The Illness and Cure of the Soul in the Orthodox Tradition

By Hierotheos Vlachos

Fr. Hierotheos uses quotations from the Church Fathers and many saints to support his conviction that man's soul suffers illness which distorts his relationship with God, his fellow men and nature -... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9607070186
• ISBN13: 9789607070180
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Birth of the Theotokou Monastery Press
• Length: 172 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.7" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

A conversation with a master physician of souls

His Eminence +Hierotheos of Nafpaktos, author of Orthodox Psychotherapy, delivers a compelling conversation that has been transcribed and edited in a fourth reprinting (2001) by Birth of the Theotokos Monastery in Levadia, Greece. Translated by Effie Mavromichali from the Greek "Psychiki asthenia kai igia," the conversation occurs between His Eminence and "Father Philip," "Athanasios," "Constantine," "Irene," and "Basil." These five 'conversants' provide a cross-section of opinions from early, middle and elder adult groups as well as theological opinions. Curiosity unites each of the five in dialogue with the author. Deficiencies in spiritual growth from an Orthodox perspective are admitted by each and reservations about whether they can participate fully in Orthodox life make their stories applicable to a wide audience. Scientists, scholars, pietists, and churchmen will hear their voices in these dialogues. Six chapters make up the book along with an Introduction by the author. Chapter titles include: Orthodoxy as a therapeutic method, The illness of the soul, The cure of the soul, Knowledge of God, Orthodox monasticism, and The Orthodox tradition. Translation is less idiomatic than anticipated, and poorly edited for correct syntax, word choice, grammar, and common rules of capitalization in English. However, regardless of imperfections, the text delivers a concise set of conversations about important topics for Orthodox living in theosis. Attention to askesis, for example, is solid in therapy and patristic foundations, which is but one among many topics that demand praise from readers for the author's cogent style and delivery. Treatment of fantasy is another topic addressed by the author, which commands my respect. Avoiding psychologism and insipid moral tripe, His Eminence engages Father Philip in clear identification of fantasy as an extension of a dark nous, and then clears a path for resolving illusions that supplant reality in God. Monks, married Orthodox Christians, and adults living outside marriage are equal participants in this book. Topics concerning the Church as communal life in Christ dominate the book, and adjuncts to Church are kept in right focus. Orthodox Christians from all Patriarchates will recognize sage advice and heartfelt counsel. Therefore, I believe that this text would make an excellent resource for discussion by adult Christian education classes and reading groups. I also recommend the text to spiritual directors, spiritual Fathers, retreat masters, preachers, and any adult with interest in honest discovery of how the ancient Church remains alive and thriving today to cure souls in the Orthodox tradition.