Loneliness, Solitude, Community: Insights from the <i>Apophthegmata Patrum</i>

Abstract

The present article provides an urban reading of the Apophthegmata Patrum, in the broader context of the rediscovery and re-evaluation of monastic spirituality by and for the laity. On the one hand, the 21st century is considered to be the age of loneliness; on the other hand, loneliness defined the lives of the desert fathers, albeit its nuance was different. The wisdom of these elders could be a cure for contemporary loneliness, or, at least give us a set of models to navigate our loneliness.

Keywords

• orthodox church
• orthodox spirituality
• <i>Apophthegmata Patrum</i>
• desert fathers
• loneliness
• solitude