Macarian Legacy

The first book to assess the Macarian legacy in its totality.
Covers a whole chapter in the history of the Eastern Christian tradition.

The Macarian writings are among the most important and influential works of the early Christian ascetic and mystical tradition. This book offers an introduction to the work of Macarius-Symeon (commonly referred to as Pseudo-Macarius), outlining the lineaments of his teaching and the historical context of his works. The book goes on to examine and re-evaluate the complex question of his relationship with the Messalian tendency and to explore the nature of his theological and spiritual legacy in the later Christian tradition. In so doing the book also offers substantial treatments of the work of Mark the Monk, Diadochus of Photice, Abba Isaiah, and Maximus Confessor. It stands therefore not only as an exploration of the teaching and legacy of Macarius-Symeon but also as a chapter in the history of the Christian spiritual tradition.

Contents
I. The Background

1. The Macarian Writings and their Historical Context
2. The Lineaments of the Macarian Vision
3. Macarius and the Cappadocians

4. Macarius and Evagrius
   II. The Legacy

5. Mark the Monk
6. Diadochus of Photice
7. The Asceticon of Abba Isaiah
8. Maximus the Confessor
   Conclusion