Letters from the Desert: A Selection of Questions and Responses

Saint Barsanuphius/ the Prophet, Saint John

ISBN 10: 0881412546 / ISBN 13: 9780881412543

Published by St Vladimirs Seminary Pr, 2003

About this Item

213 pages. 7.45x5.20x0.50 inches. In Stock.

Seller Inventory # zk0881412546

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Letters from the Desert: A Selection of Questions and Responses
• Publisher: St Vladimirs Seminary Pr
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0881412546
• ISBN 13: 9780881412543
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Brand New
• Weight: 0.22 kilograms

About this title

Synopsis

Two monastic elders - the "Great Old Man" Barsanuphius, and the "Other Old Man" John - flourished in the southern region around Gaza in the early part of the sixth century. Maintaining strict seclusion within their cells, they spoke to others only through letters. The authority of John may be described as more institutional, responding as he does to problems of a practical nature; the authority of Barsanuphius is more inspirational, responding to principles of a spiritual nature. The questions and answers evoke the image of the Christian tradition being passed from elder to disciple, and the contemporary reader will be able to appreciate the method and possibly be inspired to imitate the message.

About the Author

Father John Chryssavgis studied theology in Athens and Oxford. He taught at St Andrew's Theological College in Sydney and at Holy Cross School of Theology in Boston. His writings have focused on the early ascetic literature of Egypt, Palestine, and the Sinai peninsula.