Following the Holy Fathers: Essays on the Timeless Guides of Authentic Christianity is a collection of essays written by Greek Patrologist Theodoros Zisis (translated by Rev Dr John Palmer), published by Newrome Press
Brief description: This book represents a collection of valuable scholarship covering both a broad range of Patristic figures dating from apostolic times to the present day, as well as a wide variety of themes. Moreover, it paints a roughly representative picture of one of Greece’s most important modern Patristic scholars and effectively introduces him to the English-speaking world. Most importantly, though, this volume offers to show readers how an authentic Orthodox Patrologist relates to the lives, text, and teachings of the Holy Fathers.
Review written by Marla Riehl: This book is a selection of Patristic essays on a wide variety of topics. The essays are short, and thanks to an excellent translation by Father John Palmer, are concise, clear and a joy to read. I appreciated Fr John’s introductory biographical sketch of the author, Fr. Zisis, so that we get a sense of the magnitude of Fr. Zisis’s scholarship and dedication to the Orthodox Christian faith. Fr. Zisis, a Patristic giant in Greece, has much to offer Orthodox Christians in North America where various innovations (including ‘post Patristic theology’ which he discusses) and ecumenism with the Non Orthodox tempt and often confuse the faithful, many of whom are converts with little understanding of the Church Fathers.
If there is one underlying theme that runs through the text it is that the Church Fathers, illumined and guided by the Holy Spirit, point the way of the narrow path of Orthodox Christianity. This theme is discussed in detail in the important essay, “The Holy Fathers: An Inexhaustible Fountain,” which all seekers, catechumens and faithful would benefit from reading.
Overall the entire collection conveys that the Church offers us “Fathers” in every age, from the Church’s inception to the present, who offer timeless wisdom that is relevant for us today. The perspective of these Fathers on how Paul was a model pastor, for example, and how monasticism and virginity are integral to Christianity, help us appreciate the high and unchanging standards of the Orthodox Faith. Essays on a spiritual interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer (St Maximos) and an understanding of the Psalms as a garden (St Athanasios the Great), can serve to enrich and deepen the reader’s spiritual life. Essays on various saints throughout the ages—including the modern saint, St Nektarios the Wonderworker, who practiced “holy avarice”– are likely to inspire the reader. The reader can glean practical ‘advice’ from discussions on consoling a mourner (St Basil the Great), raising children (St John Chrysostom), and the use of wealth (St Gregory Palamas)—relevant today because the Fathers that Fr Zisis discusses understood the movements and temptations of the soul.
Where appropriate, Fr Zisis presents his own observations of modern life and applies the Orthodox perspective, whether it be about educating children, or correcting erroneous viewpoints (for example, about marriage). In a historical essay entitled, “Islam and the Neo-Martyrs,” Fr. Zisis discusses neo-martyrs’ complete rejection of Islam, a rejection that he contrasts with the interfaith dialogues so popular today. As Zisis writes, “God has tried the gold of Orthodoxy by fire and iron; [H]e has purified it by means of persecution and martyrdom so that it might play its salvific role in the coming third millennium.” In order to play that role, Orthodox Christians must have a pure, Patristic mindset—the mindset of the Church and its saints throughout the ages–which is why this book is so important and timely.
This book is a valuable reference that I will return to frequently when its seeds have taken time to germinate in my spiritual and intellectual life. I am grateful to have become acquainted with Fr. Zisis through this work, and am also grateful to his translator who selected which articles to include in this text.
As a physical object the book is lovely: a colourful icon graces the cover, and illustrations are offered throughout. Thankfully the font is readable (i.e., large enough), so that reading this book is a pleasure. I highly recommend this book for Orthodox Christians who wish to strengthen their faith, and for Non-Orthodox who are interested in an Orthodox perspective.
Very interesting – (from someone you would classify as “Non-Orthodox”)…I moved from atheism to Christianity and started by belonging to an Anglican church (I live in the UK). Since then I’ve been so enriched by other traditions, Orthodox included. Best wishes, Michael.
I just bought this. It’s one of the best collection of daily readings from the early Church Fathers I’ve encountered. It’s very well done. I thought you might be interested….
https://www.amazon.ca/Daily-Readings-Early-Church-Fathers/dp/152710043X
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