Have you selected a book to read for Lent?

[Silouan Howard]

In some local traditions it is customary to select a compunctionary book to read to assist us in our repentance during Great Lent. For instance, some people read The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus. What other books will you all be reading during this time?

http://puffin.creighton.edu/jesuit/andre/images/triptich.jpg

[Marianthy]

I purchased "First Fruits of Prayer, A Forty Day Journey through the Canon of St. Andrew"

I would love to see what others will be reading.

In Christ
Marianthy

[Silouan Howard]

I have seen that book, but have never looked through it. Who is it by? I havent decided what I will read yet. I am thinking about The Ladder or the Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian. But, I guess it gets down to whatever my Spiritual Father suggests. But, I would also like to know what everyone else is reading.


I purchased "First Fruits of Prayer, A Forty Day Journey through the Canon of St. Andrew"

I would love to see what others will be reading.

In Christ
Marianthy

[Andrew]

I'll be reading the Ladder again, and the usual other stuff (Monastic Wisdom, Counsels from the Holy Mountain, etc.)

[Marianthy]

I have seen that book, but have never looked through it. Who is it by? I havent decided what I will read yet. I am thinking about The Ladder or the Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian. But, I guess it gets down to whatever my Spiritual Father suggests. But, I would also like to know what everyone else is reading.


It is by Frederica Matthew Greene.

[Sieglinde McGinnis]

I and a few other homeschooling mothers are reading "The Way of Divine Love" by Sr. Josefa Menendez. I am also trying to learn to pray the Byzantine Hours, and I am also reading sections in the Philokalia dealing with the virtues and passions mentioned in the Prayer of St. Ephrem.

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

I have seen that book, but have never looked through it. Who is it by? I havent decided what I will read yet. I am thinking about The Ladder or the Ascetical Homilies of St. Isaac the Syrian. But, I guess it gets down to whatever my Spiritual Father suggests. But, I would also like to know what everyone else is reading.

A couple of months ago I discovered that the full collection of the Letters of Sts Barsanuphius & John has recently been released in two volumes. These are in The Fathers of the Church series published by Catholic University of America Press. They are translated by John Chryssavgis.

This series is usually very reasonable in price and many volumes can be found online at amazon. Interesting thing was that the Canadian amazon.ca was offering them more cheaply than the mainline amazon.com.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Eric Peterson]

Last Lent, I had started "My Life in Christ," by St. John of Kronstadt, but didn't get into it. Actually, the past year or two has seen a dearth in my reading. I'm trying to correct that now. I suppose I'll go back to "My Life in Christ," but I also just got the Holy Transfiguration Monastery publication of "The Ladder of Divine Ascent," by St. John Climacus and am interested in reading that.

[Nina]

My goal is to read one of the books written by St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite: either 'Concerning Frequent Communion', or 'Exomologetarion - Manual of Confession'. Since I usually can not read just one book at a time, I will probably read other spiritual books simultaneously.

[Paul Cowan]

I have started reading the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again.

This should get me through the first couple of weeks then I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again.

If there is still time before Holy Week, I might read it one more time for good measure.

Paul

[Mary]

If there is still time before Holy Week, I might read it one more time for good measure.

Paul

You sure you're going to get through it 32 times?! Yes, so I had nothing better to do, I counted how many times you repeated yourself. (But I counted it through only once, because my vision is blurring, and I couldnt' do it a second time, so I could be wrong.)

What about the Unseen Warfare? I thought that was a standard of yours. =)

Mary.

[Paul Cowan]

You have a good memory Mary,

ok, so perhaps in the 40 days of Lent I will not actually be able to read it 32 times. Perhaps I will only get through parts of Matthew. :(

Leah has taken over my copy of Unseen Warfare so it is doubtful I will ever see it again. :) Though I sneak chapters when she is not looking.

Paul

[Andreas Moran]

I didn't particularly take it down as preparation for Lent but I'm re-reading 'The Northern Thebaid'.

[Nina]

Book of Elder Paisios 'With Pain and Love for Contemporary Man' very highly recommended.

On internet there are prices that vary from $40.00-50.00 about the above book. However when I purchased mine I called a monastery and they had it available (not on line) for only $29.00.

[Peter S.]

I dont know what to read this Lent except the Bible. One Lent I read St. John Chrysostoms homilies on Genesis. It fits with the biblereading. Another Lent I was reading "the Ladder", but its so hard to read. You feel guilty wery much and want some "action" in your life very fast, that maybe are too big wishes, when you are reading.

Many thoughts occur when I read the Ladder; that I ve achieved some virtues, but I know that is not the right way of thinking. It is the practice that count. Its good to learn something about vices and virtues too, but you soon forget,if you dont practise, so maybe I'm not reading the Ladder this Lent although its a very good book.

Peter

[Silouan Howard]

I picked up a book called The Art of Prayer: an Orthodox antholgy by Igumen Chariton. This is an excellent book that gives very practical teaching on prayer, mainly from the writings of St. Theophan the Recluse and St. Ignatii Brianchaninov. This one's a keeper for my 'regular reading' bookshelf.

[Peter S.]

I picked up a book called The Art of Prayer: an Orthodox antholgy by Igumen Chariton. This is an excellent book that gives very practical teaching on prayer, mainly from the writings of St. Theophan the Recluse and St. Ignatii Brianchaninov. This one's a keeper for my 'regular reading' bookshelf.

That also sounds like a good book, I'll maybe read "The sayings of the desert fathers" again. And again. :)

Peter

[Silouan Howard]

That also sounds like a good book, I'll maybe read "The sayings of the desert fathers" again. And again. :)

Peter


Sadly, I have never read The Sayings of the Desert Fathers. I DID read Dorotheos of Gaza: Sayings and Discourses. I thought this was an excellent book. I have also been meaning to read The Life of St. Anthony, but I keep forgetting that I have it!?

[James Blackstock]

I picked up a book called The Art of Prayer: an Orthodox antholgy by Igumen Chariton. This is an excellent book that gives very practical teaching on prayer, mainly from the writings of St. Theophan the Recluse and St. Ignatii Brianchaninov. This one's a keeper for my 'regular reading' bookshelf.

That is a keeper! I will be reading "Orthodox Spiritual Life" by: St. Silouan the Anthonite, "Orthodox Psychotherapy" by: Heirotheos (again), The Ladder (again), and the Gospels from the "New Orthodox Study Bible (Old and New Testaments) :)

Seraphim

[Michael Stickles]

I'm just starting "How to Live a Holy Life" by Metropolitan Gregory of St. Petersburg. The Orthodox Christian Information Center has Chapter 1 (http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/htlahl_ch1.aspx) and Chapter 6 (http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/htlahl_ch6.aspx) online. My wife and I are also thinking about reading one of the lives of the Optina Elders as a family read-aloud at dinner (as Metropolitan Gregory says in Chapter 6, "During lunch and dinner one should say or listen to something edifying: from sacred history, from the lives of the saints, from natural history revealing God’s wisdom and goodness, from spiritual teachings, and so on.").

Mike

[Silouan Howard]

I'm just starting "How to Live a Holy Life" by Metropolitan Gregory of St. Petersburg. The Orthodox Christian Information Center has Chapter 1 (http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/htlahl_ch1.aspx) and Chapter 6 (http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/htlahl_ch6.aspx) online. My wife and I are also thinking about reading one of the lives of the Optina Elders as a family read-aloud at dinner (as Metropolitan Gregory says in Chapter 6, "During lunch and dinner one should say or listen to something edifying: from sacred history, from the lives of the saints, from natural history revealing God’s wisdom and goodness, from spiritual teachings, and so on.").

Mike

My spiritual father reccommends that book very strongly. He gives it to many people who come visit the monastery.

[Nina]

I'm just starting "How to Live a Holy Life" by Metropolitan Gregory of St. Petersburg. The Orthodox Christian Information Center has Chapter 1 (http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/htlahl_ch1.aspx) and Chapter 6 (http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/htlahl_ch6.aspx) online. My wife and I are also thinking about reading one of the lives of the Optina Elders as a family read-aloud at dinner (as Metropolitan Gregory says in Chapter 6, "During lunch and dinner one should say or listen to something edifying: from sacred history, from the lives of the saints, from natural history revealing God’s wisdom and goodness, from spiritual teachings, and so on.").

Mike

Yes that book is amazing, dear Mike.

As an aside (pardon please!) I would like to commend you Mike and Anna (previously known as Celinda here) on that important step you are taking - having someone read spiritual material aloud during dinner. Thank God and I am so happy for you all. St. Niphon of Cyprus says in his teachings that when Christians gather around the dining table, God sends angels to serve to Christians like they are the highest of royalty. And the angels serve with much reverence (although we do not see them). However at the moment when a gossip, judgment and such words are pronounced, the angels leave. [That is why in the monasteries they follow that practice and either read the Holy Scripture, or spiritual material for edification of the soul and for keeping the angels there.] I am paraphrasing it very poorly, however it is a short paragraph and if someone is interested I can type it and the page reference. Excellent decision Mike - thank God for you all.

[Marianthy]

It is by Frederica Matthew Greene.


Forgive me, but I have spelled the author's name incorrectly. The book is by Frederica Mathewes-Green.

Marianthy

[Silouan Howard]

Forgive me, but I have spelled the author's name incorrectly. The book is by Frederica Mathewes-Green.

Marianthy

Thats why I didnt post her name..i know she has been on the forum and I am scared to misspell it :)

[Effie Ganatsios]

I have downloaded St. Chrysostom's homilies on the gospel of St. Mathew but I haven't started reading anything yet. When I do I will probably only read a couple because they need to be read slowly and then meditated on.

At the moment I am rereading Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain, by Priestmonk Christodoulos.

[Effie Ganatsios]

A Liturgical Explanation for the Days of Holy Week
by
The Very Rev. Alexander Schmemann, S.T.D.

http://members.aol.com/stgeoworc/holyweek.htm

[Nicolaj]

I will be reading the Explanation by Blessed Theophylact.

My Father told me so.

Christos voskrese! Nicolaj

[Mary]

Yay! I've been told what to read!!

1. the daily Lenten Old testament readings - they're all on monachos under the resources for lent. http://www.monachos.net/library/Lectionary_of_Lenten_Readings_for_Weekday_Services

2. Ascending the Heights, Fr John Mack - a simplified version of the Ladder for non-monasticular minds.

I'm so happy, I feel intoxicated! http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/69.gif

mary

[Nina]

Yay! I've been told what to read!!

1. the daily Lenten Old testament readings - they're all on monachos under the resources for lent. http://www.monachos.net/library/Lectionary_of_Lenten_Readings_for_Weekday_Services

mary

Thank you for this!!! I did not know it was here.

[David Naess]

It has been (fairly strongly) suggested (by several people) that
for my first Orthodox Lent, I should read:

Great Lent
Journey to Pascha
By: Alexander Schmemann

[Marcus Sgro]

My pastor (as well as our other senior clergy) recommend Father Alexander Schmemann's "The Great Lent". I re-read it every year. I'm actually surprised by how much it's affected some of my friends - including one who's a traditionalist Latin Catholic and considers it one of the best books he's ever read.

Other things on my list include: the books of Genesis, the Lenten Synaxarion, and St. Gregory Palamas' letter "To the Reverend Nun Xenia" (all I can say about the latter is "wow!".

[Father David Moser]

I didn't pick this out as a "book to read for Lent", however one my parishioners loaned me a copy of Functional and Dysfunctional Orthodoxy by Fr Philotheos Faros. I would not have picked up this book on my own (judging a book by its title - it comes off as a pop-theology/psychology paperback) however having read the first couple of sections, I must say that I am so far greatly impressed and will enjoy finishing it.

Fr David Moser

[Shelley Platt]

I thought I would join the masses and read A New Earth! (kidding) I'm almost finished reading Entering the Orthodox Church and next I will be reading St. Seraphim of Sarov by Archimandrite Lazarus Moore. This is my first Lent.

[Kyprian Galbraith]

Ah yes, a wonderful book...I think Matushka Fredericka is on the forum, I saw one of her posts...I mean this will all respects, she's a regular "Orthodox Dear Abby"...she's got a wonderful writing style, never pompos, ever 'umble.

Oh yea, and I did I mention I liked that book? ROFL

in Him
Kyprian

I purchased "First Fruits of Prayer, A Forty Day Journey through the Canon of St. Andrew"

I would love to see what others will be reading.

In Christ
Marianthy

[Paul Cowan]

I have started reading the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again.

This should get me through the first couple of weeks then I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again. When I finish that, I will read the Gospel again.

If there is still time before Holy Week, I might read it one more time for good measure.

Paul


ok, so I am a little behind in my reading. I just finished the first go around. Starting over now. Also reading St. Isaac the Syrian.

Paul

[Effie Ganatsios]

ok, so I am a little behind in my reading. I just finished the first go around. Starting over now. Also reading St. Isaac the Syrian.

Paul

Paul, you are so funny! It is not the quantity but the quality of reading that benefits us. I am also behind in what I intended to read but I comfort myself by thinking that what I am reading slowly is what is important. I am benefiting I think because somehow this year I am thinking much more deeply about what I am reading.

Effie

[Kyprian Galbraith]

ok, so I am a little behind in my reading. I just finished the first go around. Starting over now. Also reading St. Isaac the Syrian.

Paul
ROFLMBOPIMP Tee hee...Sounds like my brain! :D "First I'm gunna...First I'm gunna...First I'm gunna...First I'm gunna...THEN I'm gunna, but First I'm gunna...First I'm gunna..."
Kyprian

[Paul Cowan]

Paul, you are so funny! It is not the quantity but the quality of reading that benefits us. I am also behind in what I intended to read but I comfort myself by thinking that what I am reading slowly is what is important. I am benefiting I think because somehow this year I am thinking much more deeply about what I am reading.

Effie

HI Effie,

I know. I was trying to lighten the atmosphere around here. I have read the New Testament before and I AM (not God) stalling over better passages and thinking on them for better understanding. I also have the Fathers explanation at the end of each book, so I refer back to them for most more difficult passages. Some of which I would like to discuss with you all.

Paul

[Nina]

Some of which I would like to discuss with you all.

Paul

:D :D :D Correction to Paul: y'all.
Would love to discuss those. Please start a thread when you have two minutes.

I already have finished the book of St. Nikodemos 'Concerning Frequent Communion'. And Lent is not over. So I borrowed like 10 spiritual books from a friend and I will read them also, God willing. Now it has been the Russian Philokalia: St. Serpahim of Sarov. Loved both books (St. Nikodemos' and St. Seraphim's).

[Paul Cowan]

:D :D :D Correction to Paul: y'all.
Now it has been the Russian Philokalia: St. Serpahim of Sarov. Loved both books (St. Nikodemos' and St. Seraphim's).

I stand corrected. I hope the other Texans here don't disown me. However they are more than welcome to join my social Group. (http://www.monachos.net/forum/group.php?groupid=6) Orthodox Christians in and from Texas.

I too have the St. Sarov edition. I mostly read it when Leah is at the doctor and I am in the waiting room.

Paul

PS Unseen Warfare is still my favorite.

[Nina]

I stand corrected. I hope the other Texans here don't disown me. However they are more than welcome to join my social Group. (http://www.monachos.net/forum/group.php?groupid=6) Orthodox Christians in and from Texas.

I too have the St. Sarov edition. I mostly read it when Leah is at the doctor and I am in the waiting room.

Paul

PS Unseen Warfare is still my favorite.

I actually thought to join your group because I like TX, but I am not sure I can because of the title restriction, unless I move there. :) You should have included also the Orthodox Philotexans.

I have not read the 'Unseen Warfare', however I would like to. The Saint Seraphim Philokalia I borrowed from my friend and there was another one from St. Herman, but I did not have time to read that yet. St. Seraphim quotes and explains verses from the Bible so often and also sayings of St. Isaac the Syrian. I am learning so much, plus he is a beloved saint for me and celebrates on the same day with the Saint of one of my Godchildren (St. Sylvester) - 2nd of January. I have been thinking about the prophecy that St. Seraphim will resurrect again!

You mentioned that you are reading St. Isaac. May I ask which book? So many Fathers quote him and also Elder Paisios of Mount Athos said in his book "With Love and Pain..." that we Christians must all read St. Isaac.

[Paul Cowan]

I actually thought to join your group because I like TX, but I am not sure I can because of the title restriction, unless I move there. :) You should have included also the Orthodox Philotexans.


You mentioned that you are reading St. Isaac. May I ask which book? So many Fathers quote him and also Elder Paisios of Mount Athos said in his book "With Love and Pain..." that we Christians must all read St. Isaac.

ok, Since you are always so nice you can be an honarary Texan. Just remember not to sit on your spurs

I am reading the Spiritual Psalter by St. Issac the Syrian. It is part of my morning prayer rule. He really gets right to the heart of, well, your heart. There is no mincing words with him. I always end up more reflective, humble, chastised, repentent when I read him.

[Nina]

ok, Since you are always so nice you can be an honarary Texan.

:D Thanks! I will join your group then.


Just remember not to sit on your spurs

No idea what that means. My title is honorary not native! :)


I am reading the Spiritual Psalter by St. Issac the Syrian. It is part of my morning prayer rule. He really gets right to the heart of, well, your heart. There is no mincing words with him. I always end up more reflective, humble, chastised, repentent when I read him.

There are several Fathers that make me feel that way... It is like they place a mirror in front of me (of my soul).

[James Blackstock]

I was out at the monastery this last week when one of the monks came into the guest house and saw my copy of "The Ladder of Divine Ascent" resting on the bedside table. He stared at the book for a second then proclaimed...."OOOOh, you're reading that version" when his expression finally returned to a smile, he then only stated that it was probably a good translation but he could never figure out the artwork on the cover! When I left the monastery a couple of days later, he presented me with a gift, it was a different translation of the ladder, from Holy Transfiguration Monastery. After I returned home, I re-read the book through step 4 to see how different it was. It was very different! It was written more directly, it was more understandable to me, it seemed more "Eastern" . I submit both editions to you and wonder if anyone has opinions on these translations.

The first: "John Climacus" .................................................T he second: "The Ladder of Divine Ascent"
The Ladder of Divine Ascent .................................................. ..............Saint John Climacus
The Classics of Western Spirituality .................................................. .....Holy Transfiguration Monastery
Translation by:
Colm Luibheid and Norman Russell
Introduction by Kallistos Ware
Paulist Press



INXC,
Seraphim

[David Naess]

I only have the 2001 Holy Transfiguration Monastery edition of:
The Ladder of Divine Ascent
so I am unable to make any comparisons.

One thing about it that has me wondering...
on the title page it says:

THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT
SAINT JOHN CLIMACUS
Revised Edition

That "Revised Edition" bit has me wondering what the difference might be between this edition and the "original" edition. (Illustrations maybe?)

[Marianthy]

I have an older translation

"The Ladder of Divine Ascent"
by St. John Climacus
translated by Archimandrite Lazarus Moore
intro by M. Heppell
published by Harper & Brothers ca 1960?

Marianthy

[Michael Stickles]

I'm just starting "How to Live a Holy Life" by Metropolitan Gregory of St. Petersburg.

And, at this point, I'm still "just starting". My original idea was to read a chapter, then work on applying it, and not move to the next chapter until I felt I'd made at least a decent start at incorporating the ideas in the current chapter into my daily life. Unfortunately, if I hold to that plan, this book will take me 'till at least Lent 2012 to finish, and probably much longer. I'm going to switch to a different plan:

(1) Read the whole book straight through
(2) Go back and look for two or three things that would make a big difference in my life right now
(3) Work on applying those things in my daily life
(4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 until either:

(a) all things are applied,
(b) Christ returns, or
(c) I die, whichever comes first (hint - it won't be "a")
In Christ,
Mike

[Anna K.]

I just finished Unseen Warfare.
It really seems to be a must purchase - mine was a library one. Takes a long time to read - at least for me - when every sentence is full of heavy meaning - by heavy I mean FULL and at the same time promising that reading it again and again new views would open as my eyes hopefully develop to see more.

How many of you have read it?

In Christ
Anna K

P.S I've seen there's two of us Annas now, so I'll use my K. It's like in school - there were always so many of us in the same class and we had to use longer versions with middle names etc

[Paul Cowan]

I just finished Unseen Warfare.
It really seems to be a must purchase - mine was a library one. Takes a long time to read - at least for me - when every sentence is full of heavy meaning - by heavy I mean FULL and at the same time promising that reading it again and again new views would open as my eyes hopefully develop to see more.

How many of you have read it?

In Christ
Anna K

P.S I've seen there's two of us Annas now, so I'll use my K. It's like in school - there were always so many of us in the same class and we had to use longer versions with middle names etc


Hi Anna,

This is my favorite book. I have read it 4 times now and am on my 5th time. My wife recently discovered what I enjoy about it and now have to get another copy for myself. Where I have dog-eared my favorite chapters, she is marking it all up with underlines and personal observations.

Do you have a best chapter? Perhaps if others have read it, we can start our own discussion thread about Unseen Warfare. HEAVY, yes. FULL, absolutely.

Paul

[Anna K.]

Hi Paul and all,

I can't say a best chapter, since it's taken me to read quite a long time, and I feel the book is as I said full of rich teaching. I really need at least the four times you have I'm sure to pick any favorites, and probably it would change every time since I can imagine with different phases in life and faith different things will stand out. But I loved the combination of our most important aims in our life in God AND really practical help in them (if only we would be able to constantly remember).

Right now what stood out for me was the notion of complete trust in God in everything - and realising HOW far from it I am. And also the need for us to really long for God's will and nothing else.

These spoke to me especially because of my seeking cathecumen time in life right now. A reading group would be interesting!

In Christ
Anna K

[Andreas Moran]

I must say I feel thoroughly humbled and chastened by you all. All this spiritual reading going on, and what am I doing?! I read a lot of books years ago but in the last 7-8 years, I've found it a struggle to do more than dip into things. True, a lot has happened in the last 8 years, and time seems a problem now in a way it didn't used to be. When I do take a quick look in some book, I see all the bits I once underlined, the page corners turned down, the old wrinkled post-its and the notes in the margins. But anyway - yes, Unseen Warfare has got to be one of my all-time favourites. It's worth reading the Introduction and checking off which chapters that are wholly by St Theophan. Part one, chapters XLVI to LIII about prayers are by St Theophan. One chapter which I think is well worth looking at is part two, chapter XIX about relations with others. This surprised me when I first read it because I had assumed that we did anything for our neighbour but here we are told that 'injudicious zeal' in love of neighbour can be so harmful as to 'cast you into perdition'. Along with Unseen Warfare, Arch. Lazarus Moore's biography of St Seraphim is a constant favourite. Each in their very different ways, St Theophan and St Sraphim seem to understand us and speak to us so directly, and they are, after all, closer to ur own times.

[Anna K.]

Thank you Andreas for encouraging me to the introduction!
I must confess I skipped it the first time - so much of such small print before the "real thing". I just started it yesterday to be able to more wisely go into my second round after catching my breath a bit.

Time is really a problem - and with books like this one the time between the beginning and end really stretches too much. But that's the way it is and I'm glad I made it through - I had a long period of work related No-energy-to-read in the middle and that is a risk always that books need to be back at the library (in spite of our system of 5 succesive possibilities to re-borrow).

I've been wanting to find other books by Saint Theophan as well. I've read his "What is spiritual life" but not others, so I'll get to wholly his chapters in the Warfare next.

I share your surprise about the zeal concerning our neigbour. There is something difficult to understand for a former protestant like me in that, but at the same time something that rings very true.

In Christ
Anna K

[Andreas Moran]

I share your surprise about the zeal concerning our neigbour. There is something difficult to understand for a former protestant like me in that, but at the same time something that rings very true.

Well, I'm not a former anything, but I see that Protestants emphasise the 'social work' sort of help to neighbour. That has its place but care for the salvation of our neighbours is what St Theophan says we must also attend to, and we can't save others or ourselves if we misdirect and dissipate our energies. This chapter (part two XIX) seems to me to link with St Seraphim's saying about acquiring the grace of the Holy Spirit and thousands around then being saved. Also, St Silouan prayed all his life for the salvation of others. How effective were his prayers? Well, we don't know how much worse things would be without his prayers. We must believe that the prayers of such saints are keeping things going.

[Nina]

I see all the bits I once underlined, the page corners turned down, the old wrinkled post-its and the notes in the margins.

It is strange because several have mentioned this, but I do not do it. I only mark in my school books.

[Paul Cowan]

It is strange because several have mentioned this, but I do not do it. I only mark in my school books.

For me, this is my school book. I have to study hard because my heart is so hard and twisted. Schooling like this book teaches will help me pass the "final exam". I hope. :)

[Marie A.]

Hi Anna,

This is my favorite book. I have read it 4 times now and am on my 5th time. My wife recently discovered what I enjoy about it and now have to get another copy for myself. Where I have dog-eared my favorite chapters, she is marking it all up with underlines and personal observations.

Do you have a best chapter? Perhaps if others have read it, we can start our own discussion thread about Unseen Warfare. HEAVY, yes. FULL, absolutely.

Paul

Recently I have been rereading parts of this book also. For those of you who have this book, are there some special prayers to our Lord Jesus Christ that are composed by St. Nicodemas the Hagiorite at the end. My copy does not have these prayers. I ask because I read about them in A night in the desert of the Holy Mountain. The Geronda tells the priest he should chant these prayers.

[Anthony Stokes]

This is my favorite book. I have read it 4 times now and am on my 5th time. My wife recently discovered what I enjoy about it and now have to get another copy for myself. Where I have dog-eared my favorite chapters, she is marking it all up with underlines and personal observations.


I'm surprised it has not been mentioned yet, but I like to read The Way of a Pilgrim. This year I have not read it yet, because I just read the first half during the Nativity fast in a new translation. I have read the same translation twice, and my goal is to try and read every translation, and maybe in 20 years or so to read it in Russian. I think I will try Unseen Warfare. I have read the introduction, but never gotten into the text. My wife read it though and enjoyed it very much, but it has been a few years.

Subdeacon Anthony

[Paul Cowan]

Recently I have been rereading parts of this book also. For those of you who have this book, are there some special prayers to our Lord Jesus Christ that are composed by St. Nicodemas the Hagiorite at the end. My copy does not have these prayers. I ask because I read about them in A night in the desert of the Holy Mountain. The Geronda tells the priest he should chant these prayers.

My copy is the 2000 edition from St. Vladimir's Press. It also does not have the prayers.

[Marie A.]

My copy is the 2000 edition from St. Vladimir's Press. It also does not have the prayers.

Thanks, Paul. Now I'm really interested to know what these prayers are. Perhaps it only appears in the Russian or Greek translation of the book.