Great Lent

Featuring English-language arrangements of traditional Russian, Serbian, and Greek chants, as well as new compositions by seminary faculty and alumni, sung by the January 2007 Chorale which toured New England, and the chapel male choir, directed by Deacon Kevin Smith. Recorded at the Church of our Saviour in Rye, NY.

Bishop Kallistos Ware shows the meaning of Orthodox doctrine for the life of the individual Christian. Doctrinal issues are seen not as abstract propositions for theological debate but as affected the whole of life.

Professor Kesich expertly addresses questions of anti-Semitism and the family quarrels between Jews and Christians in the historical context as well as explaining the trial of Jesus and the purpose of His suffering.

Selections from the All-Night Vigil of the Orthodox Church
liturgical music on compact disc

Kevin Smith, director
Mark Bailey, associate director
Sung by the choirs of St Vladimir's Seminary

Jubilant antiphonal singing and responsorial psalmody, chants, and anthems include, among others:

• Gladsome Light, Igor Dvoretsky
• The Great Doxology, Boris Ledkovsky
• St Symeon's Prayer, Mark Bailey
• Psalm 103, Fr Sergei Glagolev
• The Polyeleon (Psalms 134, 135), Mount Athos melody
• The Evlogitaria of the Resurrection, Boris Ledkovsky
• Saturday Evening Prokeimenon, Carpatho-Rusyn chant arranged by Fr Paul Jannakos.

Way of the Ascetics is a rich, compact introduction for modern readers to the Eastern Christian spiritual tradition that has been an inspiration to millions for centuries. These compassionate and insightful reflections on self-control and inner peace are meant to lead the readers to fuller union with God.