The history of this book's compilation is rife with controversy, misconception, and misinterpretation-much like the words of Christ that prompt its thesis: He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day (John 6:54, RSV). Attributed in its present form to St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite, it is believed to have been first set down by St. Makarios of Corinth. Both men are considered important representatives of the Philokalic movement, a spiritual renewal within the Church that advocated observance of the sacred Canons, frequent participation in divine Communion, a return to the Fathers, the practice of noetic prayer, and the renewal of monasticism. Concerning Frequent Communion embodies all of these practices. To quote St. Makarios' biographer, 'this work appears to contain nothing other than sayings from the Gospels, Apostles, Canons, and the divine Fathers, all explained in our popular dialect.' Yet it was nonetheless condemned on numerous occasions as anathema, only to be later vindicated by Patriarch Neophytos VII. Included is an incisive and contemplative explanation of the Lord's Prayer, an apology for frequent communion, answers to objections, and two appendices on the mystery of the Eucharist. Here's a taste of what lies in store: 'It is not Epiphany nor is it Lent that makes someone worthy of approaching [the Holy Mysteries], but it is sincerity and purity of soul. With this, approach at all times; without it, never' (St. John Chrysostom). 241 pp.
The history of this book's compilation is rife with controversy, misconception, and misinterpretation-much like the words of Christ that prompt its thesis: He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day (John 6:54, RSV). Attributed in its present form to St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite, it is believed to have been first set down by St. Makarios of Corinth. Both men are considered important representatives of the Philokalic movement, a spiritual renewal within the Church that advocated observance of the sacred Canons, frequent participation in divine Communion, a return to the Fathers, the practice of noetic prayer, and the renewal of monasticism. Concerning Frequent Communion embodies all of these practices. To quote St. Makarios' biographer, 'this work appears to contain nothing other than sayings from the Gospels, Apostles, Canons, and the divine Fathers, all explained in our popular dialect.' Yet it was nonetheless condemned on numerous occasions as anathema, only to be later vindicated by Patriarch Neophytos VII. Included is an incisive and contemplative explanation of the Lord's Prayer, an apology for frequent communion, answers to objections, and two appendices on the mystery of the Eucharist. Here's a taste of what lies in store: 'It is not Epiphany nor is it Lent that makes someone worthy of approaching [the Holy Mysteries], but it is sincerity and purity of soul. With this, approach at all times; without it, never' (St. John Chrysostom). 241 pp.
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