Library of
Monastic Spirituality
 The following list of books contains many of the titles we consider required
reading for a good, proper "Library of Monastic Spirituality." Inner Light
Productions will update this listing from time to time as well as offer more subject areas
in an effort to make a wide range of reading material available for you in the area of
Christian spirituality. Please feel free to e-mail us comments or
suggestions so we can make our bookstore as effective as possible!
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The prices we show may differ from what you will find at Amazon.com as they are subject to
change. Obviously, we are not responsible for those changes!
 Monasticism in
Egypt: Images and Words of the Desert Fathers,
by Michael McClellan
The first volume in our planned series on Christian monasticism is now available. For more
details, please visit our detailed description.
 The Desert
Fathers, by Helen Waddell / Paperback / Our Price $8.80
The definitive introduction to the stories and sayings of the holy
men and women who, beginning in the fourth century A.D., pioneered the contemplative
tradition of Christianity in their retreats in the deserts of North Africa and Asia Minor.
Beyond the obvious recommendation that this is a complete English
translation of what is probably the best collection of spiritual teachings in Christianity
outside the Bible and the classic of Desert literature, here's what Choice magazine had to
say: 'The only English translation of the most complete version of the Apophthegmata
Patrum, a compilation of sayings from the desert monks of Egypt, Syria, and Palestine in
the fourth to sixth century...likely to be widely read and enjoyed for their own sake'
Coptic Egypt:
A History and Guide, by Jill Kamil / Paperback / Our Price $15.00
Without a doubt, this is the finest "tour guide" to the Coptic Church available!
It also has well-written overviews of Coptic history and culture, the practices of the
Church, and how one can and should go about visiting its monasteries and other holy
places. It's also nicely illustrated.
A general history of the Coptic Church that has been favorably
reviewed by Middle Eastern studies journals and assorted religious and academic magazines.
The Philokalia : The Complete Text Vol 1
Nicodemus, et al / Paperback / Published 1984
Our Price: $15.16 ~ You Save: $3.79 (20%)
If one truly wants to delve into the deepest riches of the Eastern Orthodox tradition of
the "Jesus Prayer," then the complete series of the Philokalia is only place to
turn. Originally collected by St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain, then subsequently
expanded by others, the penultimate collection of writings on the Jesus Prayer was finally
published in five volumes in Russia. The first four of those volumes are available here,
but we do not know when the fifth volume will be available. However, any ONE of these four
volumes can occupy the spiritual struggler for a lifetime! Ideally, one should strive to
read -- and live by -- all four volumes, but if one only wants to purchase one, then Prayer
of the Heart or The Art of Prayer might be better choices.
The Philokalia Vol 2
Philip Sherrard, et al / Paperback / Published 1990
Our Price: $15.96 ~ You Save: $3.99 (20%)
The Philokalia Vol 3
Philip Sharrard, et al / Paperback / Published 1995
Our Price: $13.56 ~ You Save: $3.39 (20%)
The Philokalia
Vol 4
Kallistos Ware, G. E. H. Palmer / Hardcover / Published 1995 ~ Ships in 2-3 days. Our
Price: $20.97 ~ You Save: $8.98 (30%)
 The Art of Prayer : An Orthodox Anthology
Igumen, of Valamo Chariton (Compiler), et al / Paperback / Published 1997 ~ Usually
ships in 24 hours. Our Price: $14.36 ~ You Save: $3.59 (20%)
If you can buy only ONE book on prayer, this is probably the one you want! While the
four-volume "Philokalia" is the ultimate study in prayer, this one-volume
anthology contains the best of many Orthodox traditions and the most important writings
available. If you want to get the "Philokalia" at some point in your spiritual
journey, "The Art of Prayer" is an excellent introduction to the much longer
work and should probably be read before tackling the life-long study of the
"Philokalia."
Writings from the Philokalia on Prayer of the Heart
E. Kadloubovsky, G.E.H. Palmer (Translator) / Paperback / Published 1992 ~ Ships in
2-3 days. Our Price: $15.96 ~ You Save: $3.99 (20%)
Unlike "The Art of Prayer," this book is an anthology of the
"Philokalia" only. It is also an excellent one-volume work on prayer, however,
and can be read alone as an introduction and summary of the complete
"Philokalia."
Prayer of the Heart : Writings from the Philokalia
G.E. Palmer (Translator), et al / Paperback / Published 1993
(Publisher Out Of Stock, but try anyway!)
The influence of the Philokalia in the Christian East has been greater than that of any
book other than the Bible. Compiled in the monastic republic of Mount Athos, Greece, in
the eighteenth century - from sources spanning the fourth through the fifteenth centuries
- it represents a distillation of the Eastern Orthodox Tradition of prayer. Prayer of the
Heart presents a selection of writings from the complete text, to provide an accessible
introduction to the spirit of the great work.
 The Way of a Pilgrim and the Pilgrim Continues His Way
R.M. French / Hardcover / Published 1990
Our Price: $16.95
A pilgrim in old Russia sets out to learn about the "Jesus Prayer" and how to
apply it in his life. The result is a diary of his experiences which is unlike any other
you will ever read! No other book in print brings the reader so close to the soul of
"Holy Russia" as this book does. Originally published as two volumes, they are
here collected into one and French's translation is superb. Highly readable, filled with
wonderful moments and vignettes of life in Old Russia, the "Pilgrim" in this
tale quickly connects to the modern reader in his quest to find holiness, to find a
teacher, one who can lead him to God. A good "weekend read" that can be read
over and over without tiring!
 The Living Witness of the Holy Mountain: Contemporary Voices from Mount
Athos
Alexander Golitzin (Editor) / Paperback / Published 1995
Our Price: $22.95 (Special Order)
Hieromonk Alexander (Golitzin) provides an excellent history of Mount Athos, concentrating
on more recent history. By presenting translations of contemporary Athonite spirituality,
he permits the reader to experience the spirituality directly rather than through a
filter. Particularly striking to this reader was how similar in tone and 'feel' these
texts are to those of the Desert Fathers of many centuries ago. Thus, it demonstrates how
Christian Orthodoxy has maintained the faith that was once and for all given to the
saints. Highly recommended!
Elder Ephraim is a modern-day desert
father from Mount Athos who is revered by the Orthodox faithful (and many
oathers!) around the world. This 466 page collection of his
teachings go right to the heart of many of the problems, choices, and
dilemmas we face in the modern world. When you read the teachings of
this great elder, you will see how consistent the teachings of the ancient
desert fathers are and how they have been maintained to this day due to
their relevance to modern-day spiritual instruction.
The Lives of
the Spiritual Mothers
Holy Apostles Convent, Dormition Skete Icons (Illustrator) / Hardcover
Our Price: $32.00 (Special Order)
Because we usually speak of the "Desert Fathers," we often forget that there are
Holy Mothers as well who have much to teach us by their lives, deeds, and words. This
collection is especially good with its simple, down-to-earth histories and words of these
Holy Women.
The Lives of
the Women Martyrs
Holy Apostles Convent, Dormition Skete Icons (Illustrator)/ Hardcover / Published 1991
Our Price: $26.32 (Special Order)
A companion volume to "The Lives of the Spiritual Mothers," this book reminds us
that many women through the centuries have also suffered martyrdom for their faith and
that they serve as a special example for all of us. These two volumes offer a
comprehensive overview of women saints in the Church and the special role they have
played.
Another modern-day desert father
from Mount Athos, Elder Joseph is known throughout the world for his
teachings which are steeped in the wisdom and traditions of the ancient
desert. An excellent addition to the spiritual library!
St. Nilus of Sora was a fifteenth
century monastic saint of the Russian far north, the "Northern
Thebaid" as it was known. Famous for his staunch advocacy of
monasteries NOT owning property, he advocated strict asceticism and his
followers founded numerous communities throughout the cold Russian
north. This excellent volume contains the entirety of his extant
writings.
Letters of
Saint Anthony the Great
Derwas Chitty / Paperback / Published 1978
Our Price: $5.00 + $2.35 special surcharge (Special Order)
The Letters of Saint Anthony constitute some of the best letters of guidance in the
monastic literature. Chitty's translations are excellent (as his scholarship in general on
monasticism in the Middle East) and constitute a worthy addition to any library.
At the turn of the sixth century the Mediterranean
world was witnessing the decline of Roman rule that had formed the bedrock of its civil
order. During the chaos of those years, there arose in the deserts of Egypt and
Syria monastic movements that offered men and women a radical God-centered alternative to
the present society. Among the most eloquent interpreters of this new movement to
Western Europe was John Cassian (c. 365 - 435). Drawing on his own early experience
as a monk in Bethlehem and Egypt, he journeyed to the West to found monasteries in
Marseilles and the region of Provence.
Unseen
Warfare
St. Nicodemos of the Holy Mountain/Published 1997
Our Price $10.36 -- you save $2.59
This is one of the great classics of
spiritual literature. Written as a "manual" of spiritual
growth and discipline, St. Nicodemos provides the reader with practical,
day-to-day advice on how to achieve the fullness of the Holy Spirit
through spiritual discipline and ascetic practices. It is
simply indispensable for a true spiritual library!
The Ladder of Divine Ascent (The Classics of Western Spirituality)
John Climacus, Colm Luibheid / Paperback / Published 1988
Our Price: $12.76 ~ You Save: $3.19 (20%)
St. John Climacus was a monk in St. Catherine's Monastery at the base of Mount Sinai
in modern-day Egypt. The "Ladder" he describes has thirty steps. Each step of
the ladder is concerned with spiritual warfare and asceticism. As one progresses up the
ladder through prayer, faith, and struggle with the passions, one leaves the earth and
ascends to heaven. Truly one of the masterpieces of Orthodox spiritual literature!
Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian
Holy Transfiguration Monastery Staff / Hardcover / Published 1985
Our Price: $54.00 (Special Order)
St. Isaac the Syrian left behind a large body of instruction on the spiritual life
and ascetical practices. The Fathers at Holy Transfiguration Monastery have collected
these works (77 homilies) and published a beautiful, heirloom volume that will be
treasured for many, many years. Along with the "Ladder of Divine Ascent," St.
Isaac's writings deal with spiritual struggle and growth on a very practical and
experienced level.
Guidance
Toward Spiritual Life: Answers to the Questions of Disciples
by Sts. Barsanuphius and John (trans. by Fr. Seraphim Rose)
St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood / Softcover / Published 1991
Our Price: $8.00 (Back Order)
With the practical aim of guiding brothers at his monastery in the wilderness of nothern
California, Fr. Seraphim Rose set out to select and translate these counsels of Saints
Barsanuphius the Great and John the Prophet, Desert Fathers of 6th century Palestine.
Fr. Seraphim found that many of the questions posed to Sts. Barsanuphius and John
in this book are not unlike those asked by Christian strugglers of today, and the answers
of the Elders cut right through common fantasies and misconceptions. From the
Elders' words one can learn of the remarkable subtlety of demonic deception, and become
aware of the painstaking carefulness with which a Christian must examine all his thoughts,
words and deeds to see if they are of God. This little volume is truly one of the
finest collections of spiritual advice to be found!
St. Symeon the New Theologian and Spiritual Fatherhood : The New
Theologian and Spiritual Fatherhood (Byzantina Neerlandica, Fasciculus 11) Vol 11
H.J.M. Turner / Hardcover / Published 1990
Our Price: $93.50 (Special Order)
Besides his importance as a Christian mystic, St. Symeon - The New Theologian is a
valuable source of information concerning the objectives of a spiritual father and his
clients, the kinds of training given by a father to his disciples, and the difficulties
encountered in the relationship. These and related matters are considered in some detail
in this study, which comprises an examination of Symeon's background, his experience as a
disciple and a spiritual father and of the teaching he gave in the latter capacity. The
author has been able to make use of three letters written by Symeon the texts of which
have not yet been published.
 The Path to Salvation : A Manual of Spiritual Transformation
St. the Recluse Theophan, et al / Paperback / Published 1997
Our Price: $19.95 (Special Order)
St. Theophan's vast deeply internalized knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and
Patristic writings are synthesized into a step-by-step manual for salvation in Christ.
Deep and powerful, yet accessible, this masterful work presents the dawning of a Christian
life in the soul; the turbulence of youth; the growing awareness which instills a resolve
to dedicate oneself in a life pleasing to God; and finally the maturing of the soul in a
spiritual life in Christ with crystal-clear direction affirming the powers of soul and
body in virtue and goodness
The
Acquisition of the Holy Spirit in Ancient Russia (The Acquisition of the Holy Spirit in
Russia Series ; Vol. 1)
Ivan M. Kontzevitch / Paperback / Published 1989
Our Price: $20.00 (Special Order)
One of this century's greatest students of Orthodox sanctity, Professor Kontzevitch
combined careful honest scholarship with a first-hand knowledge of saints with whom he had
been in contact while in Russia including the holy Elders of Optina Monastery. Written
from personal experience, from careful study, and from firsthand knowledge of Orthodox
spirituality in pre-communist Russia, this book is simply unsurpassed. His magnum opus,
this book is a priceless source book of all that he felt important to say about spiritual
prayer, communion with God, asceticism, and eldership. Very, very highly recommended!
The Northern Thebaid : Monastic Saints of the Russian North
Seraphim Rose, et al / Paperback / Published 1995
Our Price: $17.00 (Special Order)
It was this book, perhaps more than any other, that brought the living link between the
deserts of Egypt and the frozen forests of Russia to life! Better than any other book,
"The Northern Thebaid" shows through the lives of these saints how the ancient
desert spirituality of the Early Church came to life and flourished in old Russia. In the
silent frozen wilderness of the Russian north holy men and women built a monastic and
mystic tradition that flourished from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Chronicles the lives
of 12 saints of the Russian forests and the Orthodox monastic tradition that inspired
them. Illustrated with rare pictures these strikingly individual biographies have been
compiled and translated by two modern-day monastics. the result of their work is a unique
glimpse into the timeless spirituality of Orthodox monasticism and the Saints who lived
it.
Little Russian Philokalia : St. Seraphim of Sarov
Fr. Seraphim Rose (Translator), Seraphim Rose / Paperback / Published 1997
Our Price: $8.00
Volume I of this series is devoted to one of the most beloved Orthodox saints of recent
times. St. Seraphim of Sarov was a priest hermit and spiritual guide who in the early 19th
century Russia led many souls along the path of Apostolic Christianity. A heavenly man
overflowing with Christ-like love to whom the mysteries of the other world were open, he
taught that the main aim of Christian life is to acquire for oneself the Spirit of God.
This volume explores the life of St. Seraphim, his spiritual instructions to laymen and
monks, his soul-saving conversation with Nicholas Motovilov On the "Acquisition of
the Holy Spirit" and his Diveyeva Monastery -- which until now has never been
revealed in the English language since its discovery in 1832
Way of the Ascetics : The Ancient Tradition of Discipline and Inner Growth
Tito Colliander / Paperback / Published 1985
Our Price: $7.95 + $1.35 special surcharge (Special Order)
This little volume is one of the finest overviews of the practice of Orthodox
spirituality that can be found! Easy to read, well-organized, and succinct, Colliander
refers often to Scripture and the Holy Fathers in bringing the art of prayer down and the
practice of spiritual growth to a level the average person can understand and appreciate.
As an introduction to Orthodox spirituality, there is simply no better book.
 The Orthodox Church
Timothy Ware / Paperback / Published 1993 ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Our Price: $11.16 ~ You Save: $2.79 (20%)
Greek Orthodox Bishop Kallistos Ware, as he was later known, wrote what is generally
considered the best "introduction" to the Orthodox Church. Covering history,
liturgics, theology, practices, etc., this small volume is ideal for one who wants to get
a quick -- but solid -- overview of Eastern Orthodoxy, and also makes a nice gift for
sharing the Orthodox Faith with friends and family.
The Orthodox
Way
Kallistos T. Ware / Paperback / Published 1995
Our Price: $7.96 ~ You Save: $1.99 (20%)
This companion volume to "The Orthodox Church," written some years later by
Bishop Ware, delves more deeply into the application of Orthodoxy in one's life,
as well as prayer and spirituality in general. If you are not very familiar with the
historical background of the Orthodox Church and its liturgical practices, you might want
to read Ware's first book and then read "The Orthodox Way."
The Soul After Death : Contemporary 'After-Death' Experiences in the Light
of the Orthodox Teaching on the Afterlife
Seraphim, Fr. Rose / Paperback / Published 1994 ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Our Price: $8.95 + $2.69 special surcharge
While this book is not so much concerned with the application of spiritual teachings to
daily life, it does give an Orthodox perspective on the afterlife which is simply
unmatched. Fr. Seraphim Rose, an American convert to Orthodoxy, wrote many books and
articles, but this one has endured as one of his most popular. Many of the experiences to
which Fr. Rose refers in this book are found in the writings of the ancient saints;
however, Fr. Rose brings them together in a masterful way and makes it all so very
understandable. Clear a space on your library shelf for this one!
The Bible and the Holy Fathers for Orthodox : Daily Scripture Readings and
Commentary for Orthodox Christians
Johanna Manley / Hardcover / Published 1990
Our Price: $50.00 (Special Order)
When we look today at the huge quantity of lives of saints, writings of the Fathers, and
other literature that is available on the spiritual life, we tend to forget that many of
those early saints had only limited access to a Bible and few -- if any -- other writings
during their years of spiritual growth. The Bible is, of course, the ultimate source of
spiritual teaching and is read diligently by serious seekers of the Faith. Johanna Manley
has compiled a truly wonderful guidebook for daily scripture readings which bring together
Scripture and the teachings of the Holy Fathers about those Scriptures and their
application to our lives.
Grace for Grace : The Psalter and the Holy Fathers : Patristic Christian
Commentary, Meditations, and Liturgical Extracts Relating to the Psalms
Johanna Manley (Editor) / Hardcover / Published 1992
Our Price: $32.00 (Special Order)
The second volume in Manley's excellent series of patristic texts, this book contains the
Book of Psalms as read in the Orthodox Psalter with commentaries from many sources on all
the texts. Reading the Psalms daily with the help of the Holy Fathers -- who have
centuries of experience and rich spiritual traditions -- will enrich your life as no other
readings will!
Isaiah Through the Ages
Johanna Manley / Hardcover / Published 1995
Our Price: $35.00 (Special Order)
Manley's third volume deals only with Isaiah and contains many of the writings and
teachings about the meaning of this Holy Book as put forth by the Church Fathers through
the centuries. It is especially outstanding for the rich meanings and interpretations it
provides to the passages concerning the Messiah.
Published by the St. Nectarios Press, this
excellent book has recipes for healthy, hearty meals that stick strictly to the rules of
Orthodox fasting. Great for Lent!
Most monastic rules requires vegetarianism for much of
the year with fish and dairy products allowed only during summer periods. Once
started on this path, some decide to become vegetarian full-time. This book will
help you do that!
by
Ann Chadonnet / Paperback/ Our Price: $16.11
Fish is the only flesh allowed for consumption in most monastic
traditions. Therefore, every Christian kitchen should have a good fish cookbook and
this one based on Alaska's rich seafood heritage is a good one.
The "Mediterranean Diet," using olive oil as its main
source of fat in the diet, can protect you from heart disease. Learn how with
delicious recipes from a heart disease researcher and native of Lebanon. According
to one reader, the author "offers some of the most delicious Mediterranean recipes I
have ever tasted!"
Olive oil is an essential part of the Mediterranean diet, and has
long part of the "monastic diet" since the beginning of Christian monasticism.
Blessed by our Lord and used for thousands of years in all the countries of the
Mediterranean region and many others beyond, olive oil has long been recognized as a
natural healing substance and known to have great nutritional properties. Recent
research, as explained in this book, has shown it to be especially good for the heart.
Find out more today!
The health benefits of olive oil have recently made the headlines,
and this collection of recipes reflects how olive oil, with its range of flavors and its
healthful qualities, can make even the simplest dishes memorable. The book includes
200 recipes, plus first-rate health and nutrition information and tips on choosing and
cooking with olive oils.
If there's anything you want to know about olive oil, this is your
best source! Besides telling you about the history of olives and olive oil, this
volume also tells you how to turn green olives into delicious snacks and ingredients in
larger recipes. It then goes on to educate the reader to be a good consumer of olive
oils with information on types, processing, tasting, usage, etc. Make olive oil a
required part of your daily diet!
"From the first photograph of a gnarled olive tree with its
cloud of silvery leaves, this book is transporting. Peggy Knickerbocker's special
mission . . . is to introduce readers to 'an olive oil culture' and her pleasure in it.
The book may well inspire you to become more of a culinary connoisseur in this
department, especially as it is possible to put together good dishes very simply with that
golden liquid." -- Cookbook Digest (NOTE: Complete with 112 recipes)
Monasteries of Greece
Chris Hellier, Francesco Venturi / Hardcover / Published 1996
Our Price: $35.00 ~ You Save: $15.00 (30%)
If one is unable to visit the monasteries of the Orthodox world -- especially those in
Greece and Mount Athos -- then one should at least tour them through the printed page.
This volume offers an excellent "tour" of the monastic communities of Greece.
Seeing the places where monastic saints struggled and grew in the Faith brings their words
even more to life.
Dramatically sited monasteries, built on cliff-tops or hidden in remote valleys, are one
of the most characteristic sights of rural Greece. Around two hundred, some small, others
more like fortified hill towns, lie scattered across the country, from the central
Peloponnese to the narrow peninsulas of southern Macedonia, from the heights of Thessaly
to the remotest Greek isle. This book takes us inside some of the more remarkable houses;
to the semi-autonomous theological community of Mount Athos, the leading center of
orthodox monasticism for over a thousand years, and to the soaring pinnacles of the
Meteora massif, site of the perched 'monasteries of the air'. On Patmos, the holiest
island, stands the fortified Monastery of Saint John, near the grotto where, according to
tradition, Saint John had his Apocalyptic vision. And in the central Peloponnese lie the
ruins of Mistra, once the 'Florence of the Orient', where the last group of medieval
monasteries were built during the final flourish of Byzantine power. These monasteries
contain some of the greatest and most venerated treasures of the orthodox world: fragments
of the True Cross, ornate reliquaries and innumerable icons. The monastery churches of
Daphni and Saint Luke glitter with an astonishing cycle of eleventh century mosaics, while
others are decorated with Byzantine frescoes of saints and martyrs and biblical scenes.
Greek monasticism grew out of the early eremitic communities of the Near East. Its
fortunes waxed and waned with the rise and fall of the Byzantine empire. During the
Turkish occupation it helped sustain the Greek spirit and played a role in launching the
war of independence. In free Greece many monasteries were closed. Yet today several
thousand monks, black-clad figures from the past, still follow rites little changed since
the days of Byzantium.
The monks of New Skete are perhaps best-known for their earlier
books on raising dogs, but their latest book concerns the spiritual life and the search
for happiness. An interesting perspective from a modern-day monastic community.
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The Sayings of the Desert Fathers (Cistercian Studies 59) / Paperback / Our Price $12.95
Counsels from the Holy Mountain: Selected from the Letters and Homilies of Elder Ephraim
St. John Cassian -- Conferences (Ancient Christian Writers, No. 57)
Becoming Vegetarian: The Complete Guide to Adopting a Healthy Vegetarian Diet
The Alaska Heritage Seafood Cookbook: Great Recipes from Alaska's Rich Kettle of Fish
Olive Oil: The Good Heart Protector, by Rita Greer and Cyril Blau / Paperback / Our Price $9.95
The Low-Cholesterol Olive Oil Cookbook: More Than 200 Recipes, by Sarah Schlesinger / Paperback / Our Price $11.20
The Essential Olive Oil Companion, by Anne Dolamore / Paperback / Our Price #13.56
Olive Oil: From Tree to Table, by Peggy Knickerbocker / Paperback / Our Price $15.96
"In the Spirit of Happiness," by The Monks of New Skete, ($16.07)
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