The Philokalia: The Complete Text (Vol. 1); Compiled by St. Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain and St. Markarios of Corinth [Paperback]

G.E.H. Palmer (Translator), Philip Sherrard (Translator), Kallistos Ware (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1983

The Philokalia is a collection of texts written between the fourth and the fifteenth centuries by spiritual masters of the Orthodox Christian tradition. First published in Greek in 1782, then translated into Slavonic and later into Russian, The Philokalia has exercised an influence in the recent history of the Orthodox Church far greater than that of any book apart from the Bible. It is concerned with themes of universal importance: how man may develop his inner powers and awake from illusion; how he may overcome fragmentation and achieve spiritual wholeness; how he may attain the life of contemplative stillness and union with God.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Philokalia is a collection of texts written in Greek between the fourth and fifteenth centuries by spiritual masters of the Orthodox tradition. Compiled in the 18th century and first published in Venice in 1782, it has had a profound influence on the spiritual life of the Eastern churches." -- Theology Digest

"A treasure of insight, wisdom, and counsel. The translation is clear and readable." -- Library Journal

Language Notes

Text: English, Greek (translation)

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Faber & Faber (January 1, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0571130135
• ISBN-13: 978-0571130139
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29,387 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Orthodoxy
  • #27 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Worship & Devotion > Rites & Ceremonies

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the essence of Christian spirituality from those who experie, September 18, 1999

By 

Rev. Ken Walker ([e-mail]) (Glenavon, Saskatchewan, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Philokalia, Volume 4: The Complete Text; Compiled by St. Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain & St. Markarios of Corinth (Paperback)

The four volumes of the Philokalia represent the Essence of Christian spirituality from those who expereinced it firsthand. As the Church became embraced by the Empire in the 4th century, monastics, following the example of St Anthony, withdrew to the deserts of Egypt and Palestine. The Philokalia is the uncompromising witness to the experience of the desert - and the heart that finds God in the silence of prayer and repentance. The four volumes now in print should be read by every Christian - Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant - if they are truly interested in their salvation and eternal life! And the path they prescribe is one that can be lived today - though not without struggle - even as we enter the 21st century.

64 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of Spiritual Treasures., July 29, 2001

By 

A. Doug Floyd "pilgrim" (Louisville, TN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Philokalia, Volume 4: The Complete Text; Compiled by St. Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain & St. Markarios of Corinth (Paperback)

I can't read too much at one time because the Philokalia is not simply an intellectual exercise. It requires prayer and reflection and time. If you're tired of the current trendy "spirituality" turn to this ancient source of Christian insight.

56 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Heart of Orthodox Spirituality, December 29, 1999

By 

Matthew C. Steenberg - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Philokalia, Volume 4: The Complete Text; Compiled by St. Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain & St. Markarios of Corinth (Paperback)

Little can be said in review of a work which comprises the very essence and heart of Orthodox spirituality. Contained in these four volumes are the writings of two millennia; the wisdom of the faithful throughout the ages on the spiritual journey that is the life of man. And the message is practical: it is not a spirituality restricted to any time or place, but one that is evident and applicable today and tomorrow in the life of every Christian. All who with a whole heart desire a true depth of spiritual well being are doing themselves a great hurt by not reading this book.