A History of the Athonite Commonwealth: The Spiritual and Cultural Diaspora of Mount Athos - Softcover

Speake, Graham

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1108444326 ISBN 13: 9781108444323

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2018

Synopsis

This book examines the part played by monks of Mount Athos in the diffusion of Orthodox monasticism throughout Eastern Europe and beyond. It focuses on the lives of outstanding holy men in the history of Orthodoxy who have been drawn to the Mountain, have absorbed the spirit of its wisdom and its prayer, and have returned to the outside world, inspired to spread the results of their labours and learning. In a remarkable demonstration of what may be termed 'soft power' in action, these men have carried the image of Athos to all corners of the Balkan peninsula, to Ukraine, to the very far north of Russia, across Siberia and the Bering Strait into North America, and most recently (when traditional routes were closed to them by the curtain of communism) to the West. Their dynamic witness is the greatest gift of Athos to a world thirsting for spiritual guidance.

About this title

Book Description:

Explores how for 1,000 years Mount Athos has played a unique role in facilitating the spread of Orthodoxy throughout Eastern Europe and beyond. As purveyors of spiritual and mystical ideas, the monks have exerted considerable influence not only on ecclesiastical affairs but also on politics, culture, and the arts.

About the Author:

Graham Speake is founder and Chairman of the Friends of Mount Athos. He is a regular visitor to the Mountain and was received into the Orthodox Church there in 1999. Trained as a classicist, he holds a doctorate in Greek from the University of Oxford and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. His first book, Mount Athos: Renewal in Paradise (2nd edition, 2014), was awarded the Criticos Prize.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1108444326
• ISBN 13: 9781108444323
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 308