The Philokalia, Volume 4: The Complete Text; Compiled by St. Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain & St. Markarios of Corinth (Philokalia Vol. 4)

The Philokalia is a four-volume collection of writings from early Church fathers, ascetics and theologians. This fourth and final volume begins with the writings of St. Symeon 'the New Theologian' (this title placing him in the select company of St. John the Evangelist and St. Gregory Nazianzen), specifically his 'One Hundred Fifty Three Practical and Theological Texts.' Next come three treatises from St. Symeon's disciple and biographer, Nikitas Stithatos. This volume culminates with ''the two Gregories'' of the fourteenth century: St. Gregory of Sinai and St. Gregory Palamas, who together (though ''in the flesh'' independently) articulated and defended the validity of the experience of those who through unceasing prayer and stillness (hesychia) saw the uncreated light of the Godhead. St. Gregory Palamas' important 'One Hundred Fifty Chapters and Declaration of the Holy Mountain in Defense of Those who Devoutly Practice a Life of Stillness' are presented here. 457 pp.