Flying over the Abyss
$37.00
‘Generalised despair’ characterises our epoch. Thus, an encounter with it is inevitable. Man must know how to face it profitably. Saint Sophrony distinguishes between morbid and charismatic despair. The former destroys man, while the latter can become the spark for the wondrous leap into the sphere of eternity. Successive trials and visitations of divine grace strengthen the Christian athlete so that he can stand firm not on the edge of a single abyss, but two: the abyss of God’s mercy and the abyss of his own corruption and misery. And then ‘deep calleth unto deep’ (Ps. 42:7). On the one hand, through repentance, and on the other, through thanksgiving, he is initiated into the universality of Christ. Then he begins to thank the Lord for all His gifts, both to him and to the entire universe, and above all, to the Saints, ‘most especially’ to His Most Pure Mother. At the same time, he ‘contends’ with Him, not for selfish reasons but for the salvation of the world. This struggle is dispassionate. It is governed by man’s intense desire to know God more deeply, to follow Him more faithfully, to love Him more perfectly, and to dwell with Him ‘unto the ages of ages.’
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prologue
Blessed Despair
The Struggle against the Passions
Fruits of Spiritual Mourning
Vanquishing Evil through Humility
The Science of the Discernment of Thoughts
Time and Eternity
The Bridechamber of Christ, the Place of His Encounter with Man
Overcoming Self-love through Pain and Humble Discipleship to Christ
Man’s Kinship with Christ
The Benefit and Wisdom of Thanksgiving
A Few Thoughts on the Divine Liturgy
The Saints, the Value of the Earth and the Hope of the World
Miscellaneous
On Consciousness
Sanctification of the Body
The Mystery of Death
Various
Index of Scriptural References
Book Sample
Available in 2 Languages
English
English
Greek
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About the Author
Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou
Father Zacharias studied theology at the Orthodox Theological Institute of Saint Sergius in Paris and at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He has translated all the writings of Saint Silouan and Father Sophrony from the original Russian into Greek and he presents their rich theology to the Orthodox world by writing books and articles and taking part in conferences. Moreover, he serves as a spiritual Father and minister of the word of God to his brethren and the people that come to him. Read more…
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Ricky Powell (verified owner) –
I would Like to also start with a thanks to Fr Charbel Abernethy of Philokalia Ministries also for his Higly reviewed recommendations to your works.
Summary of Flying Over the Abyss for Christians
Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou’s Flying Over the Abyss is a deep theological meditation on the spiritual ascent of the Christian soul. Drawing from the teachings of Elder Sophrony and Saint Silouan the Athonite, the book delves into the transformative potential of despair, repentance, and divine grace, presenting a path toward theosis.
Core Themes I found:
The book expounds on blessed despair, a paradoxical state in which the soul, through total self-abandonment, finds communion with God. This concept aligns with Saint Silouan’s teaching, “Keep thy mind in hell, and despair not,” illustrating the necessity of radical humility for spiritual renewal. Additionally, it explores the struggle against passions, emphasizing that overcoming self-love and embracing suffering are fundamental steps toward divine union.
Archimandrite Zacharias carefully distinguishes between charismatic despair, which fuels deep prayer and reliance on divine mercy, and destructive despair, which leads to spiritual paralysis. He argues that despair, when rightly oriented, is not a hindrance but a gateway to grace and higher contemplation.
Key Insights:
The Depth of Noetic Prayer – The book underscores that authentic prayer transcends words, manifesting as a state of inner stillness and communion with God through purified nous.
The Science of Spiritual Warfare – Vigilance and discernment are necessary for identifying and resisting the subtle deceptions of the enemy.
The Transformative Power of Grace – True spiritual progress requires the mortification of the old self, allowing divine grace to illumine the soul and guide it toward holiness.
Conclusion:
For Christians, Flying Over the Abyss offers a compelling and challenging roadmap for deeper spiritual refinement. It presents a vision of the Christian life as one of continual purification, self-emptying, and reliance on divine mercy. Particularly relevant to those immersed in the Orthodox ascetical tradition, this book is a powerful resource for those seeking to navigate the narrow path toward theosis with greater clarity and devotion.
I found Orthodoxy through a book of St Silouan the Anthonite which is still with me till today one of my oldest treasures.
Ancuta Bell (verified owner) –
*Flying over the Abyss*is another treasure offered to us by Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou. The book is an excellent guide for people who wants to know the answers to essential life’s questions such as : “How we struggle against the passions ?”, “How we deal with our thoughts?”,” Time and Eternity”. The book brings hope, joy and peace in the troubled soul of the reader in times of trials.
The answers are illustrated with examples from real life meetings of Father Zacharias with people who ask for his advice and discussions with Saint Sophrony.
In particular, the chapter “The benefits and Wisdom of Thanksgiving ” reinforces how powerful a permanent thank given to God can heal depression ! By reading this book you find the perfect companion in times of solitude and thirst for God!
The book has a wonderful and elegant binding. The entire content of the book has a deep insight in the Man’s heart , who wants to fly “over the abyss of darkness, embraced by the love of Lord Jesus.
Glory to God for such a book ,given to us ! Thank you Father Zacharias !
Iuliana Dragnea (verified owner) –
Flying over the Abyss is an extraordinary book for our times and resonates deeply with my current spiritual state. It is structured around topics that are highly relevant to our spiritual lives and the difficulties we confront in our world, particularly as Christians in their spiritual journey.
I also appreciate that the book is presented as a dialogue between questions and answers, allowing readers to start reading from any point they wish on a given day and to delve deeper and assimilate the content similarly to the Pateric.
Thanks to Fr. Zacharias for this book and not only, as it has given me inspiration, prayer, and the desire for Divine Grace!
Tony Martin (verified owner) –
‘Flying Over The Abyss’ is another sanctifying gift from the Community of St John The Baptist. The format of pertinent questions and prayerfully considered replies give the reader a sense of welcome and inclusion.
As ever, Father Zacharias provides reflection which is simple, profound and ‘loaded with grace’. I found the connection between discernment of thoughts and liturgical time both challenging and exhilarating: should we expect anything less when ‘flying over the abyss’?
Again, one comes away with fresh hope in pursuit of living from a deep heart… I’m so thankful these books are available in English. They remind us poverty of spirit is a safe space to receive the kingdom – thank you, thank you.
Tony Martin (pastor)
Fr. Deacon Andrew Fuller (verified owner) –
This book is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for your wonderful care. Many blessings on your beautiful community.
Dr. Michael Gama (verified owner) –
This title is just one of the numerous wonderful and deeply edifying books that the Monastery offers. Reading these books is often like sitting at the feet of a noble staretz or geronta. Ordering books is easy and their customer service help is amazing. Thank you, Brothers. God be with you.
Lawrence Martone (verified owner) –
I’m deeply grateful to Fr. Charbel Abernethy (Philokalia Ministries) for recommending this book – a real gem for anyone committed to “interiorized monasticism.”
Evangelos (verified owner) –
I thoroughly enjoyed Flying Over the Abyss. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to grow deeper in their repentance and experience of God.
Zach Watters (verified owner) –
This book is so filled with wisdom that I found I needed to sit with a single sentence for a day. “Flying Over the Abyss” contains profound spiritual teaching about the distinction between worldly sorrow and the sorrow that leads to repentance, as well as between natural thoughts, demonic thoughts, and Godly thoughts. I believe that this book has planted the seed of a great change in me, and I pray that God would preserve me in its wisdom!
Hernán Mendoza (verified owner) –
Every word written spoke to my heart! Truly, I believe this book was made by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit