Andrew Louth - Syriac Christian Church

the densest of his theological treatises, Maximus’ concern for the life
of prayer and engagement with God is still uppermost. The purpose of
theology is to safeguard against misunderstandings that frustrate a
Christian life of prayer.
Many people have helped me, either directly or indirectly, in putting
this book together. I would like to acknowledge the help and advice
and ideas (whether I have paid heed or not) of Bishop Kallistos of
Diokleia, Mother Thekla, Catherine Osborne, Maurice Wiles and Fr
Huw Chiplin. My greatest debt is, however, to Carol Harrison, who
might be expected to have endured something as General Editor of
this series, but as my wife has made this possible in more ways than I
could say.
Andrew Louth
Feast of our holy father and confessor,
Michael, Bishop of Synnada, 1995
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