The Ascent of the Spirit (Hardback)

The Ascent of the Spirit is the first complete English translation and critical edition of the early spiritual writings of Nazir Gayed, who would later become Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria. Composed during his years as a layman before becoming a monk in the Egyptian desert, this collection—comprising theological essays, ascetical meditations, and over thirty spiritual poems—reveals the intense interiority and mystical longing that shaped his later leadership. This edition offers a fresh translation from the original Arabic, enriched by a historical introduction and a foreword by Rev. Dr. Tim Vivian. By situating Shenouda’s early work within the broader context of Coptic Orthodox theology and global Christian spirituality, The Ascent of the Spirit serves as both a devotional treasury and a vital primary source for scholars of Eastern Christianity.