A Life Together is like finding a long lost treasure or a goodie bag full of treats -- little quotes, deep wisdom, and ancient stories for community. Bishop Sigrist has created a fresh look at the age-old practice of living in community. He calls our hyper-individualistic, lonely world back to a rich and ancient way of doing life together. - Shane Claiborne, author, activist and recovering sinner

“What if humanity came together in the light and spirit poured out at Pentecost? Would it not be possible to become of one heart and mind and to discover a unity? Can we live together, and in the presence of God?”

Writing in the ancient desert tradition of short meditations on a spiritual theme, Bishop Seraphim explores what community and Christian fellowship means and how unity between human beings is truly possible. With insight drawn from Fr. Alexander Men and other theologians of the Orthodox tradition, as well as his own long-term involvement in supporting religious communities in Russia and America, he offers his readers a cultured and complex weave of Christian insight. A Life Together is a wonderful resource for reflection: a private retreat with an experienced spiritual father.

“Bishop Seraphim’s elegant and wise book is full of riches. He excavates the nature of love that builds up the mystery of the human being in and through community.”

--Father John A. McGuckin, Professor of Byzantine Christian Studies, Columbia University

“This book is a sure antidote to today’s cynicism about the ‘institutional church’ and a true gift to all who seek the coming together of Christians in mutual love and joyful mission.”

--Rev. Joel Scandrett, Ph.D., Instructor of Theology, Trinity School for Ministry

Bishop Seraphim Sigrist is a Bishop of the Orthodox Church in America. Formerly a missionary in Japan, he has also taught at Drew University in New Jersey. His publications include two books of Christian spirituality, a translated book of the Japanese author Kenji Miyazawa, as well as frequent contributions to Parabola.

Readers in a global society fraught with discord will find hope in this revived prescription for an "interweaving of relationships." Sigrist's nuggets of wisdom are the kind of gems that readers will treasure and quote for years to come.