Friday, March 15, 2013

Lent Book Discussion: The Philokalia: Orthodox Spirituality for the Lay Person

Discussion of the book selection for Lent will begin Wednesday, March 20 after the Liturgy of the Pre-santified Gifts which begins at 6:00 P.M. The discussion of Philokalia Orthodox Spirituality for the Lay Person, by Anthony Coniaris, will be led by Father Christos weekly during Great Lent after the Liturgy of the Pre-santified Gifts. The discussion will be accompanied by a Lenten pot luck dinner. This format, that is, the beautiful candlelit liturgy in the chapel, followed by the discussion in the taverna, is the perfect format for discussing a book as rich as the Philokalia. Coniaris' book "brings the Orthodox spirituality of the Philokalia out of the monastery into everyday living. It addresses the relevance today of the subjects covered by the Fathers of the Philokalia, i.e. vigilance, 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."

The Philokalia: Orthodox Spirituality for the Lay Person is available on the center table in the church bookstore.


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