Saint Vladimir’s Seminary (SVS) Press has released On the Ecclesiastical Mystagogy by Saint Maximus the Confessor (c. 580-662). The new book, the latest title in SVS Press’s highly-praised Popular Patristic Series (PPS), features the original Greek text of St. Maximus’ work along with an English translation by Jonathan J. Armstrong.
In On the Ecclesiastical Mystagogy (PPS Volume 59), St. Maximus beautifully expounds the meaning of the Divine Liturgy, which had a profound influence on the subsequent tradition, beginning with St. Germanus of Constantinople (PPS Volume 8). Maximus' vision of the liturgy contemplates the interpenetrating relationships of all things with each other and with Christ, in whom all things cohere. The church building, the human being, and the cosmos are all mutually related and symbolically reflect each other. Further, in the liturgy we enter into the mystery of Christ. As St. Maximus puts it, "Let us not be absent from the holy Church of God because she contains such great mysteries of our salvation according to... and she reveals the gift of adoption that is given through holy baptism in the Holy Spirit and that perfects each one into the image of Christ."
On the Ecclesiastical Mystagogy is available now in paperback at SVSPress.com or by calling 800-204-BOOK (2665).
About the Popular Patristic Series
The Popular Patristics Series is comprised of more than 50 volumes. The series aims to mine the riches of early Christian literature and provide readable and accurate translations of a broad range of these writings to a wide audience—from students of Christian history and theology to lay Christians reading for spiritual benefit. Texts include classics of Christian literature, thematic volumes, homily collections, letters, spiritual guidance, and poetical works from a wide variety geographical contexts and historical backgrounds. Patristic authors include Athanasius, Gregory the Great, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, Ephrem the Syrian, Tertullian, and many more. Recognized patristic scholars provide short but comprehensive and clear introductory essays according to their specializations for each volume.
All 54 volumes currently available in the PPS series may be purchased individually, or as a complete set at a discounted price
