Papa-Dimitri Gagastathis – The Man of God (1902-1975) Published by Orthodox Kypseli, 1977. Many people are embarrassed or even offended by the thought that others might characterize them as simple. Even as Orthodox Christians, we may admire simplicity in others but we seldom make a conscious effort to nurture it in ourselves, forgetting that the Lord said plainly “unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 18:3). Papa-Dimitri (1902-1975) lived in the small village of Platanos on the Thessalian plain. He grew up in a poor family [...]

The Church at Prayer – The Mystical Liturgy of the Heart By Archimandrite Aimilianos of Simonopetra Published by Indiktos, Athens, 2005. “Let us leave the earth below and let us become like flames of fire, so that we too can ascend to where God is.” ‘The Church at Prayer’ is a book compiled of various sermons delivered by the Athonite Elder at various monasteries and parishes in Greece and Cyprus. Elder Aimilianos discusses some of the most important aspects of our lives as Orthodox Christians, with chapters on Prayer, the Divine Liturgy, Spiritual Study, and the Spiritual life. The first [...]

The Monk of Mount Athos by Archimandrite Sophrony Published by St Vladimir’s Press, 1997. “The Monk of Mount Athos” is based on the life and teachings of St Silouan the Athonite (1866-1938). It is written by one of his closest disciples, Archimandrite Sophrony. The first part of this book explores St Silouan’s youth. It is very relatable, as he had similar distractions and temptations growing up to those of present. It reflects his initial monastic calling, but also the difficult parts of his life where he believes he was protected by God’s grace. St Silouan grew up as a normal [...]

Thoughts and How to Confront Them by Hiermonk Benedict of Holy Mount Athos Published by The Attendants of Hiermonk Spyridon, New Skiti, Holy Mount Athos, 2002. This booklet has much to teach us about how to control our thoughts. To begin with, most of our sinful thoughts are caused by our many passions. It is the devil's aim to cast us into sin, either through thoughts or the performance of the sinful act itself. Such sinful thoughts can be overcome by prayer, Confession, reading spiritual books, doing the right thing according to our conscience, partaking in regular Holy Communion, and [...]

Spiritual Counsels by St John of Kronstadt Published by St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1967 (1st Edition) ISBN: 0-913836-92-3 “In what does the Christian life consist? In having nothing in the heart but Christ, or, if possessing earthly blessings, in not in the least attaching oneself to them, but in clinging with the whole heart to Christ.” (Chapter 8: The Spiritual Warfare, Part 3: The Life of the Spirit p. 141) ‘Spiritual Counsels’ by St John of Kronstadt is filled with such gems of wisdom, clarity and insight. This book is composed of selected short passages from St John of Kronstadt’s [...]