Knowledge of God: Ancient Spirituality of the Christian East

by Harry M. Boosalis

The present study comprises two introductory lectures in Orthodox theology. Written in a reader-friendly style with a deliberate attempt at presenting the spiritual themes of Orthodox theology in a clear and simple way, this brief book will benefit anyone interested in Eastern Christian spirituality and the study of Orthodox theology.

Based on Holy Scripture and patristic teaching, this short study refers to the writings of a wide variety of Orthodox theologians, especially those of Eastern European backgrounds. This book is also original in that it preserves its teaching purpose by maintaining a practical approach as well as an appropriate level of language.

KNOWLEDGE OF GOD: Ancient Spirituality of the Christian East is ideal for any layman seeking to introduce himself to, or increase his knowledge of, the patristic approach to Christian spirituality and Eastern Orthodox theology.

104 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota of Greek-American parents, Dr. Boosalis grew up at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church. Upon graduation from Seminary, he served his home parish as a lay assistant and youth director under the tutelage of his life-long parish priest, Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris. He went on to pursue his doctoral degree in Greece under the direction of Prof. Georgios Mantzaridis. His dissertation provides a systematic presentation of the teaching of St. Silouan of Mount Athos on Orthodox spiritual life, highlighting its relevance for today.

Dr. Boosalis has been teaching dogmatic theology as a full time faculty member at St. Tikhon’s since the Fall of 1992, when he organized, developed and implemented a new curriculum for the entire sequence of dogmatic courses in the Master of Divinity degree program. He serves the Seminary as the Chairman of the Department of Theology and Spirituality and is a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, the Curriculum Committee and the Faculty Development Committee.