Recommended: Father Gabriel Bunge (gratis post)

On this Feast of the Dormition, although tangential to the day’s celebration itself, I draw your attention to a fascinating brand-new interview with the venerable scholar-hermit, Father Gabriel Bunge. Father Bunge, a Benedictine hermit, was received into the Orthodox Church on the Eve of the Dormition in 2010 (according to the Russian calendar). So, it struck me as a suitable occasion to focus on him here. The interview premiered this past week, conducted by the Greek Orthodox priest and podcaster Father Emmanuel Lemelson, and its cinematic quality merits remarking: it’s a beautifully accomplished presentation. Those familiar with Father Gabriel Bunge’s biography and books — which reward slow, careful reading — will need no introduction. For those who are not familiar with him, I advise becoming acquainted with him by reading the following:

https://orthochristian.com/44489.html

https://orthochristian.com/65138.html

https://www.pravmir.com/article_1220.html

Also, before watching the new interview, this half-hour video biography provides English subtitles that one can easily turn on by clicking on the “cc” (closed caption) symbol. It gives helpful background to the interview that follows:

Here, then, is Father Emmanuel’s new interview with Father Gabriel, filmed in the latter’s Alpine hermitage:

Eight months ago, Father Emmanuel presented another interview, and it’s also time well spent:

Lastly, below is the listing at “Goodreads” of Father Gabriel’s books. They provide invaluable resources for understanding the patristic spiritual heritage and how to apply it to our lives. If I were to recommend two titles with which one might start, I would suggest Earthen Vessels: The Practice of Personal Prayer According to the Patristic Tradition and Despondency: The Spiritual Teaching of Evagrius of Pontus. But one can begin with any one of his books and derive much benefit.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/101800.Gabriel_Bunge