If There is Life, I Want to Live

Metropolitan Nikolaos of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki

This short book contains the encounters of Metropolitan Nikolaos, and addresses a question that concerns many: “How can the Church address the doubts of the younger generation and interest them in matters of faith?”

The book recalls authentic conversations between the author and a group of young people. They are mostly skeptical of the Church, yet are interested in the life journey of Metropolitan Nikolaos, who went from being a successful scientific researcher in America to becoming a monk and hierarch. It is presented as 100 questions and answers on matters of faith, yet is recorded as a natural and frank dialogue interspersed with the Metropolitan’s personal thoughts and impressions.

The book’s value derives from the charming approach of Metropolitan Nikolaos who delicately and humbly engages with those he encounters, always making sure to respect them as equals and not to preach to them.

He confesses that when he was younger he had many similar issues with the Faith. In fact, he refused to have something so important imposed on him, preferring to discover the truth himself through a personal search. It was this natural skepticism that attracted Metropolitan Nikolaos to science.

The questions themselves range from disputes on the existence of God, or the possibility of human resurrection, to more personal concerns such as whether it is possible to follow the commandments of our Faith in the modern age. Instead of engaging in debates, the Metropolitan steers their questions away from secondary concerns to more important matters and attempts to clarify by offering his own understanding. He never tries to convince them to believe, but he attempts to open his heart to them and their hearts to God by relaying his own experiences.

Overall, Metropolitan Nikolaos gives excellent answers to these common yet difficult questions. But above all, his inspiring example shows us the correct way to approach these discussions – with humility and love.

Source: Lychnos April-May 2020