TA030 – Spiritual Direction and Accompaniment in the Christian East

Course Information

Professor: Peter Dufka, SJ dufkap@gmail.com

Schedule:  Fri. I-II, 2^nd sem., 2 cr., 3 ECTS

Content

The phrase “Father, tell me something” reflects one of the most typical aspects of Eastern spirituality. The course offers a panorama of the great figures among the spiritual fathers (Evagrio, Cassian, Gregory Nazianza, John Chrysostom, etc.). The student will thus have occasion to deepen an awareness of the demands connected to this precious type of spiritual accompaniment.

Objective

As many are called to assume this work, the course proposes to explain the duties and to show the qualities required for its correct and fruitful exercise, with examples related to the modern day.

Bibliography

I. Hausherr, Padre, dimmi una parola, Roma 1955;

Cassiano, Conferenze ai monaci, Roma 2000;

Evagrio, Gli otto spiriti della malvagità, Milano 1996;

G. Nazianzeno, I cinque discorsi teologici, Roma 1986;

Origene, I principi, Torino 1968.