Announcing
The second annual session of the
Beginning March 1, 2011 and continuing until Pascha
Participants may choose from two books:
1) The Way of a Pilgrim,
About The Way of a Pilgrim
The Way of a Pilgrim is the English title of a 19th century Russian work, recounting the
narrator's journey across Russia while practicing the Jesus Prayer From other readers: "The Way of a Pilgrim is a Christian masterpiece!" Reading this book gives one appreciation
and thanks for the Lord's grace and mercy. A wonderful guide to life -
especially in this hectic modern society. Very mystical but also very
practical following in the tradition of most Orthodox spiritual essays.
Highly recommended to all Christians seeking a deeper understanding
of taking up one's Cross.
There are many acceptable different printings of this classic text. The above covers are merely a sample of what is available.
OR
2)Compass of Affection: Poems New and Selected, by Scott Cairns
About Compass of Affection: Poems New and Selected
Cairns's warm, calm, personal tones win him respect in many quarters, but his core audience comes from his subject matter: the mysteries, consolations and consequences of Christian belief. Questions about how to live as a Christian, how to understand such theological concepts as eros and agape, as sacrifice and resurrection, give depth and seriousness to his verse. Familiarity not only with New Testament texts but with the Church Fathers, their methods of exegesis and sometimes parallel questions from Jewish learning give Cairns a range of allusion and launching pads for his poems, as in the winning series "Adventures in New Testament Greek." A poem from his first collection, The Theology of Doubt (1985), explores "the sober forms / of worship, the forms love takes// when the mind is rested"; "Late Apocalypse," one of the 27 new poems, begins, "Blessed is anyone who reads much of anything, blessed / and most unusual." That poem, among his best, rises into a serious condemnation of our consumer-driven world. More often Cairns seeks compassionate ways to apply the lessons of theologians or of Christ to his own life; one does not need to be Christian, or even religious, to profit from what he finds.
Focus questions on the readings and discussions for this session will be
moderated by Mr. Konstantine Salmas. MDiv
Participation limited to parishioners of parishes in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco
(You will be contacted by email with password and book forum information)
4th Thursday after Pascha
