Letters from the Desert: A Selection of Questions and Responses

Popular Patristics Series #26

by Barsanuphius of Palestine, John Chryssavgis (Translator)

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 by way of Abba Seridos, the abbot of the monastic community in Gaza, where these two holy men lived in silence. 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. Thus, they complemented each other and together they maintained a harmonious 'authority-in-charity.' Rather than the Western emphasis on discipline, these two elders retained an emphasis on discernment, thus preserving the flexibility and fluidity of the Egyptian desert lifestyles (from whence Barsanuphius had been formed). Nevertheless, both men were highly educated and displayed a fine intellect, as is reflected in their writings. In the East, one sought out an elder, an Old Man (a geron in Greek or an abba, the Coptic word) as a spiritual director, and this was the chief role of monastic community to the surrounding community. These letters of the two Old Men were written to hermits, to monks in the community, to those in the choir, to priests, and to lay persons. Some were intended for advanced instruction, while others were intended for novices'according to the capacity of the inquirer. So one must not perceive as a general rule words spoken to souls at different spiritual levels. Still, these 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.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion

213 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

Barsanuphius of Palestine (Italian: Barsonofio, Barsanofrio, Barsanorio) (died ca. 540 AD), also known as Barsanuphius of Gaza, was a hermit of the sixth century. Born in Egypt, he lived in absolute seclusion for fifty years, and then near the monastery of Saint Seridon of Gaza in Palestine. He wrote many letters, 800 of which have survived. He corresponded mainly with John the Prophet, abbot of the monastery of Merosala and teacher of Dorotheus of Gaza.

At the old age he convinced the emperor to renew the concordant relationship with the Church of Jerusalem.

His relics arrived in Oria, in Italy, with a Palestinian monk in 850 AD and placed in the present-day church of San Francesco da Paola by Bishop Theodosius. During a Moorish siege and taking of the city, the relics were lost but then later rediscovered and placed in the city's basilica.

At Oria he is considered to have saved the city from destruction wrought by foreign invaders. A legend states that he repelled a Spanish invasion by appearing before the Spanish commander armed with a sword. During World War II, he is said to have spread his blue cape across the sky, thus causing a rainstorm, and preventing an air bombing by Allied Forces.

Reviews

[Cam Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The introduction was worth the price of admission. John Chryssavgis not only did an excellent job translating this work, but also laying an incredible foundation for approaching these letters. His history, context, and summary made for a great launching point that allowed me to more fully appreciate and grasp the content of these collected letters.

All in all, the letters themselves were beneficial for my own walk. It was helpful to remember that these were personal responses to individuals wrestling with real issues rather than blanket statements that are to be applied to everyone in the same way. The wisdom found in these pages is helpful, scriptural, and more than anything it’s lovingly shared from one pilgrim to another in an effort to aid their journey. The constant call to holiness was convicting and encouraging. I’m grateful for the faithful lives of the old men Barsanuphius and John.

[Karoline · Rating 4 out of 5]

These letters between 6th century hermits, monks, and the occasional layman concern Christian teaching, living, and many matters of conscience, some minute and everyday, some perhaps overscrupulous, some weighty and universal. Sometimes the counsel is uncompromising and stern, sometimes extraordinarily understanding and gentle. The honor given to silence and the concern to avoid speech will probably strike the strangest note to our ears!

Most of the letters chosen for this edition are fairly short, making this a good book to read slowly in small windows of time.

[Nate Maier · Rating 3 out of 5]

A joyful little book on the life and advice of two desert fathers. It is an interesting look into the life and questions of the early(ish) church and what their walk with Jesus like. Sometimes the questions and answers feel very distant but other times it speaks right to the modern Christian life. A great read for any one interested in the desert fathers.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spiritual treasury!
I am so blessed to have found these obscure Palestinian desert fathers from the 6th century. I will be returning to this text over and over. Thank you Barsanuphius and John!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and enriching read.
The introduction was very long (the actual letters start on page 59), I think it would be better to have much of this in an appendix, so that you start reading the letters sooner.

[Leonardo]

Recomendado en La Oración del Corazón.

[Aaron Schuschu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of common sense advice sprinkled in with all the things church friends during grad school fanboyed but didn’t exactly follow.

[Rex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This turned out to be excellent reading for Lent—the wisdom of the Desert Fathers as practical and (mostly) gentle counsel, accessible to those living in the world.

[Lee Staman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of some very practical questions, "If I perform the sign of the Cross with my left hand, is this improper?" And some very practical answers, "Well, as for me, whenever I want to perform the sign of the Cross over my right hand, I certainly have to use my left hand to do so." Desert Wisdom at it's best.