Fr Seraphim (Black)
26-05-2006, 09:17 AM
Can one view N. Kazantzakis, by his literary output as an Orthodox writer?
Personally, I have read in Greek and/or English:
i) Zorba the Greek
ii) The Greek Passion
iii) The Last Temptation
iv) Saint Francis
v) The Saviours of God: Spiritual Exercises
From the above and especially 'The Saviours of God: Spiritual Exercises" I would conclude personally that his definite influence by Nietzsche, and Oriental metaphysic (one of his theater productions is entitled 'Buddha') his literary output is a far cry from other Greek authors, such as Alexander Moraitides, Alexander Papadiamantis (the double stars of Skiathos, as noted by Xenopoulos).
What can we say of Spiridon Menagias, who became Monk Gerasim? He went to the Holy Mountain in 1920. There he met Elder Abimelech, a hermit of Little St. Anne's Skete, lived with the great and blessed Elder, the hesychast, Callinicus, Blessed Joseph the Hesychast and Blessed Archimandrite Sophrony (Sakharov)...
Finally, I am of the personal opinion that Nikos Kazantzakis, especially in Zorba the Greek, was a fine writer, but not an Orthodox writer.
Our Lord is his Judge. From my limited perspective, he ranks on par with Herman Hesse. That is, vaque spiritual explorations.
Personally, I have read in Greek and/or English:
i) Zorba the Greek
ii) The Greek Passion
iii) The Last Temptation
iv) Saint Francis
v) The Saviours of God: Spiritual Exercises
From the above and especially 'The Saviours of God: Spiritual Exercises" I would conclude personally that his definite influence by Nietzsche, and Oriental metaphysic (one of his theater productions is entitled 'Buddha') his literary output is a far cry from other Greek authors, such as Alexander Moraitides, Alexander Papadiamantis (the double stars of Skiathos, as noted by Xenopoulos).
What can we say of Spiridon Menagias, who became Monk Gerasim? He went to the Holy Mountain in 1920. There he met Elder Abimelech, a hermit of Little St. Anne's Skete, lived with the great and blessed Elder, the hesychast, Callinicus, Blessed Joseph the Hesychast and Blessed Archimandrite Sophrony (Sakharov)...
Finally, I am of the personal opinion that Nikos Kazantzakis, especially in Zorba the Greek, was a fine writer, but not an Orthodox writer.
Our Lord is his Judge. From my limited perspective, he ranks on par with Herman Hesse. That is, vaque spiritual explorations.