This volume is the first full-length study of penthos (tears of contrition) since Hausherr's in 1944. It traces its exposition in the early eastern Christian tradition, through detailed analysis of Greek and Syriac texts by Klimakos, Ephrem, Isaac and Symeon the New Theologian. It suggests why such weeping is, for these writers, a joyful as well as a sobering experience, and it places their writings in their historical and geographical context, giving some lexicographical background. Issues of religious anthropology, and the unusual choice of a female exegete in the person of the 'sinful...

A Companion to St. Symeon the New Theologian is an accessible guide to one of the great mystical writers of the Eastern Christian tradition. His impassioned writings bring to life the monasticism of the Byzantine Empire at the end of the tenth century. Dr Hunts succinct analysis of his life, times, and work draws from his homilies, hymns, and other writings to show his unique contribution to the spiritual life. The book details his development as a monk (shaped by the guidance and example of the Studite monk Symeon Eulables), his conflicts with the church authorities, and his inspiration of...