The Illness and Cure of the Soul in the Orthodox Tradition

by Hierotheos Vlachos

Fr. Hierotheos uses quotations from the Church Fathers and many saints to support his conviction that man's soul suffers illness which distorts his relationship with God, his fellow men and nature-to be curedin the hospital of the Church. Presented in the form of a discussion, the contents was used in a lecture series at the St. John of Damascus Faculty of Theology, University of Balamand.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christianity, Spirituality

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

His Eminence Hierotheos, Metropolitan of Nafpaktos and Agios Vlassios in Greece, is regarded as one of the foremost authorities on the Orthodox spiritual life. A prolific writer, he has authored more than fifteen books, many of which have been translated into English. His Eminence’s theological vision may be summed up in the following quotation, taken from his The Science of Spiritual Medicine: “The whole therapeutic method of the Orthodox Church is not aimed simply at making human beings morally and socially balanced, but at re-establishing their relationship with God and one another. This comes about through the healing of the soul's wounds and the cure of the passions through the Sacraments and the Church's ascetic practice.”

Reviews

[Ирландский Дьякон · Rating 5 out of 5]

If "Orthodox Psychotherapy" is intimidating, then read this book instead. Actually, read it anyway. This book is much more accessible. Essentially, it is an explanation of what "Orthodox Psychotherapy" is about, but aimed specifically at the serious lay person.

Orthodoxy and western Christianity approach many of the same issues and questions of faith from very different directions. For a westerner looking at Orthodoxy and scratching their head, this may help put some things in context. Many Orthodox today are heavily influenced by western ways of thinking. Kind of inevitable in the modern world.

This book helps recover that Orthodox worldview that sees our human condition as it really is and offers not just a "take 2 pills and call me in the morning" quick fix, but indicates the need for and how to find that regimen of therapy which can restore the human soul to its proper and healthy state, and explains that each soul is different, and therefore therapy is individual. (Don't take other people's medicine - see your doc and get the right stuff for you.)

We often hear the Church spoken of as a hospital for souls. This explains what that means and puts the metaphor into a clear perspective. And encourages us to participate in our own healing. To take our medicine, and exercise ourselves in the therapy we need to restore our lost health.

This is for everyone. Not just those who have "issues". We all have issues. We are all sick at heart wether we know it or not. Even you. (Yes, you!) If you think otherwise, it's probably just because you are so used to disease, you don't know what a healthy soul really is, anymore. This is an excellent book, and well worth the read.

[Gregory V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can serve as a primer for "Orthodox Psychotherapy" as it covers the major topics from the underpinnings of the therapeutic dimension of the Church. Also, the format of this book is unique in that it is of a Q&A session of a group of faithful including a priest and a some laypeople asking questions to Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos with him responding in an explanatory way. The text flows like a Q&A session so it is a much easier read than "Orthodox Psychotherapy."

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. My deacon recommended and loaned this to me. The conversational layout of this book makes it really easy to go back, and review certain parts. This book is needed to remind lots of people, what the Church is actually about.

[David Withun · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! The conversational style of this book makes many of the complicated theological ideas more accessible.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many years ago, I was blessed to see Metropolitan Hirotheos speak and it was just like this book. In fact, it is the text of group discussions led by the Metropolitan about the application of the church's teaching in our lives, and how we need to let it surround and nurture us. It had been far too long since my previous reading, I need to return to it more often.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This seems crucial for Christians with an inner tradition. I sense this need, though I'm only a short way into the book.