Penthos, The Doctrine of Compunction in the Christian East

If joy in the resurrection is the distinguishing mark of christian faith, why have christian saints throughout the ages prayed for 'the gift of tears'? What place has penthos, heartfelt compunction, in the sure and certain hope of life in Christ?

In this study of penthos in the eastern monastic tradtion, the late Irenee Hauserr makes available to western Christians some of the heart of pastric and Orthodox teaching.