Orthodoxy discussion

I am setting the goal of reading Frederica Mathewes-Green's First Fruits of Prayer this Lent.

Do you have any specific Lenten reading? Is there any interest in a Lenten discussion?

So Andre, how did you find it?
I loved it.

I have two books in the wings for lenten reading. The Beginnings of a Life of Prayerand Father Herman: Alaska's Saint. I've read the first one twice already. It's that kind of book. I would be interested in a discussion during Great Lent; those kinds of discussions always remind me that the entire Church is bound up together in aescesis, one of the most beautiful things about being Orthodox.

I always try to read The Ladder of Divine Ascent in the time of great lent, a magnificent book and very practical and helpful, quite inspiring for me too.

Anastasia,
I have read the book but just can't get myself to do it again yet. It reminds of how painfully low I am on this wonderful ladder.
Good on you for making it your Lenten read.
I usually try to read some books on lives of saints and elders though I don't always get through my list before Pascha. Perhaps I'm too ambitious! Or not committed enough. Either way, I do what I can.

Since I received "First Fruits of Prayer" several years ago, I have read it every Lent. I would love to participate in a discussion.

I like to start Lent with Great Lent by Fr Alexander Schmemann. And even though I usually drop the ball at some point I try to keep up with the Lenten Triodion. There's a nice volume put out by St Tikhon's Seminary Press that I have.

Kali Sarakosti!

I just finished A Mountain of Silence and am starting to read A Beginner's Guide to Prayer by Michael Keiser. And talk about a beginner, that's me!

Wonderful! A Mountain of Silence is good but I would not recommend Markides' other books to someone who doesn't have a pretty firm grip on Orthodoxy. I have met Father Michael, he used to be my brother's parish priest; he's just as warm and kind as his book would lead you to believe.

I am reading The Arena.
It's harsh and I'm wondering if anyone else managed to get through it without feeling completely hopeless of redemption.
I'm wondering if I'm just not ready for it, in spite of being a cradle Orthodox.
Have you ever read a book that leaves you feeling this way?
Z

When I was newly Orthodox, I read the same book and a few others like it. I called my spiritual father and said, "Who then can be saved?" He told me, gently, that salvation is by the light given, and that I was only responsible for a glimmer's worth. Be kind, struggle a little, don't sin too much, pray as much as you have strength:) That was his advice.

There are some really great books (mostly written for monastics who have close relationships with their spiritual fathers) that should only be read with the blessing of an experienced spiritual father (or mother).
May I recommend a wonderful book to you? Christ is in Our Midst: Letters from a Russian Monk
Here is an excerpt from the text. As you can see, it's a very different kind of spiritual reading...

"You write that you have...little zeal to rise up from the ground. Do not be irritated; be satisfied with what you have: a striving for the one thing needful. Each person has his own form of life. Adapt yourself to your position and contrive to do everything for God's sake...Furthermore, do not see God as a severe chastiser. He is very kind...If you happen to falter in virtue-do not tremble, for our nature is very changeable. Only the angels are unchanging in virtue. According to the Apostle: 'Forget what lies behind and press on' (Phil 3:13)"

God bless your Great and Holy Friday, Zaina. Soon we'll be singing "Christos Anesti"!

Thank you, Cheryl. I have ordered the book. And, yes soon we will!

My wife and I have been recommended selected writings of St Maximus the Confessor as lenten reading by our priest. Anyone else want to join in?

I just finished, John Climacus: The Ladder of Divine Ascent. it is read in monasteries during Lent. And I'm reading Great Lent: Journey to Pascha (again).

If I can find a copy of St. Maximus, I'll follow along with you.