The Cross of Loneliness, The Correspondence of Saint Sophrony and Archpriest Georges Florovsky

by Sophrony Sakharov, Georges Florovsky, Hieromonk Nicholas Sakharov (Editor)

The Cross of Loneliness presents the first English translation from Russian of the correspondence between Saint Sophrony and Archpriest Georges Florovsky from 1954 to 1963. Rev. Dr. Alexis Torrance, Associate Professor of Byzantine Theology at the University of Notre Dame, illuminates in his introduction the “cross of loneliness” to which St. Sophrony and Fr. Georges refer in their letters as they lament the loss of an Orthodox theological culture in which life and dogma are joined in a deep and conscious union. The letters themselves discuss the publication of the first English edition of Saint Sophrony's book on Saint Silouan the Athonite (The Undistorted Image, 1958). He requests Florovsky's assistance in finding a publisher and writing an introduction after the untimely death of their mutual friend, V.N. Lossky, who had originally been engaged for this purpose. Later in the correspondence they discuss the issue of the Filioque, the doctrine of the Trinity, church hierarchy, and "despotism" among other theological and ecclesiastical matters. The letters conclude with Fr. Georges's reflections on his trip to India and the question of union between non-Chalcedonian and Orthodox Christians. Finally, Fr. Georges's foreword to The Undistorted Image is included as an appendix.

Genres: Christianity

148 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2021

About the author

Archimandrite Sophrony (Sakharov), also Elder Sophrony, was best known as the disciple and biographer of St Silouan the Athonite and compiler of St Silouan's works, and as the founder of the Patriarchal Stavropegic Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Tolleshunt Knights, Maldon, Essex, England.

Reviews

[Papa Ieramias · Rating 4 out of 5]

A glimpse into the friendly exchange between two giants of the Orthodox world, from the past century - Fr. George Florovsky and Archimandrite (now Saint) Sophrony Sakharov. We are privileged to see what might be experienced as 'mundane' banter shared between two friends, two persons for whom the life in Christ and in the Church meant taking up the 'cross of loneliness,' navigating a world that has become unaccustomed to the simple and pure light of Christ which illumines all. We hear of their common struggles in conveying the teachings of Orthodoxy in their talks and publications, some common concerns about the institutional difficulties in the Church. In the midst of their "shop talk" are a few of the more pure and simple reflections on the love of the Liturgy that I have read from St. Sophrony. For those who are not familiar with these two figures, this read may be less than invigorating. There isn't a multitude of depth or intrigue; but there is an indication of an honest friendship shared between two very different people who have a common struggle, and who are willing to bear their cross out of love of God.

[Benjamin Linnabary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was incredibly interesting to see inside the personal correspondence of two theological giants and see both incredible depth, as well as sincere humanness. There was genuine affection between the two. It also gives me courage to see their struggles with their ventures. Well worth reading!

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great men.

[Невен Паштар · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-