The Book of Pastoral Rule (Popular Patristics Series)

by Saint Gregory the Great

Publisher:

St Vladimir’s Seminary Press

, 2007

Overview

Recognized as the most thorough pastoral treatise of the patristic era, this sixth-century work by St. Gregory the Great carefully details the duties and obligations of the clergy concerning the spiritual formation of their flock. Examine this important Early Christian document in fresh translation by George E. Demacopoulos.

Contents

Top Highlights

“No one does more harm in the Church than he who has the title or rank of holiness and acts perversely.” (Page 32)

“For there are several who possess incredible virtues and who are exalted by great talents for training others; men who are spotless in the pursuit of chastity, stout in the vigor of fasting, satiated in the feasts of doctrine, humble in the long-suffering of patience, erect in the fortitude of authority, tender in the grace of kindness, and strict in the severity of judgment. To be certain, if they refuse to accept a position of spiritual leadership when they are called, they forfeit the majority of their gifts—gifts which they received not for themselves only, but also for others. When these men contemplate their own spiritual advantages and do not consider anyone else, they lose these goods because they desire to keep them for themselves.” (Page 36)

“It is necessary, therefore, that he should be pure in thought, exemplary in conduct, discerning in silence, profitable in speech, a compassionate neighbor to everyone, superior to all in contemplation, a humble companion to the good, and firm in the zeal of righteousness against the vices of sinners. He must not relax his care for the internal life while he is occupied by external concerns, nor should he relinquish what is prudent of external matters so as to focus on things internal.” (Page 49)

“Spiritual directors must be careful not only to guard against saying something wrong, but also to avoid offering the right words too frequently or unprofessionally, because often the virtue of what is said is lost when it is enfeebled in the hearts of the audience since the speech was offered hastily or carelessly.” (Page 57)

Product Details

• Title: The Book of Pastoral Rule
• Author: Saint Gregory the Great
• Series: Popular Patristics Series
• Volume: 34
• Publisher: St Vladimir’s Seminary Press
• Print Publication Date: 2007
• Logos Release Date: 2016
• Pages: 212
• Era: era:byzantine
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Pastoral theology › Early works to 1800
• ISBNs: 9780881413182, 0881413186
• Resource ID: LLS:BKPSTRLGRGRYGRT
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:13:34Z

About Saint Gregory the Great

Saint Gregory the Great (AD 540–AD 604) was born into Roman nobility and was prefect of Rome before converting the family estate into a monastery dedicated to St. Andrew, where he remained until AD 579, when he was appointed as apocrisiarius to Constantinople. He began his papacy in AD 590 under the name Pope Gregory I.

Gregory was a great leader, with successful missionary campaigns that changed the reach of Christianity in Europe. He was also an able reformer, and was known as “the Father of Christian Worship” for his work in developing the liturgy of his day. Upon his death, he was immediately declared a saint by popular acclamation, and is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican and some Lutheran churches. Much of Gregory’s abundant work has survived, including Morals on the Book of Job and Dialogues.