Orthodox And Wesleyan Spirituality

In 1999, on the campus of St. Vladimir's Seminary, leading Orthodox and Methodist scholars, clergy, and laity met to explore the roots of spirituality in both traditions. This volume explores the primary themes addressed at that consultation: holiness and perfection, the impact and influence of the Eastern Church upon John and Charles Wesley- the founders of Methodism- and the common foundational ground upon which the Wesleys and many of the Eastern Fathers stood. While there is much to be done toward establishing the direct channels of influence, the discourses of this volume will serve well the cause of discovering commonalities, as well as differences, in their theology and practice. One will find here foundation stones for building bridges of understanding and the deepening of spirituality.

"These essays address scriptural authority and interpretation in the Orthodox and Wesleyan traditions. Rooted within their respective faith communities, the authors avoid false convergences but acknowledge viable commonalities, thus setting an innovative tone for ecumenical study and dialogue."--BOOK JACKET.

Orthodoxy is often identified with beautiful icons, elaborate liturgy, perfection as deification, and the vision of God as light. But there is a deeper side in which martyrdom is embraced. The spirituality of the Christian East is often identified with beautiful icons, elaborate liturgy, a way of perfection as deification, and the vision of God as light. But martyrdom is part and parcel of the Orthodox way, and its spirituality is profoundly marked by the reality of pain and division. This fascinating study finds a deeper insight at the heart of the Orthodox tradition: the idea of brokenness and darkness as the only way to healing and light, the idea of imperfection as the only way to salvation.

From the time you were in your childhood, did you begin to wonder what the meaning is of your Orthodox Christian beliefs? Especially, what the significance is of the prayers, hymns, the Epistle and Gospel readings, and communion during the Divine Liturgy? As you get older you may read books about the Orthodox Christian Church, attend religious education workshops and seminars, and look at video tapes; and start to compile the answers to the questions you had. This book helps you to better understand the doctrines, beliefs, the Holy Traditions, the faith, sacraments, and worship of the church. Also in this book, you comprehend a very important aspect as to how the Christian religion got started, and the connection of the Orthodox Christian Church to our Lord Jesus Christ, His apostles, the early church fathers, and the Seven Ecumenical Councils. This puts you on a path where you regularly attend, participate in, and better understand the Divine Liturgy. You learn that the Divine Liturgy in the Orthodox Christian Church has remained the same for more than 1500 years. You begin to understand that the Orthodox Christian Church is the true path to Jesus. When you begin to read the Holy Bible daily, you learn about the ministry of Christ and how to better live our lives. We should regularly say our daily morning prayers and nightly prayers, and our special prayers when needed. The fruit of prayer is inner peace, healing power, the Holy Spirit, union with God, and love. If we still have doubts in our minds about the existence of a mighty power, our God, then all we have to do is to look all around us. Everything is arranged in an orderly manner, and there is a grand purpose in every aspect of the human, animal, and plant kigndoms - and the planet earth within an infinite universe. The evidence that is presented in this book truly confirms that God is with us and all around us.

Silent Roots - Orthodox Perspectives on Christian Spirituality

"An 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 a 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. 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 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."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved