Letters of Saint Paisios the Athonite - Hardcover (Greek)

Letters of Saint Paisios the Athonite - Hardcover (Greek)

Excerpt from the Preface:
The context and occasion for the composition of each letter are noted either at the beginning, with two or three introductory sentences, or in an accompanying note.

The First Letter: Written by the Elder with the intention of sending it to young men who desired to become monks but faced difficulties, primarily from Spiritual Fathers who did not fully understand Monasticism. Ultimately, he did not send it, "so as not to cause spiritual tourism in Kapsala," where he was ascetically struggling at the time, and to prevent an influx of visitors to his Cell. Though he initially intended to burn it, he felt it would be a waste of the effort he had put into it and instead sent it to our Hesychasterion (Monastery), hoping it would aid us in our daily struggle. In the beginning, the Elder clearly defines what Orthodox Monasticism is and what the mission of a monk entails. He then provides practical advice to young men who have decided to follow the monastic life, as well as to novice monks—counsel that is beneficial for every monk.

The Second Letter: Written by the Elder during the Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple and sent to us as a blessing—a gift—since this day is particularly celebrated by those who have dedicated themselves to God. Although he writes that "the blessing is not for overindulgence," anyone reading this letter, which constitutes a brief treatise on monastic and spiritual life, will find abundant spiritual nourishment.

The Third Letter: Structured in a question-and-answer format, the Elder responds to letters from the sisters of the Hesychasterion. He titles it "Spiritual Herbs," comparing his advice to medicinal herbs that heal the passions.

The Fourth Letter: Inspired by the profound love of the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women for Christ and their spiritual courage, the Elder wrote this letter and sent it to us so that we might strive to utilize, rather than waste, the inherent strength of the female nature. He emphasizes that a monk must guard against various worldly trends, while also addressing matters concerning the laity that relate to Monasticism.

The Fifth Letter: Consists of "a few pages on virginity and love." Through his writings, the Elder aims to counter the deluded philosophical and Western-heretical spirit that has infiltrated the Church, helping us understand "what the Grace of God truly means," so that we may prioritize it over "mere intellect."

The Sixth Letter: Finally, this letter is an outburst of gratitude towards God, Who, out of His immense love, visits us in various ways. In twenty brief and aphoristic paragraphs, the Elder defines who the truly "blessed" person is.

Cover: Hardcover

Dimensions: 15 x 24 cm

Pages: 238

Publisher: Holy Hesychasterion "Saint John the Evangelist and Theologian", Souroti, Thessaloniki