Many are familiar with the Orthodox ‘Jesus prayer’, but there is much more to discover about its tradition of contemplation as a grounding both for the interior spiritual life, and for compassionate action in the world. The author, an Anglican Franciscan friar and theologian, reflects on the wealth of Orthodox spirituality through the teachings of its key figures and texts:

· Evagrius of Pontus (345 – 399) One of the first Orthodox theologians and desert father.

· John of Sinai (c. 579 – 649) Abbot and writer of the highly influential The Ladder of Divine Ascent.

· Isaac of Syria (7th century) A much-loved hermit

· Maximos the Confessor (580 – 662) A philosopher, theologian, martyr and teacher.

· Symeon the New Theologian (949 – 1022) A monastic reformer, with deep mystical experiences of God’s radiant light.

· Gregory Palamas (1296 – 1359) A theologian, monk, and teacher of practice of silent prayer.

The aim is to enable readers to gain a sense of connection with the saints of Eastern Christianity as spiritual guides for today.