www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Books Learning the Greek Fathers for Lent

Are there any readers who can recommend a book for someone who wants to be immersed in the Greek fathers of the Church over Lent?

Any suggestions would be appreciated - the more authentically 'patristic' the better.

Cheers.

The traditional reading for the Great Fast is John Climacus - Ladder of Divine Ascent.

Another good one would be Melito of Sardis - On Pascha

A nice relevant collection would be the translation of the Desert Fathers by Waddell

Steve Puluka
Cantor Holy Ghost Mckees Rocks - Carpatho-Rusyn tradition
MA Theology Duquesne University
http://puluka.com/home

Not in the Greek Tradition, at all, of course, but try Hymns on Paradise by Saint Ephrem the Syrian. Nothing gives you such nostalgia for Eden as his poems!

Also, again, not Greek but what could be better Lenten fare than Krikor Nerakatsi (Gregory of Narek's) Book of Lamentations!

There is a school of thought that suggests starting with the latest Fathers, i.e. St. Theophan the Recluse or even more recent Athonite elders, and working backwards. That would be a lot to take in...perhaps over many years if you like.
I would opt for St. Dorotheos of Gaza. Though his instructions are for monastics, they are practical in nature and perhaps more "hand on" for the laity than, say, The Ladder of St. John C.

Very useful. Thank you!