The mountain of silence : a search for orthodox spirituality / Kyriacos C. Markides.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Markides, Kyriacos C.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Spirituality--Orthodox Eastern Church.

Spirituality.

Physical Description:

xii, 256 pages ; 25 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Doubleday, [2001]

Summary:

An acclaimed expert in Christian mysticism travels to monasteries high in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus and offers a fascinating look at the Greek Orthodox approach to spirituality that will appeal to modern seekers.

In an engaging combination of dialogues, reflections, conversations, history, and travel information, Kyriacos C. Markides continues the exploration of a spiritual tradition and practice he began in Riding with the Lion. His earlier book took readers to the isolated peninsula of Mount Athos in northern Greece and into a group of ancient monasteries. There, in what might be called a "Christian Tibet," two thousand monks and hermits practice the spiritual arts to attain oneness with God. In his new book, Markides follows Father Maximos, one of Mount Athos's monks, to the troubled island of Cyprus. As Father Maximos establishes churches, convents, and monasteries in this deeply divided land, Markides is awakened anew to the magnificent spirituality of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Images of the land and the people of Cyprus and details of its tragic history enrich The Mountain of Silence. Like the writings of the great mystics, the book brilliantly evokes the confluence of an inner and outer journey. The depth and richness of its spiritual message echo the thoughts and writings of Saint Francis of Assisi and other great saints of the Western Church as well. The result is a remarkable work -- a moving, profoundly human examination of the role and the power of spirituality in a complex and confusing world.

Contents:

1. Prolegomena 1

2. Elders and saints 9

3. Transformations 25

4. Knowledge of god 41

5. Illnesses of the heart 53

6. Icons and idols 67

7. Signs and wonders 78

8. Angels and demons 94

9. Invisible intruders 115

10. Strategies 131

11. Escape from hell 147

12. Passion for justice 165

13. Spiritual laws 182

14. Ceaseless prayer 194

15. The threefold way 212

16. Doxology of peace 225

17. The mountain of silence 232.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [253]-256).

ISBN:

0385500912

OCLC:

46578391