A 60-minute ethnographic field study of ancient and contemporary Christian monasticism and prayer. This is the perfect film to use with the book, “Be Still and Know: God’s Presence in Silence” and the accompanying Study Guide from Fortress Press. Never-before-seen locations, demonstrations and commentary from hermits, monks, nuns, bishops and archbishops. Unprecedented access to St. Antony’s, St. Catherine’s, Vatopaidi (Mt. Athos), Rohia and Varatec (Romania/Transylvania) monasteries. A step-by-step summary of the Holy Liturgy (St. Basil’s) filmed at St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mt. Sinai, Egypt. The ideal companion to the Fortress book of the same title. The free Study Guide is also available at Fortress.com and more information about the book and Study Guide on this site
THIS COMPANION FILM in Streaming Video Available to Rent ($1.99), or buy ($4.99) instant download. Move mouse over the video and select rent/buy button. Or Buy the book anywhere books are sold, or directly from Amazon
The film contains some people and material previously released, but is generally more in-depth than earlier versions.
THE BOOK – Fortress Press
• Explores the early Christian practice of silence as a path to God
• Internationally recognized author and PBS documentary film-maker (Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer)
• Meets the current reader interest in being spiritual but not necessarily religious. Ideal for individual study or for universities, divinity schools, seminaries and Churches
Early Christian spirituality is a topic of enduring fascination today among scholars and general readers alike. Stories of hermits living in the desert in their pursuit of God catch our fancy. What motivated them and drew them to silence on their path to God? In this gracious tour, Norris J. Chumley introduces us to Hesychasm, or silence, and to the lives of its early practitioners. The reader is introduced to St. Anthony, St. Pachomius, Evagrius, St. John Climacus, and many others. Then, as only a teacher and mentor can, he opens up the important possibilities the practice has for today.