THE PHILOKALIA: The Spiritual Life of the Priest 22ND BIENNIAL CLERGY SYMPOSIUM ANTIOCHIAN VILLAGE CONFERENCE & RETREAT CENTER JULY 22–26, 2024 Metropolitan Basilios of Australia & New Zealand
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hat is Philokalia? And why are the texts and teachings of the Philokalia important for someone who wants to understand the role and attributes of the spiritual father?
Spiritual fatherhood and the figure of the spiritual father occupies a central position in Orthodox spirituality; it is for that reason that it was always of interest to speakers and researchers. Many articles have been written, and numerous papers have been presented at various conferences on this topic. There is no teaching in the Philokalia about the pastoral work of the priest, no advice or instructions on developing pastoral skills, on how to deliver a good sermon, or on how to make a fruitful pastoral visit to a sick and terminally ill patient! But the text of the Philokalia presents a comprehensive teaching about spiritual life.
14 September - October 2025