The Four Gospels - (Commentary on the Holy Scriptures of the) (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Editor's Note: This text emerged from lecture notes. The translator and editors did not always have access to the same editions of the Russian language books used by the author. Furthermore, not all of these works exist in English translation, and where they do it is not always possible to cite a corresponding reference. Additionally, the author followed a Russian cultural and intellectual practice in which it is not considered essential to give all details of the source material but simply an indication of its origins. Therefore the bibliography and endnotes at the end of this English edition are listed to facilitate the reader's understanding or indicate as closely as possible a source for further reading and study"--Page xi.

Book Synopsis

Writing in the tradition of biblical exegetes, such as St John Chrysostom and Blessed Theophylact of Bulgaria, the work of Archbishop Averky (Taushev) provides a commentary that is firmly grounded in the teaching of the Church, manifested in its liturgical hymnography and the works of the Holy Fathers. Analyzing all four Gospels chronologically and simultaneously, he allows readers to see the life of Christ as an unfolding narrative in accessible, direct language. Using the best of prerevolutionary Russian sources, these writings also remained abreast of developments in Western biblical scholarship, engaging with it directly and honestly. He approaches the Gospels first and foremost not as a literary work of antiquity, but as the revelation of Jesus Christ as God in the flesh. Archbishop Averky's commentaries on the New Testament have become standard textbooks in Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary and have been published in Russia to widespread acclaim. This present volume is the first translation of these texts into English and it is an indispensable addition to the library of every student of the Gospels.

Review Quotes

"A text that would benefit any pious laymen, but which should be a go to reference for Orthodox clergy. I look forward to seeing the subsequent volumes in this series published as well." --Fr. John Whiteford, fatherjohn.blogspot.com

"Whether you have never read the Gospels or read them hundreds of times, you will be spiritually enriched with your reading of this commentary. I cannot wait for Volume II on The Epistles to be released." --Stuart Dunn, stuartsstudy.blogspot.com

About the Author

Archbishop Averky (Taushev) (1906-1976) was born in Imperial Russia and taught and served throughout Europe before being assigned to teach at the Holy Trinity Seminary in New York in 1951 and became the abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery in 1960. As abbot and rector, he was heavily involved in the formation of the seminary curriculum and the daily life of the seminarians and monks. He became well known among Orthodox Christians for his staunch defense of his Church's faith and traditions. Nicholas Kotar is a graduate of Holy Trinity Seminary and an assistant editor at Holy Trinity Publications. He is a founding member of Conquering Time, an ensemble of artists inspired by the Inklings that stages original works of storytelling and traditional music and publishes new poetry and prose. He lives in Jordanville, New York.