FATHER DAVID S. ABERNETHY
Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Father David Abernethy was born in Pittsburgh PA and had, until recently, been a Father of The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri. He converted to Catholicism as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his Bachelors Degree. Father David also holds Masters Degrees in Sacred Theology and Divinity and has spent many years as a priest studying clinical counseling and Psychoanalysis at the Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Center where he is an academic candidate. In 1987 the Philokalia was given to Father David as a gift; this gift sparked in him a love for the Desert Fathers and Eastern Spirituality that has continued to grow and deepen for more than thirty years. Father David was ordained to the Priesthood in 1994, has biritual faculties and is currently transitioning to the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh to serve as a Byzantine priest.
ABOUT PHILOKALIA MINISTRIES
Philokalia Ministries is the fruit of 30 years spent at the feet of the Fathers of the Church. Led by Father David Abernethy, Philokalia (Philo: Love of the Kalia: Beautiful) Ministries exists to re-form hearts and minds according to the mold of the Desert Fathers through the ascetic life, the example of the early Saints, the way of stillness, prayer, and purity of heart, the practice of the Jesus Prayer, and spiritual reading. Those who are involved in Philokalia Ministries - the podcasts, videos, social media posts, spiritual direction and online groups - are exposed to writings that make up the ancient, shared spiritual heritage of East and West: The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Saint Augustine, the Philokalia, the Conferences of Saint John Cassian, the Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian, and the Evergetinos. In addition to these, more recent authors and writings, which draw deeply from the well of the desert, are read and discussed: Lorenzo Scupoli, Saint Theophan the Recluse, anonymous writings from Mount Athos, the Cloud of Unknowing, Saint John of the Cross, Thomas a Kempis, and many more. Philokalia Ministries is offered to all, free of charge. However, there are real and immediate needs associated with it. You can support Philokalia Ministries with one-time, or recurring monthly donations, which are most appreciated. Your support truly makes this ministry possible. May Almighty God, who created you and fashioned you in His own Divine Image, restore you through His grace and make of you a true icon of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.