist Press, 1987.

- "The Book of Mystical Chapters. Meditations on the Soul's Ascent from the Desert Fathers and Other Early Christian Contemplatives", translated and introduced by John Anthony McGuckin, Shambhala, 2003.

- Moschos, John "The Spiritual Meadow (Pratum Spirituale)", Cistercian Publications, 1993 (a charming collection of edifying tales written c. 600 AD by a Syrian itinerary monk).

3. Ascetic practice:

- John Climacus "The Ladder of Divine Ascent", series: The Classics of Western Spirituality, Paulist Press, 1982.

- "Unseen Warfare", as edited by Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain and revised by Theophan the Recluse, St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1987.

4. Prayer:

- Bloom, Anthony "Beginning to Pray", Paulist Press, 1970.

- Archimandrite Hierotheos Vlachos "A Night in the Desert of the Holy Mountain", Birth of Theotokos Monastery, 1991.

- "The Art of Prayer. An Orthodox Anthology", compiled by Igumen Chariton of Valamo, Faber and Faber, 1997.

Finally, a three-volume work by Boris Mouravieff called "Gnosis. Study and Commentaries on the Esoteric Tradition of Eastern Orthodoxy" which is not really for beginners.

Best regards,

Mariusz Wesolowski

Fr Seraphim (Black)

14-04-2006, 11:49 PM

I have learned that Father Thomas Hopko, Archbishop Lazarus (Paulo) and many other Priests and those in a position of authority within our Church, (which I certainly do not hold), have telephoned Bishop Seraphim, Priest Jillions (Head Priest of the Cathedral), even Symeon Rodger (who tends to hang up the phone) and in the case of Fr. Thomas, have actually written a systematic review of Symeon Rodger's plani.

One person from Western Canada phoned Symeon Rodger and said that to protect her family, she burned his book. There was no reply from him to her statement.

That such an occurrence should happen by the hand of the Assistant Priest of our beloved Vladika's Cathedral, and be both written and published without Vladika's blessing; is this not Mr. D. having a jolly good time?

Amazing things occur during the Great and Holy Fast. In my experience this is certainly one of the most heart breaking.

That I am being dragged through the mud, is a good thing. That I am being threatened...all things pass.

I believe in Jesus Christ. I am not ashamed of this.

The many emails which now flood my account with threats and abuse because I believe that a Child was born of a Virgin and that ONLY through His Light is true Theosis possible, I will live and die for this faith.

Set me on fire, burn down my dwelling. Jesus Christ of Nazareth, born of the Virgin Mary, Second Person of the Holy Trinity, incarnate for the salvation of all peoples, is my life, the beating of my heart.

Fr Seraphim (Black)

15-04-2006, 12:11 AM

Dear Mariuz,

I unfortunately do not have the strength to give a full reason why I find the totality of your list, strictly under "1. General introduction..." as totally inappropriate for this list.

May Christ be thanked that somehow you found your way (by His grace, by the way) through the intellectual plani of Jacob Needleman, Frithjof Schoun, James Cutsinger, Maurice Nicoll, and the publishing house of Fons Vitae, founded by Sheik Frithjof Schoun (you can purchase porcelin and plastic images in three dimensions of his face from Fons Vitae).

From 2 to 4 you get full marks, excellent choices and soul saving works.

It is by the prayers of the Theotokos and the Grace of the Holy Trinity that you have been delivered from the frightful darkness of Sheik Frithjof's tariqya.

Stephanos

15-04-2006, 03:10 AM

Dear Fr Seraphim,

Did not Jesus say that it is not what goes into a man that defiles him but rather that which comes out of him? This applies not only to our mouths but also to our minds. Therefore one can read the "right" books and draw wrong conclusions from them (how many people have been led astray by their interpretations of the Holy Scriptures themselves?), or one can read the "wrong" books and find in them good things.

Also, there is no such thing as complete darkness; it always contains an infinitesimal portion of light. In the same fashion, nobody is always right or always wrong. I do not agree with the cult of Frithjof Schuon but it would be absurd to deny any intellectual or spiritual value to his writings. Let me quote again Jesus Christ who said that "who is not against us is with us". In our ignorant times the greatest enemy of faith is secular humanism, and the Traditionalist thinkers (Guenon, Schuon, Lings, etc.) indeed fight a good fight against it. We should not willingly discard such valuable allies, even though their truth is incomplete.

Best regards,

Mariusz

Aleksandar Zatezalo

15-04-2006, 10:33 AM

Dear Father Seraphim, I wish you strength to maintain your Right Struggle for the True Orthodoxy.
Nevertheless, I need to say that I find some similarity between threats and abuse and burning books "to protect family". Fear always enslaves, and true love frees us to find portions of truth in every book.

I would like to underline one question. Where is border that orthodox people should put in their own athletic workout or practicing marshal arts? Are we forbidden to practice Traditional Chinese Medicine because it has roots in philosophical dualism (yin-yang) or learning of five elements?

Ken McRae

15-04-2006, 06:02 PM

I'm looking for some good basic books on the Church's beliefs ...

While the following five recommendations don't quite fit the description of "basic", they are, nonetheless, great resource materials for any serious study and enquiry into the nature of Orthodox belief and praxis. They are essential additions to any and all private home libraries.

Five Recommendations:-

01 - The Law of God (http://www.skete.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=1156&Category_ID=14)

02 - The Heart of Orthodox Mystery (http://www.reginaorthodoxpress.com/heoformyn.html)

03 - Byzantine Theology - Historical Trends and Doctrinal Themes (http://fordhampress.com/detail.html?id=0823209679)

04 - The Complete Book of Orthodoxy (http://store.yahoo.com/reginaorthodoxpress/combookofor.html)

05 - The Path of Salvation (http://www.orthodoxpress.org/catalog/s_life.htm)

(Message edited by theophilus on 15 April, 2006)

Ken McRae

15-04-2006, 11:03 PM

I still find it very...softening to read the lives of the saints. I have read more than a few lives of RC saints, and just having recently been reading Orthodox liturature, I was wondering if I could get some recommendations. I saw Seraphim's endorsement for St. Siluaon, and the more familiar names I have heard of are Tikhon, Seraphim of Serov, and of course those writers in the Philokalia.

Hello Sean ~

The following is a lengthy list of recommendations that I consider essential additions to your library; some of which are currently out-of-print but still available in the 'used-book' market. They may be reprinted in the future, or they may not. Personally, I don't wait around for reprints, if I want it bad enough and can get a 'second-hand' copy immediately, for a reasonable price! Secondly, some persons may object to some of these recommendations for "justified" reasons, (such as the work on Father Gerasim, for example,) but as I'm unaware of any better treatments of his life, I feel "justified" in recommending that which is available, despite its defects. So, read with discretion and and consult with the priests in this forum, who will keep you on the right track, I'm sure.

With regard to Saint Seraphim, there are many biographies of his life, most of which I own; so I've recommended what I judge, (as an outsider,) to be the two best current selections. They are the most thorough or complete treatments, in the English language, as far as I can tell. Though I have not made any recommendations on Sts. Silouan and Tikhon, you would do well to read every available thing about them, and by them, without question. I am presuming it's St. Tikhon of Zadonsk you're referring to, but there is another St. Tikhon, from Kaluga. You will find an icon of him on page 92 of 'Father Gerasim of New Valaam', labouring inside a hollowed out giant oak tree. (I think it's oak, but I might be wrong.) A truly awe-inspiring athlete for Christ! The icon pictured in the book is one I would very much like to own.

I am not quite sure who you mean by "the writers in the Philokalia", but I suspect you're probably referring to the likes of Sts. Maximus the Confessor, Symeon the New Theologian, and Gregory Palamas. Study of their lives and writings is also a given, without question. However, there are other great Orthodox saints connected with the Philokalia that are equally important, (in my "outsider" mentality,) though more to its living preservation and transmission down to our own contemporary times; such as Sts. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain and Paisius Velichkovksy, to name but two, as well as the long line of Optina staretz that have descended from St. Paisius. So I recommend them as well; in fact, you would do very well to study every available thing on or by the elders of Optina and Valaam.

One final word, though: Not everything on my hit list is a spiritual biography; some are on it as complimentary to, and supportive of those bio's I have pointed out for consideration. The first two recommendations (at the top of my list) are recommended as sort of providing an introduction to, and a correct mental orientation for the study of spiritual hagiography. While it sounds as you already have a right orientation, it'll profit you nontheless to study these two works in question. Now, in closing, may the Good Lord abundantly bless your search for the "wholeness" and "fullness" of the Truth, that is, Christ Our Lord!

Thirty Six Recommendations:-

01 - The Saint: Archetype of Orthodoxy (http://www.stspress.com/detail.aspx?ID=791)

02 - The Acquisition of the Holy Spirit in Ancient Russia (http://www.bookfinder4u.com/IsbnSearch.aspx?isbn=0938635263&mode=direct). And Option Two (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0938635263/ref=dp_olp_3/104-5513609-2744700?%5Fencoding=UTF8).

03 - One of the Ancients: The Life and Labours of Elder Gabriel, a Man of Prayer (http://www.dormitionbooks.com/livesofsaintsindividuals.html). A truly inspiring work that brought tears to my eyes! I will post an excerpt of it latter, God willing. Elder Gabriel began his monastic vocation under the direct guidance of the Great Optina Elder, Saint Ambrose.

04 - ELDER BASIL OF POIANA MARULUI - Spiritual Father of St. Paisy Velichkovsky (http://stnectariospress.com/catalog/lives_i.htm), 192pp. Cloth $15.00

05 - THE LIFE OF PAISIJ VELYCHOVS'KY (http://stnectariospress.com/catalog/lives_i.htm), 272pp. Cloth $19.00

06 - BLESSED PAISIUS VELICHKOVKSY (http://stnectariospress.com/catalog/lives_i.htm), 299pp. Paper $17.00

07 - The Optina Elder Series (http://www.sainthermanpress.com/catalog/chapter_six/index.htm). Definitely purchase the entire series, and prayerfully study every volume!!!

08 - THE LIFE OF THE ELDER MOSES OF OPTINA (http://stnectariospress.com/catalog/lives_i.htm), 396pp Paper, Illstrated. $14.50 (This volume, and the two that follow it on this list, are independent works, not belonging to the Optina Series, by the St. Herman Brotherhood.)

09 - STARETZ AMVROSY: Model for Dostoevesky's Zossima (http://www.stnectariospress.com/lives_i.htm), 176pp. Cloth

10 - ELDER JOSEPH OF OPTINA (http://www.stnectariospress.com/lives_i.htm), 312pp. Paper $12.00

11 - Reminiscences: Recollections about Elder Nektary of Optina (http://www.dormitionbooks.com/livesofsaintsindividuals.html). Personal Recollections by a Spiritual Daughter of St. Nektary, 48 pp. Paper $4.00

12 - Living without Hypocrisy: Spiritual Counsels of the Elders of Optina (http://www.archangelsbooks.com/proddetail.asp?prod=HTROPTINA-01)

13 - A COLLECTION OF LETTERS TO NUNS: Profitable Instructions for Laymen and Monastics by St. Anatoly of Optina (http://www.orthodoxpress.org/catalog/s_life.htm)

14 - Russian Letters of Spiritual Direction: 1834-1860 - by St. Macarius of Optina (http://www.orthodoxpress.org/catalog/s_life.htm). And Option Two (http://www.skete.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=300&Category_ID=14).

15 - St. Seraphim of Sarov - A Spiritual Biography (http://www.bookfinder4u.com/IsbnSearch.aspx?isbn=1880364131&mode=direct). Look here for a photo of The Front Cover (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1880364131/104-5513609-2744700?v=glance&n=283155).

16 - Saint Seraphim - Wonderworker of Sarov and His Spiritual Inheritance (http://www.stherman.com/catalog/chapter_five/seraphim_book.htm)

17 - Seraphim's Seraphim: The Life of Pelagia Ivanovna Serebrenikova, Fool for Christ's Sake (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0913026085/104-5513609-2744700?v=glance&n=283155). She was the Spiritual Daughter of St. Seraphim of Sarov.

18 - BLESSED ATHANASIA and the Desert Ideal (http://www.bookfinder4u.com/IsbnSearch.aspx?isbn=0938635409&mode=direct). Another of St. Seraphim of Sarov's Spiritual Progeny. Second Edition, 109pp. Illustrated

19 - Fr. Seraphim Rose's Edition of 'Vita Patrum: The Life of the Fathers' (http://www.bookfinder4u.com/IsbnSearch.aspx?isbn=0938635239&mode=direct). Recommended for Father Seraphim's lengthy Introduction, which alone is worth the price of the work, in my humble opinion!

20 - LIFE OF THE FATHERS (http://www.orthodoxpress.org/catalog/lives_g.htm). Translated by Edwards James - The VITA PATRUM, a collection of 20 lives of saints of the church of Cleremont and Gaul.

21 - The Egyptian Desert in the Irish Bogs: The Byzantine Character of Early Celtic Monasticism (http://eighthdaybooks.com/cgi-bin/ccp51/cp-app.cgi?usr=51H7556470&rnd=4373048&rrc=N&affl=&cip=72.142.35.253&act=&aff=&pg=prod&ref=AP-65371&cat=&catstr=)

22 - The Northern Thebaid: Monastic Saints of the Russian North (http://www.sainthermanpress.com/catalog/chapter_five/North_Theb_book.htm). And Option Two (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0938635379/qid=1145057515/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-5513609-2744700?s=books&v=glance&n=283155).

23 - Elder Melchizedek Hermit of the Roslavl Forest (http://www.dormitionbooks.com/livesofsaintsindividuals.html), 70 pp. HER1323 $7.00

24 - ELDER ZOSIMA Hesychast of Siberia (http://stnectariospress.com/catalog/lives_i.htm), 287pp. Paper $10.00

25 - MARIA OF OLONETS, Desert Dweller of the Northern Forests (http://stnectariospress.com/catalog/lives_i.htm), 124pp. Paper - $9.00

26 - Konevitsa and Northern Paradise (http://www.skete.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=1494&Category_ID=9)

27 - Interior Silence: Elder Michael, the Last Great Mystic of Valaam (http://www.bookfinder4u.com/IsbnSearch.aspx?isbn=0938635247&mode=direct). And Option Two (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0938635247/104-5513609-2744700?v=glance&n=283155).

28 - Little Russian Philokalia, Vol. 2: Abbot Nazarius of Valaam - Spiritual Counsels (http://www.sainthermanpress.com/catalog/chapter_four/LRP2_book.htm)

29 - Little Russian Philokalia, Volume III: A Treasury of Saint Herman's Spirituality (https://secure4.visionsweb.com/loomebooks/Store2.cfm?Ste=51&Cat=56). 200pp. Illustrated. Soft-cover. See Book #EC840 - Price: $20.00. [Another great work that brought tears to my eyes!]

30 - Father Herman: Alaska's Saint (http://www.sainthermanpress.com/catalog/chapter_ten/golder_book.htm)

31 - Father Gerasim of New Valaam (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0938635298/qid=1145121180/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3/104-5513609-2744700?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)

32 - New Valaam at Monks' Lagoon (http://www.bookfinder4u.com/IsbnSearch.aspx?isbn=1887904018&mode=direct)

33 - Father Gerasim, Guardian of St. Herman of Alaska (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000730EYM/qid=1145121674/sr=1-4/ref=sr_1_4/104-5513609-2744700?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)

34 - Abba Gerasim and His Letters to His Brotherhood (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0938635824/qid=1145121541/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-5513609-2744700?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)

35 - Blessed John the Wonderworker (http://www.dormitionbooks.com/livesofsaintsindividuals.html). Includes numerous source materials on the Life of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, a pictorial biography and one hundred personal testimonies of his sanctity. 478 pp. $24.00

36 - MAN OF GOD: SAINT JOHN OF SHANGHAI & SAN FRANCISCO (http://stnectariospress.com/catalog/lives_i.htm), 270pp. Paper $12.00

[* Dormition Books Prices are in Canadian funds.]

(Message edited by theophilus on 17 April, 2006)

Fr Seraphim (Black)

15-04-2006, 11:48 PM

Dear Mariusz,

I am probably wasting my time, because this prelest is very hard to remedy. But I will try nevertheless.

I am glad you quote from our Lord. Yet you fall into the same mistake that you have outlined in your first paragraph. "...how many people have been led astray by their interpretation of the Holy Scriptures themselves?"

This is exactly what you have done by misinterpreting Christ's admonition 'who is not against us is with us'.

You proceed to say that in 'our ignorant times...the Traditionalist thinkers (Guenon, Schuon, Lings, etc.)...We should not willingly discard such valuable allies...'

The entire school of Philosophia perennis, the exoteric/esoteric underpinning, the metaphysical convergence of all orthodox religions - this is not new, nor unique to Guenon or Schuon, it has been around long before we were born. But they are not allies of Orthodox Christianity and they are certainly not allies of Christ.

Show me exactly where Christ expresses what Schoun expounds in 'The Transcendent Unity of Religions'?

These people and the theories they pronounce are a very comfortable place to inhabit. It permits one to hang out with Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Native American Indians and feel no conflict, because, afterall, according to this school of Philosophia perennis, though we are dressed differently, and though our Scriptures if understood only exoterically, we are afterall one and the same.

Be assured you are certainly not the first to come to Orthodoxy via this route. Sadly, I have personally met only one person who became in his heart Orthodox after having spent time with these 'allies'.

Bishop Kallistos (Ware) was sadly duped into attending their conference (papers of which are published in 'Paths to the Heart: Sufism and the Christian East'). This book is a travesty and I know that Bishop Kallistos is very disheartened that he was not warned about the true nature of this conference beforehand.

Simply put, as we know from our Fathers, Pride is the greatest passion, and intellectual pride is the most subtle and difficult to divest oneself of.

Is Schoun intellectually brillant? Certainly. Is Titus Burckhart not astute? Yes. But both are victims of this very subtle temptation - intellectual pride. (This is why people in general, by the way, are so hesitant vis a vis mental illness.)

Our Lord said we must be born again, that unto babes is revealed the Truth, that blessed are the poor in spirit...and I could go on.

I do not 'hate' persons of other Faiths. But I do not follow them.

I have a close friend, a former Lutheran minister, who went to Tehran in the early Seventies to study with Seyyed Hossein Nasr. My friend felt he had insufficient 'food' to give his parishoners within the Lutheran denomination. He came across some books by Nasr, Schoun, Lings etc., and felt that perhaps this would help him. Incredibly, he learned Farsi fluently, went to Tehran, yet when he asked Seyyed Nasr, to actually enter beyond the 'beginner' stage (of attending lectures and reading books) Seyyed Nasr told him clearly, that to enter deeper, he must become Muslim.

For my friend this was impossible, and he left Iran. Shortly afterwards the Ayatollah arrived and threw them all out of Iran.

There is in this school a total misunderstanding of Logos. The artificial 'escape route' of exoterism and esoterism is certainly clever, but incorrect.

Naturally, you are free. Free to disagree with me, free to be an Orthodox Christian with the understanding that all religions metaphyically converge.

The full moon reflects equally in five seperate buckets.

This does not mean that the 'true' esoteric understanding of a Faith, and the choosing of one 'orthodoxy' with their misunderstanding and very dangerous understanding regarding the Logos are correct or compatible with Orthodox Christianity.

Philosophia perennis and their advocates are not allies of Christ. It is plani, prelest, delusion - a very deep and difficult temptation.

May the Mother of God, and all Christs' Saints, especially the Martyrs (those who gave their blood for Christ) save you from this delusion.

Stephanos

16-04-2006, 12:08 AM

Dear Fr Seraphim,

I am afraid you did not understand my posting. I never said that I believed in the transcendent unity of religions. All I said was that there are SOME good things in the Traditionalist literature. If you don't agree with this reasonable assumption, then I am sorry.

I also do not agree with the self-righteous mentality you seem to champion. Being an Orthodox does not make anybody automatically perfect. There is no humility in such an attitude. The Muslims have a saying, "But God knows best." We should follow them in this respect.

Best regards,

Mariusz

Fr Seraphim (Black)

16-04-2006, 04:22 AM

Dear Mariusz,

Perhaps, you should re-read your own posting...some mention of quoting Christ 'who is not against us is with us', another mention of allies to be found in the Philosophia perennis school.

In my response did I say that 'Being an Orthodox (makes someone) automatically perfect'?

Be fair.

If you sincerely feel that I have demonstrated a 'self-righteous mentality' which I am championing - then you have mis-read my post and unfairly passed judgement.

In fact, sadly, you give the impression that you did not really read my post, nor considered or took the time to contemplate what I attempted to underline.

There is no value in the 'spirituality' of Schuon et al., this is not my opinion, it is evidenced by the Doctrine of the Orthodox Church.

One can not straddle the fence. You are either with Christ or not - that is your personal decision.

As for humility, Christ is humility incarnate.

Furthermore, the Prophet Mohamed is a false prophet and Islam whether in its esoteric or exoteric form is a very strange mish-mash.

Did the Archangel Gabriel appear to the Virgin Mary with the 'Good News' of the Incarnation and then appear close to 600 years later to Mohamed and proclaim something else?

As we say in Canada, 'get real'.

It sounds harsh, it sounds unreasonable, but did not St. Paul himself say that 'if I do not preach the Cross my preaching is in vain'?..and yet in the Koran, Jesus was not crucified, nor is he the Son of Man, or the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, rather it would seem the Archangel Gabriel got everything messed up and Jesus is only a prophet.

That is NOT the Doctrine of the Orthodox Christian Church. Am I being 'self-righteous'?

Orthodox Christianity to paraphrase St. Paul is a crucifixion for the (logical) mind. The entire Mystery of the Incarnation, the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Mary, Mother of God - demands utter kenosis.

Christ clearly said: I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE. This is the life of the Orthodox Christian Church.

Nor am I passing judgement on the Islamic people. I have travelled throughout Central Asia. I found them to be a loving, generous and gentle people. In particular, over thirty-five years ago I had the great joy to live in Afganistan, long before the Soviet Invasion. No one caused me fear or harm. I am not dissimilar to any other inhabitant of our planet. I, too, hope, love, cry. All I ever saw in Central Asia was people stuggling hard to provide a proper and good life for their families.

With humility I pray a joyous day for you, in particular a wondorous Pascha. Pray please also for me a sinner.

Fr Seraphim (Black)

16-04-2006, 04:32 AM

Dear Theophilus,

Grateful thanks for the thirty-six books you so carefully and kindly posted. Just to read the titles brought back such wondorous memories of these precious books. Sadly, my books have been scattered to the wind. I guess I was too passionately attached to them!!

I have a few tattered ones left, and God has granted me close to four decades of monastic life, overflowing with precious memories. My prayer is that He will give me time to repent and learn Christ-like humility and to weep for all humankind.

I humbly ask your prayers for my poor self. Please be assured of mine for you and your loved ones.

Stephanos

16-04-2006, 06:05 PM

Dear Fr Seraphim,

I do read your posts carefully but I am afraid that you don't do the same in case of my posts. I will therefore rephrase the statement which I have already made twice:

Do you believe that the Traditionalist thought contains absolutely nothing of value?

I will be much obliged for your straightforward answer - only "yes" or "no".

Best regards,

Mariusz

Fr Seraphim (Black)

16-04-2006, 06:50 PM

Dear Mariusz,

To give a yes or no, after such an exchange, this is not as simple as it might appear.

I say no;

...not to devalue the persons involved, but that this, if you will permit:

ONLY by the indescribable grace of the Holy Trinity, "I AM THAT I AM", is humankind allowed and given the very real possibility of Theosis.

That is why I state: outside Christ is only darkness.

Because, only the Incarnation allows humankind the potential of true repentance, true prayer, true love, indeed all the graces of the Holy Spirit.

My intention is not, please believe me, to hurt you.

My intention is not even my own, I am simply offering in, I admit, a very simple form, the teaching of the Orthodox Christian Church vis a vis the teachings of F. Schuon et al.

I do not hate the reposed F. Schuon, nor Martin Lings, nor Mr. Nasr, nor I pray, anyone.

I am simply saying that the Gnosis of F. Schuon is mistaken, according to the Doctrine of the Orthodox Church.

I have long personal experience with this entire 'dialougue.' Though, I never met F. Schuon, my Spiritual Father, Archimandrite Sophrony (Sakharov) did.

I know personally five people who were received by F. Schuon into his tariqya.

Of these five, only one, having embraced Orthodox Christianity, after a long and painful inner warfare, has become himself a true staretz.

Stephanos

16-04-2006, 07:52 PM

Dear Fr Seraphim,

Even though you have finally given me a definite answer, for which I would like to thank you, I have a feeling that you still don't understand my question.

You say that everything outside Christ is darkness. But who (or what) is Christ? Is Christ present only within the Holy Orthodox Church? That would leave out a major part of His creation. Can His creation exist without Him? And how, pray tell me, people completely immersed in materialistic secularism, as great many of us are now, can find their way to Christ? Not everybody is able to reach or comprehend the Orthodox doctrine directly or even at first try. In short, your rigid position in regard to the obvious but partial truths contained in other spiritual paths seems to me a dangerous distortion of true discernment and I will never agree with it.

I also feel that you don't possess the spiritual authority to issue any definitive pronouncements in such matters. You seem too prone to self-righteousness, faintheartedness, self-advertising and idle talk. I speak about these matters bluntly because I am only too aware of the same shortcomings in my own soul. Please understand this criticism as coming from a fellow sinner.

Best regards,

Mariusz

Owen Jones

16-04-2006, 08:09 PM

One staretz out of five ain't bad.

Fr Seraphim (Black)

16-04-2006, 09:00 PM

It is fair for you to say I do not 'possess the spiritual authority to issue any definitive pronouncements', I never assumed such.

That I am 'prone to self-righeousness, faintheartedness, self-advertiising, and IDLE TALK(!!!). Fine.

But WHO is Christ...

and did I ever say that the majority of humankind, most of whom have never even heard of the Orthodox Church, did I give any inclination that they exist in 'darkness'...did I not speak about my time in Afganistan and Central Asia, did I say something negative about that experience?

En fin...'you go your way and I'll go mine."

Trudy

17-04-2006, 04:12 AM

How disturbing it is to read a post in which a verbal attack is being made upon a sincere monastic, one of 30 years no less, especially as we have started our journey of Holy Week to Pascha!

To say to a monk he is "self-righteous, faintheartedness, self-advertising and idle talk" is disrespectful. Fr. Seraphim is a spiritual child of Fr. Sophrony who was in turn a spiritual child of St. Siloan. A saint! And one among us disparages the spiritual grandchild of a saint!

Is Fr. Seraphim a human being just like the rest of us? Of course! Is he perfect? No, but like the rest of us he works towards the same end we are. Are his posts direct? Absolutely! And Glory to God for that as well. Direct is good. Wishy-washy is not. I'd rather have a monk and/or priest be specific and clear in their suggestions and direction than not.

Who is Christ? What is Christ? He is the only way to God! He is the Truth. He is the Life. He is the Way. He is OUR SAVIOUR! What is He? He is God's Son! The Eternal Word! And He says, "Whoever does not believe in me shall perish." We cannot get any clearer direction than that.

May God bless us with humility and repentance as we walk every closer to Good Friday so that we may enter into Pascha with joy and celebration!!

With love in Christ,
Athanasia

Byron Jack Gaist

17-04-2006, 10:12 AM

Dear Fr Seraphim, Mariusz, all

I would like to make it clear that I do not subscribe to the "transcedndent unity of all religions". Although I can see similarities and points of definite convergence in the teachings of many different world religions, establishing religious facts which I believe are worthy of in-depth academic study and perhaps (in combination with ascetic life and suitable guidance from a discerning elder) may even be spiritually profitable - I also doubt very much that there exists a sempiternal set of universal teachings which could come under the label philosophia perrenis. Even if such a teaching could be established, it would still only be in the best instance auxilliary to our Holy Orthodoxy, which is not a philosophy but truth deriving from Jesus Christ, the Truth.

In other words, I do think Traditionalist thought has something of value to offer, but only in the sense St Basil suggested young Christians should read the Greek philosophers: taking whatever is good and confirming the faith (even if this is only a small part, and not the direct message or intent of the authors we are talking about), and leaving aside what is not. I suggest we may be able as Orthodox to do the same with all secular and non-Orthodox ancient and modern teachings. Surely even heretics sometimes say some things which are true (in fact I think perhaps their whole existence owes to their choice of placing one aspect of the truth above all others, which is the source of error in heretical teaching, i.e. not the proposition itself, but its being taken out of the broader context).

I'm sure a person doesn't need anything more than a copy of the Bible and a living Orthodox parish to become enlightened. In fact, the simpler and narrower the path, the more chances there are of reaching one's destination. It's just that those of us who, like myself, came to Orthodoxy via the complex route of modern thought and the broader intellectual / philosophical / humanities environment, might need to respond intelligently and cogently to those talented people who veer ideologically from the faith for whatever reason, or to those parts of ourselves that are still conditioned by secular thought. Orthodoxy is not a philosophical system, but I see no reason why it should not engage robustly with sincere thinkers from across the spectrum - perhaps there is even a responsibility to do so. Fr Seraphim's caution against the Traditionalists is very important and useful, and his considerable experience - on even a personal level - with the representatives of this school of thought is a gift to those of us on this thread who have admired these thinkers but been troubled by some of their conclusions. I agree with Fr Seraphim also, that intellectual pride is one of the hardest sins and delusions to shift (if not the hardest). So I humbly ask for all your prayers that I may become able to see my own sins.

In Christ
Byron

Fr Seraphim (Black)

17-04-2006, 01:07 PM

I want from my heart to give thanks to Byron and Athanasia for their support, in what was turning very quickly into a dead end street. Our Lord said that it is better to be HOT or COLD, than Lukewarm...

Clearly, the posts with Mariuz were fast turning into a useless game of ping pong.

For Mariuz, I ask forgiveness for any lack of clarity, but I have recently undergone major surgery for a pre-cancerous state and I am very run down.

In fact all my monastic life I have been ill. Due to two (wonderful) years in India (in the same period I was in Afganistan, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey). There in India, after seeing as much of the country as I could, I had the enormous blessing to live in a Syrian Orthodox Monastery (Jacobite) in the south. During my travels in India I contacted and was infected by a local parasitical family, which dragged on for 12 years and two near death occasions. I was hospitalized throughout Europe nine times, including two entire raining summer months in the Royal London Homeopathic Hosptial.

This is where my friend Thomas who had mastered Farsi in a few months, was able to help an Iranian father of seven girls.

It was tragic.

He felt in his heart that he would never see his wife and children again. At least Thomas, brought some human conversation and contact - I even began to learn Farsi, but the man died (in a most frightening way) before my language skills were enough to bring him some hope.

Since, the 'point' of infection was discovered by the Grace of God and the Prayers of the Panagia. A Neuropathologist, Doctor Stavros Baloyannis, in Thessaloniki, took me under his wing, and after a two year course of treatment I was much better. The violent and extremely unpredicatable migraines continue unfortunately. As God wills.

Grateful thanks to Owen also, who has a wonderful way of looking at things!

Soon the Light of Pascha!!!

PS. It was in the Syrian Orthodox Monastery that the Abbot, who had shared a pilgrim's room with Father Sophrony whilst both were on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, was given as a gift the book on (then Staretz, but now) Saint Silouan. This Abbot, in turn, highly recommended it to me and I devoured it, in one long night.

Since then my life has not been dull!

Fr Aaron Warwick

17-04-2006, 06:11 PM

The following statement has nothing to do with Fr. Seraphim Black particularly. It is a general statement and should not be mis-construed as specifically referring to Fr. Seraphim's situation.

Judas was a disciple of Jesus Christ. Our hymns and tradition do not speak highly of him. The fact that he was a disciple of Jesus Christ is irrelevant except for the fact that this made his fall even more worthy of condemnation.

Each person stands or falls based upon his own merits. The fact that a person is the spiritual son or spiritual grandson of a saint is, quite frankly, irrelevant unless the person shows the same fruit as the spiritual father/saint. Christ Himself taught us this most clearly when He said: "Do not say that you have Abraham as your father, for I tell you that God can raise up children of Abraham from these stones."

Again, I am not trying to give an opinion about Fr. Seraphim Black by these remarks. Instead, I am simply responding to what I believe is a faulty argument.

Aaron

Ken McRae

17-04-2006, 07:26 PM

I say, with great sadness, because these books, published, without the blessing of Bishop Seraphim ...

Forgive me for speaking freely, where I should keep silent; but even as a 'heterodox' Christian, I learned it was highly inadvisable to do anything I could not pray or hope God would bless. In other words, if there was even the slightest fear or doubt that He just might not bless it, then I was strongly encouraged to abstain from doing it. Sadly, my application of this advice has been serious wanting over the years.

Now, it appears to me, through my 'heterodox' spectacles, that the priest clearly acted with 'self-will' by his refusal or neglect to seek-out his Bishop's blessing in this endeavour. Are such acts of 'self-will' pleasing to God? Somehow I think they are not. Was it too much to ask Bishop Seraphim for his blessing? To disregard it was most assuredly unwise and disrespectful of authority.

If there was even the slightest fear that it might be withheld, then the plan should have been aborted. Clearly. Why risk offending the Lord, by a clear and pre-meditated act of 'self-will'? And though the priest did not disobey his bishop, strictly speaking, he disrespected his bishop, who is charged by God to care for the priest's soul and spiritual welfare. Such acts of 'self-will' are no better than wilfull disobedience, imho.

Ken McRae

17-04-2006, 07:48 PM

'One of the Ancients: The Life and Labours of Elder Gabriel, a Man of Prayer.' A truly inspiring work that brought tears to my eyes! I will post an excerpt of it latter, God willing.

01 - "Ganya (Elder Gabriel in his youth) began to pray to his patron saint, the Archangel Gabriel, and to the rest of the heavenly powers that his physical strength might increase. Five years went by. Ganya continued to pray but observed no visible results. Then, Ganya was once told to split some long logs to make firewood. He began working in the morning and noticed, to his own surprise, how easily, with one swing of the axe, he could chop a large log in two. When the time came to eat lunch Ganya was still going strong and working enthusiastically. His father and mother were astonished and even frightened seeing the mighty blows he made, but it was very easy for Ganya. And in such a manner he finished splitting all the wood.

"From that time on, Ganya's physical strength began to grow, and as Batiushka himself later related, he eventually became so strong that he could kick a 32 pound weight (2 poods) with his foot clear across a barn, and that six large men could not move him from where he stood." (p. 23-24)

02 - "It was then that Ganya first spoke of going to a monastery. His mother and sisters began to cry. His father became dreamy and grave and then cut short and screamed out: 'I won't allow you to go!' He felt sorry for Ganya's mother, who so dearly loved her son; and how would he be able to manage at his age without the help of such a meek and extraordinary son in his household?

"But Ganya persisted. After a short time elapsed he would say again: 'Bless me to go to a monastery.'

"A year went by. Ganya had greatly changed his way of life, modeling it after the manner of a monk's, but his father would not let him go. Finally, he was overcome with such a terrible anger on account of Ganya's persistent entreaties that, in place of an answer, he went out into the yard, came back in with a belt, grabbed Ganya by the hair, held his head between his legs, and proceeded to whip him. His mother covered her eyes with her hands, not even daring to breathe, and his sisters began to scream. 'Shut up, all of you ... ' Everyone became still; only the swishing of the belt through the air and his father's deep breathing could be heard.

"And Ganya? He felt the blows on his back, but they did not hurt. He was struck by this fact and concluded: ' This must be God's will so that I may be freed to go to a monastery.' As soon as his tired, sweating father tossed the belt aside and let him go, he bowed before his father and said: 'Bless me, my dearest father, to go to a monastery!' His father burst out sobbing, for Ganya's meekness itself pierced his heart." (p. 29)

Reflection(s):-

Ganya had the strength of six men, according to the above account, and yet with Christ-like meekness he let his earthly father whip him silly, 'til he (his father) was literally exhausted.

This account brought tears to my eyes, as made me recall a time when I was around 16 years of age, and I provoked my earthly father to try and physically beat me. In my great sinfulness, I dared to raise my hand and strike back. May the Lord pity my wicked heart, and save me from myself!

Ganya's Christ-like meekness and humility also made me recall an account from the life of St. Seraphim of Sarov, who was one day mugged by a band of thieves and beaten so badly, that he was maimed for life. The robbers left him for dead, but by God's grace he survived.

Later, when the thugs had been captured and the local authorities were prepared to punish them severely, St. Seraphim interceded on their behalf and secured their safe release. He threatened them that if they laid a single finger on these criminals, he would disappear and they would never see him again. And of course the authorities relented and gave in to the saint's request. Truly, what Christ-like meekness, humility and forgiveness displayed by St. Seraphim in this 'self-less' act of mercy!

(Message edited by theophilus on 17 April, 2006)

Fr Seraphim (Black)

17-04-2006, 08:26 PM

Beautiful posts from Theophilius especially regarding Elder Gabriel - truly God is glorified in His Saints!

Regarding the position of Symeon Rodger because Vladika Seraphim ordained him, and he is a Priest, regardless of his personality etc, the Holy Mysteries remain the Holy Mysteries, nevertheless, being under Obedience is sacred and to transgress Obedience without repentance, (that is, to remain obstinate), leads only to spiritual ruin.

The same holds true in monastic life, only the loss of grace is much quicker and felt by the entire Community as a terrible weight. To live the monastic life without the Blessing is a preclude of Hell. May God protect us.

Fr Seraphim (Black)

17-04-2006, 09:05 PM

Dear Aaron,

An excellent way of putting into words the dilemma experienced existentially by all who have the blessing of God to live with some one who (themselves) have fought 'the good fight'. We have a saying in the monastery 'if the Spiritual Father is reputedly so worthy of respect, how can he produce such miserable fruit?'

When I went to live with Father Sophrony I had no idea, that the first half of his book on Saint Silouan the Athonite was written from personal experience - I thought he was simply giving an exegesis for Western people unfamiliar with Athonite ways.

It was only when I came to know him, (and being his cell-servant for six full years, and disciple for eighteen) provided me with plenty of opportunity. Thus, without doubt I realized Father Sophrony was speaking first hand.

The difficulty for a disciple is this: how to put into praxsis the teachings given. It becomes a two-edged sword. That is why a person, as you allude to in your post, is ONLY canonized after his/her repose.

But, in particular, to defend Athanasia's post, because we have corresponded for over three years; perhaps or perhaps not, she is familiar with some inner aspects of my life.

One is a disciple of Father Sophrony and immediately there is the dilemma.

Believe me, it will take my entire life to put into praxsis the words so generously given me by my Elder.

Many times I have felt like Job - if only my mother's knees had prevented my birth.

Stephanos

17-04-2006, 10:10 PM

Dear Aaron,

Thank you for being the voice of reason (which, as we know, often cries in the wilderness). I understand that you may find my statements rather harsh; just the same, I try to follow our Lord's advice to say only yes-yes or no-no.

I do not wish to continue this futile argument but I would like to comment on the fallacy of non-judgment which had been used several times (always by the people who had just done plenty of judging) in the course of this exchange.

If we are really advised not to judge anything or anybody, how are we to discern the false Christs and false teachers spoken of by Jesus? How are we to be "wise as serpents", or "know them by their fruit"? Was not Christ Himself "judgmental" when He commented on the hypocritical behavior of the Pharisees and the scribes?

This false understanding of the Gospel statement "Judge ye not lest ye be judged" has been well debunked by Frithjof Schuon:

"... to assert, as certain moralists would, that man has no right to judge, amounts to saying that he has no intelligence, that he is only will or passion, and that he has no kind of likeness to God." ("The Fullness of God. Frithjof Schuon on Christianity", p. 49).

In short, just like patriotism is the last resort of a scoundrel, complaints about being "judgmental" are the last resort of persons who just have lost an argument.

Best regards,

Mariusz

Fr Seraphim (Black)

18-04-2006, 09:00 AM

I see no need for yet more quotations from Sufis, certainly not vis a vis the Words of Christ.

Schuon is not Christian (in any sense of the word) nor is he a Father of the Church.

'Looking for books to read...' on an Orthodox Board, let us take example from Theophilius, who so carefully compiled a list of wonderful Orthodox Literature.

The Triune God is praised by His servants.

M.C. Steenberg

18-04-2006, 11:50 AM

Dear friends,

There has been some interesting discussion in this thread: a few selections of books, discussion on their contents and merits, questions of what books are suitable reading for Christians, questions over the place certain types of literature and certain authors should have in Orthodox reading, etc. All this is very interesting and profitable.

On such matters the conversation should stand. Please remember this is a discussion community, which all enter as free and equal contributors to that discussion. It is the right of any person here to disagree with the comments of another; that is part of fruitful dialogue. It is also entirely acceptable to disagree with such a disagreement, whomever it comes from - that is the spark of conversation. But it is not acceptable to disagree with another in such a manner as to suggest that any further comment on that person's part which disagrees with one's own, is anathema and wrong. That is not discussion, it is pontification. (Plenty more details here (http://www.monachos.net/other/mb_tos/) on the scope of the forum.)

It takes hard work to be a participant in a real discussion, much less a community dedicated to discussions; the temptation to state that 'I know best, and those who disagree with me are simply wrong, end of story' is at times overwhelming. But there is fruit that comes from the labour of such work.

INXC, Matthew

Fr Seraphim (Black)

18-04-2006, 04:16 PM

There is a wonderful 'never used' tradition in Romania, that Greatschmemonks are only allowed 7 words per day.

There is great wisdom in this, though monks are by nature quite gregarious!

In Canada we inhabit a spiritual waste land. The second largest geographical country on the planet, and not one Orthox monastery. Tragic.

It reminds me of that old song. '...you know something is happening here, but you don't know what it is, do you Mr. Jones...'

Fr Seraphim (Black)

18-04-2006, 05:56 PM

Perhaps, one of my most favoured books, is actually a collection of sayings that Archimandrite Sophrony (Sakharov) gave (in Russian) to his Community in his later years. There are many of these, one can write to Archimandrite Symeon at:

Monastery of St. John the Baptist
Tolleshunt Knights
Maldon
Essex,
ENGLAND
CM9 8EZ

A collection of these talks, translated from French, by Sister Magdalene, and available from the Monastery and extremely inspiring is: WORDS OF LIFE, (orginally compiled by Maxime Egger, De Vie et d'Esprit, Pully, Switzerland: Sel de la Terre, 1992, ISBN 2-940042-01-2).

It is from this book which I have drawn my new quotation on my Profile. That particular quote on accidie is to be found of page 10. This particular collection is 56 pages long, and you can carry it around quite easily.

The first 'extract from spiritual talks' is:

'My beloved brothers and sisters, open your hearts so that the Holy Spirit can trace in them the image of Christ. Then, litttle by little you will be able to have within you both joy and affliction, both death and resurrection.'

Could I also take this opportunity to apologize to Doug Gwinn regarding the video on the Life of "Blessed Surgeon: The Life and Times of St. Luke". I have phoned England, and searched high and low, but as for now I am unable to get it. Next time I am in England I will make a copy for you and mail it to you; at that time you can provide me your address if you are willing.

Also, on this thread someone asked me how to get the book on the Elder of Father Paisios, "My Recollections of Papa Tykhon" it is still available from Alexander Press, 2875 Douglas Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, H3R 2C7, Canada, web address: www.alexanderpress.com, or a personal email to the owner at: johnh@top.ca. ISBN: 1-836800-28-9 - it is 58 pages and extremely inspiring.

Father David Moser

21-04-2006, 06:21 AM

In Canada we inhabit a spiritual waste land. The second largest geographical country on the planet, and not one Orthox monastery. Tragic.

Dear Father,

Good news. Your statement is not quite true. There is a woman's monastery in Wildwood, Alberta - the Convent of the Protection of the Mother of God. One of the elder sisters there was originally from my parish.

Fr David Moser

Hieromonk Ambrose

22-04-2006, 09:29 AM

Again, thanks for any recommendations on saints lives.

Dear Sean,

I have been posting out the daily Lives of the pre-schism Saints of Ireland (and all the Celtic fringe countries) for about 5 years. You can simply read them at your leisure on the website or you can sign up to receive the daily e-mail.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celt-saints/

Today (21 April) is the commemoration of Saint Maelrubha of Applecross
See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celt-saints/message/2273

Fr Ambrose

Scott Pierson

16-07-2006, 07:58 PM

I've found this thread really interesting because I first started looking into Orthodoxy after having my interested peaked through reading "traditionalist" books. I was drawn into Traditionalism via Julius Evola because i found his polticial and social views interesting. Evola was very opposed to Christianity however and seemed much more interested in Hermeticism, magic, and eastern religions. I later moved on to reading Gueonon, Schoun and Nassr and they presented Orthdoxy and the Church Fathers in a more positive light which (thank God) directed me to read the Church Fathers and such.

There are "Orthodox" Traditionalist writers but I do tend to detect a lot of hetrodoxy in most of their views. Especially the attempt to reduce the Trinity and the personal nature of God to a "relativly absolute" position and to focous instead on an impersonal monistic God. They also tend to speak of Christianity as simple one tradition among others no better or worse. They say that its best to choose a tradition based on which one you have accesses to and based on personal, racial and ethnic reasons. Schoun for example teaches that Christiantiy is meant primarily for people of a certain type and that Christians should not try to convert Asians (or American Indians, etc) . Gueonon was originaly a Christian but he couldnt find any Christian "esotericists" to initate him so he converted islam to follow some sufi teacher. The only Orthodox author associated with traditionalism who seems to be free from most of these errors is Phillip Sherrard author of "Christianity Linaments of a Sacred Tradition". He speaks of the personal Trinitarian nature of God and appears to consider Christiantiy to be more then simple one choice among others... But then I'm not sure if he is really 100% a traditionalist?

I do have to say however that they have some interesting ideas about government, culture, the decadance of the modern world, secularism, democracy, socialism and the importance of organizing society twoards the transcendent ( sacred monarchy etc).