Philokalia, where can I get it?

[ProCommunioneFacior]

Where can I get all of the volumes of the Philokalia? I was just on St. Vladimir's webpage and unless I'm missing something they only have Volume 2 for sale.

Thank you for your help.

[ProCommunioneFacior]

Also what works do you recommend of/about St. Gregory Palamas and where do I get it?

[OnTheWay]

The Borders book store near me has an English language four volume set. Or you can go to Amazon.com or any of the other book sellers. I know there are a number of online Eastern Orthodox booksellers and would have it.

If you want to have some fun go into your local Christian book shop and ask for the Philokalia and a Jerusalem Bible. They'll give you anti-Roman Catholic tracts.

[VickiY]

ROTFL.....EXACTLY!!!! I have NEVER seen all the volumes of the Philokalia in one place...and believe me, I keep looking! They are always missing a volume here, or a volume there (I think the Evil One raids Borders at night to steal them). My gut answer: buy them separately from various sources.

St Gregory Palamas can be found at CBD, oddly enough, for the lowest price. I try to encourage them to stock Orthodox items...and buy from them where possible!

Best of luck!

[ProCommunioneFacior]

What is CBD?

[icxn]

This bookstore seems to have all 4 of them:

http://www.eighthdaybooks.com/

Just do a search on 'Philokalia'

icxn

[Lotar]

I was able to get all four at Barnes and Noble.

[VickiY]

What is CBD?

:doh: Sorry...CBD is Christian Book Distributors

www.christianbook.com (http://www.christianbook.com)

Their warehouse is in my parents' town, so I hit their quarterly sales where possible, and buy their Orthodox books and videos at amazing discounts...(neatly sidestepping the Veggie Tales stuff) They also have a TON of home-schooling materials, for those interested.

[Llauralin]

I've found them all through my university library and interlibrary loan, but then realized that I had no idea what they were talking about, and gave them all back.

[ProCommunioneFacior]

So does anybody have any specific works of St. Gregory Palamas, or any books about St. Gregory Palamas that they would like to recommend?

[MariaRegina]

Are you going for a Masters in Theology, Brian?

[ProCommunioneFacior]

Are you going for a Masters in Theology, Brian?

That was the plan, because I love Theology, but due to finances and family issues, I am not able to do so.

I will pursue my love of Theology in other ways, and the diaconate may possibly be in my future.

[choirfiend]

I believe that St. Tikhon's Seminary Bookstore has them all....They seemed to, when I was there, though I wasnt scouring the titles b/c I'm sure not reading those!!!!

www.stots.edu

[ProCommunioneFacior]

I believe that St. Tikhon's Seminary Bookstore has them all....They seemed to, when I was there, though I wasnt scouring the titles b/c I'm sure not reading those!!!!

www.stots.edu (http://www.stots.edu)

Why not?

[choirfiend]

Which Philokalia are we talking about?

I'm not reading that crazy spiritual direction one. I'm not at a level where I should be. It's one of those that people generally should check with their spiritual directors before tackling.

[eoe]

It's one of those that people generally should check with their spiritual directors before tackling.
Yeah.. I ask about the philokalia and I get this response (http://www.christianforums.com/t2311248-philokalia-where-to-start.html).

There is a warning in the introduction of the Philokalia that reads:

To attempt to practise it, therefore, apart from active participation in this sacramental and liturgical life is to cut it off from its living roots. It is also to abuse the intention of its exponents and teachers and so to act with a presumption that may well have consequences of a disastrous kind, mental and physical.

They warn you before you even get started.

Is there any text in the rich radition of Orthodoxy that is more advanced than the Philokalia? I have backed away from it as it really is VERY HEAVY STUFF. With warnings about insanity and calamity shouldn't we be careful?

Maybe there are some other writings of the fathers that might be more universal?

[Matrona]

Why not?

Because the Philokalia is a very advanced set of writings. Most Orthodox won't ever touch them. And if they do, the Philokalia is not really meant to be read straight through. It's supposed to be used more like a reference book.

For you, I would recommend getting in touch with an Orthodox priest and asking him what would be appropriate reading material on hesychasm for your situation, since you aren't Orthodox and you don't have a spiritual father. I'm no expert on the subject, and I don't know what you might have read already, but The Mountain of Silence is a great book, and you don't need permission to read it.

[MariaRegina]

Brian,

Have you read THE MOUNTAIN OF SILENCE by Kyriacos Markides?

It is available now through Amazon.com in an inexpensive paperback book.

This book even says that one should not attempt the Jesus Prayer without the direction of one's spiritual father because of the danger of prelest. This is also talked about in the book The Way of the Pilgrim.

In The Mountain of Silence there was mentioned a professor who started praying the Jesus Prayer and couldn't focus on his teaching. So he was told to back off a little.

This is why we need spiritual direction or people will think that we are crazy.

I remember once when I was in the fourth grade, and the nun told us to trying praying without ceasing, I took her literally. So when we had a spelling bee and she gave me a word to spell, all I could do was pray out loud and my team was furious. That taught me a lesson very quickly. I think the nun was surprized that anyone would take her literally.

Lovingly in Christ,
Elizabeth

p.s. How are your wedding plans coming along?

[ProCommunioneFacior]

My wedding plans are coming along very well, thank you. I've finished all of my NFP classes, personally, I just can't wait for the big day to come along. 6 and 1/2 years is along time to be dating.

In regards to the Philokalia, I will seek the guidance of my priest, thank you. In the meantime I will read "The Mountain of Silence."