A Guide to St. Symeon the New Theologian

"This is indeed an excellent companion to St. Symeon the New Theologian--informative, insightful, sensitive, and yet readily accessible, a great introduction to one of the most important spiritual writers of the Eastern Christian tradition. Hannah Hunt admirably introduces the reader to Symeon in all his different dimensions: his historical context in eleventh-century Constantinople; his writings and their genres; his place in the traditions of Eastern Christian monasticism and theology; and his legacy."

--John Behr, Dean and Professor of Patristics, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Crestwood, NY



"Most of Symeon's writings are inherently inspiring for Christian readers, but the significance of some ideas are easily lost in a centuries-long culture gap between a modern reader and the medieval world. Hannah Hunt's A Guide to St. Symeon the New Theologian will help scholars and lay readers alike to more fully appreciate Symeon's ideas. Hunt's thorough and concise descriptions of the social, political, and theological context of Symeon's life and works are especially illuminating. She also boldly takes on the question 'What Is Mysticism' and satisfyingly answers in the context of historical theology."

--Daniel K. Griggs, Professor of Latin, Butte College, Oroville, CA