She Who Loved Much: The Sinful Woman in St Ephrem the Syrian and the Orthodox Tradition

The Orthodox Church believes that the Holy Scriptures are the source of Tradition, and the account of the sinful woman who anoints Christ with precious oil is elaborated in liturgical hymns, homilies, and patristic writings. This study explores the biblical accounts through the liturgical and oratorical tradition of the Church, including previously inaccessible texts of late antiquity, and offers fresh English renderings of other sermons. It will engage all who encounter the story in the living tradition of worship in the Orthodox Church.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2022
Publisher: Holy Trinity Publications

The Orthodox Church holds the Holy Scriptures as the primary source of Tradition. Within the pages of the Bible, the narratives find deeper exploration and elaboration in liturgical hymns, homilies, and patristic writings. One such account, found in St. Luke's gospel, revolves around a sinful woman who anoints Christ with precious oil shortly before his Passion and Crucifixion. The story of this woman is celebrated in the liturgical tradition of the Orthodox Church during Holy Week, where she is held up as an exemplar of repentance and unwavering love. In this comprehensive yet accessible study, the biblical accounts are enriched through both the liturgical and oratorical traditions of the Church, primarily found in Greek and Syriac manuscripts. Special emphasis is placed on the former texts, often overshadowed by the latter. Here, previously inaccessible texts of late antiquity, such as homilies by Amphilochius of Iconium and Ephrem Graecus, are presented in English for the first time, alongside fresh English translations of other sermons. This meticulously crafted and thoughtfully organized work will captivate all who engage with the story of the sinful woman within the living tradition of worship in the Orthodox Church, as well as those who encounter her through Scripture, liturgical poetry, or scholarly inquiry. The present work unveils the intricate tapestry of the Church's tradition, expanding the scope and application of the biblical record through its rich hymnography and oratory.

Dimension: 229 x 153 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781942699408