The Sayings and Stories of the Desert Fathers and Mothers: Volume 1; A–H (Êta) (Cistercian Studies Series)
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
2022 Catholic Media Association second place award in theology: history of theology, church fathers and mothers
>The Sayings and Stories of the Desert Fathers and Mothers offers a new translation of the Greek alphabetical Apophthegmata Patrum, The Sayings of the Desert Fathers. For the first time in an English translation, this volume provides:
In addition, there is an extensive glossary that offers information and further resources on people, places, and significant monastic vocabulary. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of the desert tradition.
- Offers a new translation of the Greek alphabetical Apophthegmata Patrum
- Includes reference notes to both quotations from Scriptures and the many allusions to Scripture in the sayings and stories
- Features an extensive glossary that offers information and further resources on people, places, and significant monastic vocabulary
- Prologue for the Book: About the Ascetic Practices of the Blessed Fathers
- A / Álpha / A
- B / Bȇta / B
- G / Gámma / Γ
- D / Délta / Δ
- E / Épsilon / E
- Z / Zȇta / Z
- H / Ȇta / Ē
To understand the parabolic and paradigmatic nature of the apophthegmata (wise sayings) of the desert ammas and abbas, it is best to have a guide as gifted in the ancient languages of the sayings as Vivian, but also to enter into these stories with the contemplative framework of lectio divina, as Vivian recommends in his introduction. In the process, the hidden depths of these elders open up layers in one’s own search for the Holy One and the blessings and pitfalls of the spiritual life.
—Mary Forman, OSB, Prioress, Monastery of St. Gertrude, Idaho
Vivian’s introductions to each of the monks and nuns give what historical information is available, and he allows us to appreciate their individuality. He takes the time for personal reflection on the sayings of each one as a whole, rather than as separate quotes, and relates these ancient sayings to our world, brings them into our time, with wise lessons to teach us. In his notes, he gives more background, scriptural echoes and sources, and his exploration of the Greek behind the translation illuminates aspects of the sayings which would otherwise be lost in translation. This is a book which general readers will thoroughly enjoy, and scholars will appreciate. I look forward to the next volume in this series.
—Fr. Lawrence Morey, OCSO
Bringing a depth of experience as a translator of early monastic texts, Tim Vivian offers not only a new, vivid translation of the Apopthegmata Patrum, but also a rare window into the process, and challenge, of translation itself. With an introduction that not only orients the reader to this complex literature but also draws our attention to its contemporary spiritual significance, and a set of tools to decode the language of the desert fathers and mothers, this two-volume work offers rich resources for lovers of the desert monastic tradition and for those encountering for the first time.
—Revd. Dr. Jane Foulcher, Associate Head of School and Senior Lecturer in Theology School of Theology, Charles Sturt University, Australia