The Monk of Mount Athos: Staretz Selouan 1866-1938

This is an a very valuable book for anyone deeply interested in, or living on, a path of mysticism. While the path here is Christian, the clarity of experience also resonates with the writings and teachings by mystics following other traditions. It is a small book but belongs in the world library of spiritual study.

This is an account of Staretz Silouan, a Russian peasant, although uneducated, embraced a monk's life of dedication to God in the Orthodox tradition and achieved great wisdom. This book offers true insight into his search for Christian spiritual purity and serves as a guide for seekers of spiritual knowledge.

Excellent.

This is a great book that introduces the life and the teachings of Staretz Silouan. Also, I liked Fr. Sophrony's expositions on Orthodox Doctrine.

The Monk Of Mount Athos is a little book that packs a powerful punch. Written by Archimandrite Sophrony, the first half of the book functions as a short biography of St. Silouan while the second half is an exposition of his spiritual practices and beliefs. As with most works I’ve read about saints, I found this book to be a breath of fresh air. The simple lifestyle and humble countenance of St. Silouan is conveyed in an almost-tangible fashion. This being the case, the book is more like a personal observation of his life rather than that of reading a biography. In the beginning of the book we are told that Staretz Silouan, due to his naivety, was beguiled by a spirit of pride–which lead to a powerful pseudo-spirituality founded on demonic delusions. After many sleepless nights in prayer the answer to how one can attain humility was given to the Staretz: “Keep thy mind in hell and despair not”. This phrase is expounded on in the second half of the book. From then on, the Staretz was adamant to be sure that the “light within” him was not “darkness”. (Lk. 11:35). The only true criterion for this surety, said the Staretz, is love for one’s enemies.This book was an incredible encouragement to me. The biography makes it clear that, at one point, St. Silouan lived in sin–and yet after his sinful jaunt, through repentance, temperance, and perseverance, he achieved union with God. I found the Staretz's teaching on the spiritual discipline of obedience particularly fascinating: if we cannot submit our will to that of our brother (or wife in my case) how can we submit our will to God? St. Silouan went on to say that by giving up our own will and submitting to, and serving, others, we become more sensitive to the will of God. This book is filled with the Saints' wisdom and speaks on many other subjects such as humility, love for our enemies, imageless prayer, hesychasm and much more. And these subjects are not spoken of from the vantage point of theory but rather form the vibrance of experience. This book is not a systematic explanation but rather an example of what the Christian life should look like. The Monk Of Mount Athos is a clear stream cutting through the muck of spiritual confusion. The gentle teachings of the Staretz and his focus on the love of Christ are experienced more than read. It is almost as if the Staretz himself is there beside you whilst reading. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone moderately interested in the Orthodox Church, the Saints, or Spiritual Struggle. You will get more from this book than you will from reading wikipedia articles or even scholastic explications of the same subjects.Buy This Book More Blog Posts >>>[...]

Archimandrite Sophrony's _The Monk of Mount Athos_ is a brief outline of the life and teachings of Russia's noted Athonite, Staretz (Elder) Silouan, along with being a primer on several aspects or Easter Orthodox spiritual experience. Silouan was "an unlettered young peasant" from Russia who became a monk after he finished his service in the Imperial military in the late 1800s. Through constant prayer and ascetic practice he attained a vision of Christ in the Uncreated Light. Staretz Silouan was originally beset by demons that tempted him towards despair, however God informed the Staretz to "keep your mind in hell, and despair not." The meaning of this is to realize one's own sinfulness and strive to be humble, being down in the pit, but not despairing of God's love. Sophrony's book also explains the cosmic significance of Christ's admonition to pray for the world and to pray for one's enemies. The true Saint of God prays for the entire world unceasingly, a very difficult task to concentrate on. An excellent, quick read on the life of a Staretz and Orthodox spirituality.

I bought this book some time ago and read it immediately on receiving it.I remember thinking that Father Silouan's life started as any ordinary young man's of his time and yet both his life and he himself were to become inspirational for many generations to come.I have recently re-read the book perhaps with a now deeper and more appreciative view of Father Silouan's standpoint and in my opinion his teachings as presented by Archimandrite Sofrony and understanding of the spiritual world and how much our own physical world needs help is mind blowing.He was not an academic and yet, like all spiritual elders, his knowledge leaves worldly education look woefully inadequate. This man was truly gifted and enlightened by God.A great read for anyone wanting to progress their spiritual walk towards Christ.

This book is a classic of Orthodox spirituality. Both the author and the man he writes about are now canonised saints of the Russian Orthodox Church.

I want to thank the sender for selling this precious book at such a low price. The book was in excellent conditions and the delivery was on time as estimated. I'm so happy to have this book at such a wonderful deal! Thank you!