What Books Are You Reading?

Mary Kissel · Post by **Mary Kissel** » Wed 30 July 2003 12:04 pm

I finished reading another book last night too. I was reading the book Commentary on the Divine Liturgy by St Nicholas Cabasilas. I thought it was a good book, I like how St Nicholas describes everything that goes on in the Liturgy and even in the prayers before the Liturgy...I think it's called Prosthesis? (can't remember now..) I think he explains various parts of the Liturgy well and even answers many questions that people would have. I don't think this book is too deep, and I think that this is a good book for people to read, maybe even those who are still Catechumens as well.

I'm also getting as bad as Paradosis, I've now started to read 4 books at one time..though he's reading 7 now he says

I'm reading Jurney to Heaven trans. by Fr. George Lardas, Indication of the Way into the Kingdom of Heaven by St Innocent of Alaska, Jesus through the centuries by Jaroslav Pelikan, and The Ascetic of Love by Mother Gavrilia.

MaryCecilia

Justin Kissel · Post by **Justin Kissel** » Wed 30 July 2003 3:06 pm

I'm reading two books by Fr. Seraphim Rose right now that I'll post about...

The first one is The Place of Blessed Augustine in the Orthodox Church by Fr. Seraphim Rose, which I have almost finished (the only part left are some appendices amounting to about 13 pages... unless I read the Service to Saint Augustine, which would be another 21 pages added on to the 13). The book was not quite as in-depth (research wise) as I had hoped it would be, but it's been a delightful read (or maybe I just say that because I'm under... western captivity!!! ). Fr. Seraphim's brief overview of the fifth and sixth century perception of Saint Augustine was especially helpful. Even apart from the main subject matter (ie. Augustine), this book would also be good for anyone curious about how the Orthodox Church generally views saints, both those who are seen as "Great," and those who have admittedly made rather significant mistakes.

The second book is Nihilism: The Root of the Revolution of the Modern Age by Father Seraphim. I'm only about a fifth of the way through this book, so these are just "fist impressions," but overall I think the book could be said to be "deep... but not too deep for its own good". It remind me of some of the writings of the Church Fathers which had the Greek intellectuals in mind as an audience: the text is certainly far above the "popular level," but at the same time, the text remains something that should be understandable to most people (today) who really make an effort to understand. In other words, the text handles the subject well enough in a philosophical manner, but it isn't so intricate and layered and such that normal people (those of us who don't have a Masters in Philosophy) get lost after a couple pages. Remembering that I still have a good chunk of the book to go, I'll admit that if Fr. Seraphim is driving at what I think he is driving at, I don't think I will fully affirm all his conclusions. But I guess I'll see (hopefully by tomorrow ).

Mary,

Well, two of those seven books are very short ones (123 pp. and 143 pp.), and I plan on finishing up one today and possibly one tomorrow, so then I'll be down to only five.

Mary Kissel · Post by **Mary Kissel** » Wed 30 July 2003 5:03 pm

I'll be down to three by tomorrow, so I'm still reading less than you Paradosis the Indication to the way into the kingdom of heaven is a very short book, I'm already half through it. So while you're reading your 5 which will probly grow to 7 or 8 overnight, I'll be reading my 3 books :mrgreen:

Julianna · Post by **Julianna** » Wed 30 July 2003 7:33 pm

Paradosis wrote:
I'm reading two books by Fr. Seraphim Rose right now that I'll post about...

The first one is The Place of Blessed Augustine in the Orthodox Church by Fr. Seraphim Rose, which I have almost finished (the only part left are some appendices amounting to about 13 pages... unless I read the Service to Saint Augustine, which would be another 21 pages added on to the 13). The book was not quite as in-depth (research wise) as I had hoped it would be, but it's been a delightful read (or maybe I just say that because I'm under... western captivity!!! ). Fr. Seraphim's brief overview of the fifth and sixth century perception of Saint Augustine was especially helpful. Even apart from the main subject matter (ie. Augustine), this book would also be good for anyone curious about how the Orthodox Church generally views saints, both those who are seen as "Great," and those who have admittedly made rather significant mistakes.

I'd suggest 2 books to read VERY SOON after that book. The first's from the Cafe Book Club The Teachings of the Holy Orthodox Church by Michael Azkoul. The second's a pamphlet from Holy Apostles Convent. Just call 'em up 719-395-8898 and ask for the Augustine Pamphlet. I think it's only $3.50 and worth $20!

Justin Kissel · Post by **Justin Kissel** » Thu 31 July 2003 10:40 am

Julianna,

I'm curious as to what the pamphlet says?

Julianna · Post by **Julianna** » Thu 31 July 2003 5:02 pm

Good. being curious'll make you wanna read it before other books

Justin Kissel · Post by **Justin Kissel** » Thu 31 July 2003 5:16 pm

Actually I'd like to hear what it's about before I read it in this case I've read things before by Michael Azkoul that were... how do I say this politely? less than convincing, and overly harsh. I've also had the same experience with Holy Apostles Convent, so... I'd like to hear a bit more before I spend money that I don't really have to buy the stuff

The Saint Euphrosynos Cafe

What Books Are You Reading?

Cheap Follow Up Book Suggestion