The Way of the Spirit: Reflections on Life in God

by Aimilianos of Simonopetra

"You'll find twelve chapters and 400 pages on union and communion talks on God and prayer and coming from alienation to a place of inner peace, talks he gave monks and nuns and lay people during his quarter century leadership on the holy mountain before he retired at the turn of the millennium." Elder Aimilianos played an important role in the contemporary revival of monastic life on Mt. Athos, where he served as the abbot of the Monastery of Simonopetra from 1973 until his retirement in 2000. His remarkable gifts as a spiritual guide and teacher are evident in this outstanding collection of twelve talks, which uniquely illuminate the mystery of the human encounter with God. The struggle with the self, the deeper meaning of asceticism, the dynamic nature of spiritual growth, the centrality of Scripture and Liturgy, and the relationship of believers to the Holy Spirit, are among the many themes explored in this challenging and thought-provoking book. The energy and immediacy of the original texts is well captured in this superlative translation, which is supported by a wide-ranging introduction, extensive notes, and indices. "The Way of the Spirit" is a collection of twelve spiritual talks by Elder Aimilianos, expresisng his personal experience of God, "which was always real, living and dynamic." From 1974 until his retirement in 2000 he was the abbot of the Sacred Monastery of Simonopetra on Mt. Athos. "This book is an offering to our brothers and sisters throughout the world, for 'love does not seek its own' but desires communion with others, teaching us to sing in 'other tongues.' We cannon say 'we have no need of you,' for without you, our joy will not be complete (I Cor 13:3,12:21). Read this book in a spirit of peace, with no anxiety about understanding new concepts or learning this under pressure. Let your reading and attenbtion be unforced, a form of prayer...listen for the word of God, and enter into communion with Him.

Genres: Christianity, Spirituality

230 pages, Unknown Binding

First published June 1, 2009

About the author

Aimilianos of Simonopetra, titled as Elder and Archimandrite, was the abbot of Simonopetra Monastery from 1974 to 2000. As a young monk, Elder Aimilianos looked forward to a career as a foreign missionary. Assigned to a monastery, the Elder experienced a spiritual crisis from which he emerged a man, supremely energized, and dedicated to revitalization of monastic life.

Reviews

[capturedbyannamarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished this book, The Way of The Spirit. You know when you finish a book, and you just are in awe. That’s how I felt, when I was finished. Wow! I am so glad that I have taken as much time as possible to slowly read it. I will be rereading it many times. In fact, I want to already reread it immediately. It truly is the best book I have read by far this year. It’s filled with profound and beautifully written spiritual guidance for everyday life. You can tell Elder Aimilianos, who will soon be canonized a saint, is truly full of Godly wisdom. It is written in a very powerful but readable way. He quotes Holy Scripture and the church fathers constantly. This book truly is a joy to read. If you have not read it, please do. I now want to read all of the books by him.

[Signe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taken from talks given by the Archimandrite Aimilianos, who was the the Abbot of the Simonopetra Monastery at Mt Athos and who also founded the monastery for women commonly called Ormylia.

This book is tremendously beautiful in a spiritual sense.

A great choice to begin the Lenten journey. The last chapters touch on the Triodion.

This work may be more accessible for people who have had some spiritual experience and some time in the Orthodox Church.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is written by a monk, and I think written mostly for those pursuing monastic spirituality, there are so many great images and quotes in this book, that it is worth reading to gain insight into how Archinadrite Aimilianos understood the Christian life. "Translating" his concepts into the life of parish laymen is the difficult task that those of us who live in the world must face.

[Steven Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books!