Philokalia: The Bible of Orthodox Spirituality

by Anthony M. Coniaris, Anthony M. Coniaris

Brings the Orthodox spirituality of the Philokalia out of the monastery into everyday living. Addresses the relevance today of the subjects covered by the Fathers of the Philokalia, i.e. Vigilance (nepsis), Ascesis, Overcoming the Passions, etc. It is not a book for theologians but for the average Orthodox lay person. Fr. Harakas writes, "Those who read this book will come to a deepening of their spiritual life. Their heart will be touched, moved, and warmed." 6" x 9". 300 pages. 2nd printing.

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

365 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Lynette Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most concise, accessible overviews of Orthodox Spirituality I have read. Great for people curious about Orthodoxy or already a part of the church. Fr. Anthony does not just describe spirituality, he invites to participate!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that’s forever changed me as well as saved me from darkness. It has pointed me in the direction of other authors/fathers, but also back onto the spiritual path of Theosis.

May the Spirit grant me each moment Union with God, by His Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

[Vijay Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for those that need the intro. But if not, go right to the text.

[Alex of Yoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read the Philokalia last year, I was eager for a book that would help refresh me on its contents and put it into perspective for the average Christian. This book was helpful in doing that, in a way, but wasn't really what I was looking for.

This book is divided into two parts: an explanation of Orthodox spirituality and an overview of the concepts in the Philokalia. It's filled with quotes on topics such as nepsis, prayer, and hesychasm and is written for the average layman to understand.

So, obviously anything on Orthodox spiritual practice is helpful, I will not deny that. These concepts are important, it's good that they're presented simply, and I appreciated being reminded of some of these deep truths. This is vitally important information that was missing in my Western religious education. Everyone needs at least a basic understanding of practical Christian spirituality.

However, I really didn't like the execution of this book. For one, the writing style isn't great. It's almost overly simplistic and filled with repeated phrases and quotes, cliché anecdotes, and disconnected thoughts. It beats its subjects to death with just an overwhelming amount of quotations, but does not expound on its topics very much or apply them to the average person's life (which is what the book promises it'll do). It's also rather dated in its stories and studies, so it's in desperate need of a revision.

I also think it misses its aim on being a book about the Philokalia. The first half isn't about the Philokalia at all, but is a broad introductory to Orthodox spirituality. The second half is really only loosely inspired by the Philokalia, painting concepts from it in broad brush strokes. This is fine, but it's not what the book told me it would do. It says it'll bridge the gap between the Philokalia (written for monks) and the typical Christian living in the world. I'm not entirely sure it succeeded in doing that. It barely succeeded in even describing what the Philokalia is. I was looking for a book that could give me the basic layout of the Philokalia and then maybe an overview of each authors' thoughts and teachings as well as what those teachings look like in the non-monastic life. That isn't in here. This book is an extremely watered down version of the concepts within the Philokalia, and it just wasn't what I wanted. I think if it had been marketed as just an "Introduction to Orthodox Spirituality" without promising to be specifically on the Philokalia, it would've been better (but the writing style definitely still needs help).

Overall, while I liked parts of this book, as a whole I struggle to recommend it. The Philokalia is indeed a powerful book that needs to be brought into the everyday Christian's life. I just don't think that this is the book to do it.

[Pat Rolston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have attempted to read the original and unedited version of this Eastern Orthodox work and it is far more productive to begin with this book. To climb the mountain without any real preparation is folly and this is a work that allows for proper preparation to begin the climb. If exploring Eastern Orthodoxy academically, spiritually, or in the furtherance of your faith this is wonderfully written to serve the purpose.

[Thomas McDermott]

I enjoyed this book - reflections of a pilgrim.

[Debbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to the Philokalia by Fr. Anthony. Each chapter is quite short and discusses a specific spiritual topic, such as: Inner Attention, Gift of Tears, Spiritual Synergy, The Practice of Silence. Weaved throughout is the importance of the "Prayer of the Heart" or Jesus Prayer. This is wonderful book.

My only complaint is that it is sometimes hard to tell when Fr. Anthony is speaking and when he is quoting directly from the Philokalia.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philokalia for Dummies.