From the internationally renowned author of The Mountain of Silence , Eastern Orthodox mysticism meets Western Christianity in a book that takes readers on a deep journey back in time to unveil the very roots of authentic spirituality. In his previous book The Mountain of Silence , Markides introduced us to the essential spiritual nature of Eastern Orthodoxy in a series of lively conversations with Father Maximos, the widely revered charismatic Orthodox bishop and former abbot of the isolated monastery on Mount Athos. ...
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From the internationally renowned author of The Mountain of Silence , Eastern Orthodox mysticism meets Western Christianity in a book that takes readers on a deep journey back in time to unveil the very roots of authentic spirituality. In his previous book The Mountain of Silence , Markides introduced us to the essential spiritual nature of Eastern Orthodoxy in a series of lively conversations with Father Maximos, the widely revered charismatic Orthodox bishop and former abbot of the isolated monastery on Mount Athos. In Gifts of the Desert , Markides continues his examination of Easter Orthodox mystical teachings and practices and captures its living expression through visits to monasteries and hermitages in Greece and America and interviews with contemporary charismatic elders, both male and female. Markides's pursuit of a deeper understanding of Orthodoxy takes him to the deserts of Arizona and a stay at a new monastery in Sedona; to the island of Cyprus and a reunion with Father Maximos; on a pilgrimage to holy shrines aboard a cruise ship in the Aegean Sea; and finally to the legendary Mount Athos, home to more than two thousand Orthodox monks. Markides relates his journey and reflections in a captivating style while providing important background material and information on historical events to give readers a highly accessible, in-depth portrait of a tradition little known in the West. Gifts of the Desert will appeal to a wide range of people, from Christians seeking insights into their religion and its various expressions to scholars interested in learning more about the mystical way of life and wisdom that have been preserved on Mount Athos since the fall of the Byzantine Empire and the Great Schism that separated the Eastern and Western Churches. Perhaps most important, however, is the bridge it offers contemporary readers to a Christian life that is balanced between the worldly and the spiritual.
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The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.
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Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included.
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Good. Used-Good This item shows wear from consistent use but remains in readable condition. It may have marks on or in it, and may show other signs of previous use or shelf wear. Item may have minor creases or signs of wear. Item is packed with care, shipped promptly.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
The highlight of this book is the person of Bishop/Abbot Maximos who is evidently still in Cyprus. The author, Mr. Markides, is typical of many cradle Greek Orthodox in that he has a mixture of New Age philosophy and a myriad of other opinions that detour him away from Orthodox Christianity. However, his spiritual father, the wonderful Bishop, is ever watchful to prevent him (or his companions) from ship-wrecking and perverting their understanding of the Christian Faith from our fathers by inserting their philosophies. As an Orthodox Christian convert, and one able to testify to the emptiness of philosophy after my own sojourn in "New Age" religions, I would urge the readers to overlook the author's opinions, and to let the Orthodox Abbot's wonderful teachings on prayer and living for Christ our Saviour be the only Orthodox voice they hear, since he is so informed by the Holy Scriptures and our Faith in our only Saviour, Jesus Christ.