Ecclesiasticus II

Ecclesiasticus II

By George Dion Dragas

Book Description

Ecclesiasticus II offers a profound exploration of Orthodox Christian spirituality through four interconnected dimensions that shape the faithful's relationship with the divine. George Dion Dragas presents a collection of scholarly essays that illuminate the rich theological and devotional traditions of Eastern Orthodoxy, making complex spiritual concepts accessible to contemporary seekers.

The journey begins with an examination of sacred imagery and the historical struggles surrounding iconoclastic controversies. Drawing from the original writings of St. John of Damascus, readers discover how visual representations serve as windows to the sacred, bridging the material and spiritual realms. This foundation leads naturally into the world of Orthodox hagiography, where the lives of saints provide timeless models of spiritual transformation and divine encounter.

The exploration continues through the liturgical calendar, revealing how movable and immovable feasts create a rhythm of sacred time that nurtures spiritual growth throughout the year. These celebrations connect believers to the eternal story of salvation while marking their personal journey of faith.

The final section focuses on prayer as the cornerstone of Orthodox spirituality, featuring interpretations of the Lord's Prayer by two revered spiritual masters: St. Maximos the Confessor and St. Macarios of Corinth. Their insights reveal layers of meaning within this fundamental Christian prayer, offering practical wisdom for deepening one's communion with God.

This comprehensive work serves both as scholarly resource and spiritual guide for anyone seeking to understand the contemplative depths of Orthodox Christian tradition.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)

📄 Length: 308 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore Iconoclasm
  • ✓ Explore Orthodoxos EkklÄ“sia tÄ“s Hellados
  • ✓ Deepen your prayer practice
  • ✓ Explore Icons
  • ✓ Explore Orthodox Eastern Church
  • ✓ Explore Prayer
  • ✓ Explore Christian saints
  • ✓ Explore Fasts and feasts

Topics Covered

Iconoclasm Orthodoxos Ekklēsia tēs Hellados Lord's prayer Icons Orthodox Eastern Church Prayer Christian saints Fasts and feasts Doctrines Criticism, interpretation

Related Books You Might Like

Cover of Greek Patristic and Eastern Orthodox Interpretations of Romans Romans Through History Culture

Greek Patristic and Eastern Orthodox Interpretations of Romans Romans Through History Culture

Daniel Patte

2013 • 224p

This scholarly collection opens a window into how the early Greek Church Fathers understood Paul's letter to the Romans, offering modern readers a profound alternative to familiar Western interpretations. Rather than approaching Romans through the le...
Cover of What Is the Bible?

What Is the Bible?

Mark Mourachian, Matthew Baker +2 more

2016 • 200p

What Is the Bible? invites readers into a profound exploration of how early Christian thinkers understood the very nature of Scripture itself. Rather than focusing solely on interpretation methods or historical analysis, Matthew Baker examines the de...
Cover of Globalization of Hesychasm and the Jesus prayer

Globalization of Hesychasm and the Jesus prayer

Christopher D. L. Johnson

2010 • 206p

Ancient prayer traditions are crossing boundaries in unprecedented ways, and this scholarly exploration reveals how sacred practices are adapting to our interconnected world. Christopher D. L. Johnson examines the remarkable journey of Hesychasm and...
Cover of Last Judgment iconography in the Carpathians

Last Judgment iconography in the Carpathians

John-Paul Himka

2009 • 301p

Through the lens of sacred art, this scholarly exploration reveals how spiritual beliefs shaped artistic expression across centuries in one of Europe's most culturally diverse regions. John-Paul Himka examines over one hundred depictions of the Last...
Cover of Rome, Constantinople, Moscow

Rome, Constantinople, Moscow

John Meyendorff

1996 • 201p

This profound collection of theological studies explores one of Christianity's most enduring challenges: the centuries-old division between Eastern Orthodox and Western Catholic traditions. Drawing from his extensive experience as both a church histo...
Cover of Cosmic grace + humble prayer

Cosmic grace + humble prayer

Bartholomew I Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople

2003 • 351p

This profound collection unveils the environmental wisdom of one of Christianity's most influential spiritual leaders through carefully curated writings and addresses. Patriarch Bartholomew's ecological vision emerges through chronologically arranged...