Metropolitan of Nafpaktos Hierotheos

There are many books these days which try to discuss traditional understandings of metaphysics, philosophy and religion; but few which speak with the clarity and parsimony of Hierotheos Vlachos. While this book centers around the explanation of what 'person' ('hypostasis' or 'persona' or 'prospon') means and has meant in the Orthodox Tradition, Hierotheos touches on a number of other subjects with precision such as the relationship between philosophy and theology, revelation and speculation, show more and many others.

Some of the things which he concludes may be troubling, that is, for the humanistic thinker, but they are very revealing as to how the orthodox have thought about personhood throughout the ages, as well as hinting as to what 'renunciation' in the ascetic life means for the intellectual.

Most of all, Hierotheos stays for the most part away from criticisms, especially those of specific persons, but instead engages the ideas presented and does his utmost to compare them to the patristic tradition and the scripture.

There may be some translation issues for the English reader here: A more literal Greek translation has been used for names and terms of art. Examples are 'John of Damascus' is translated 'John of Damaskos', 'hubris' is rendered 'hybris', and so forth. Generally an unfamiliar term can be figured out by comparing English words that are close in spelling or sound. In some places, the translator may have not chosen, I think, the best words possible, but with a little patience this book will yield its treasures. show less

This was a wonderful book to read. Archimandrite (now Metropolitan) Hierotheos recounts a conversation with several interested modern folks as they discuss the Patristic tradition of the path to theosis in the light of modern life and medical science. Father Hierotheos' comments throughout provide layers of depth and loads of practical advice for those of us who continue to try to live out the life of asceticism, sacrament, and prayer as prescribed by the Holy Fathers of the Orthodox Church show more while not falling into the traps of either sinful modernism or dry and shallow conservatism. I recommend this book for those who are already familiar with Orthodox spirituality (there is a lot of technical terminology used here that won't be readily familiar to the novice) and is looking for a way to deepen their understanding of it and its application to the modern person. show less

Informative book about the Orthodox Church. The first half of the book looks like a children's picture book with wonderful illustrations. The second half of the book explains the scenes in detail.

LIGHT GREEN - Christian Life, Virtues, Vices, Theosis, Current Issues, etc.