Customer Reviews

Saint Silouan, the Athonite

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This is an expanded version of the out-of-print classic from the same author of A MONK OF MOUNT ATHOS (see customer review from Columbus, Georgia). Both St. Silouan and Archimandrite Sophrony are remarkable men who know the Uncreated Light from experience. These are men who can be guides to a world that has lost comprehension of what a real Christian is and what a human being, free of negative emotions and passions of carnality and pride can be. It is an extraordinary portrait. Archimandrite Sophrony is also someone who practiced eastern meditation prior to his re-conversion to Christianity and he knows from experience the danger of confusing the blissful silent expanse of the human soul, with the infinite God. Not to be missed by anyone who wants to know the essence of Orthodox Christianity from a contemporary 20th century witness.

It is one thing believing there is a God, and something else knowing there is one! This book explains step by step how using faith and prayer one evokes Devine Grace through which one gets to actually know God, and speak with him face to face. This is the fundamental difference between other faiths and beliefs and Orthodoxy. The living proof provided by people, often meek and illiterate, who have trodden along the narrow path and have been graced to achieve the ultimate. A must for everyone.

When I first read this book I skipped the first half. Not because it was bad. Rather, it was very sophisticated in it's form. Having recently finished the complete book, I must say this is a must for all Orthodox. St. Silouan as allowed us to see inside of his world and the struggles which he had to endure. He gives us a shinning example on how to, "keep our minds in hell, but not to despair." If you are interested in Eastern Orthodoxy, this would be a great introduction with some help from an EO Priest to explain some of the terms.To read the Saints words and his love for all of Gods creation and how he wept in prayer for the whole world...

St. Silouan pray to God for us.

This book was given to me in the year 2000 by dear friends Fr. John & Lyn Breck.

I could not have imagined that a book about the man Silouan would turn into a spiritual brotherhood with him.

That alone has been an important part of spiritual life over the past 11 years. His teaching though, on loving our enemies, the Grace of God and on pride has been an on going resource for my everyday life.

I am thankful for the illumination that comes from this man and this book.

George Papageorge - Danville, California