Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos
wrote this book about Elder Sophrony
as an expression of gratitude
for his long association (17 years)
with the Elder and
“to share with readers the spiritual wealth
that I unworthily received”.
The first part of the book is
a spiritual portrait of Elder Sophrony.
After a brief survey of his theology,
the author examines the Elder’s writings
in the light of the experience of saints
of the Church, particularly St Paul,
St Symeon the New Theologian
and St Gregory Palamas,
thus placing his teaching in a wider context.
There is a careful analysis
of the Elder’s correspondence
with David Balfour, which reveals
“many subtle details of the spiritual life”
but also how
“a genuine spiritual father guides those
entrusted to him”.
The second part of the book
records what the author learnt and
experienced during visits to the Monastery
of St John the Baptist in meetings and
informal conversations with the Elder
and as a concelebrant at the Divine Liturgy.
Over the years he carefully recorded
the Elder’s words and amassed
an archive of notes that he publishes here.
The subjects covered reflect both
Father Sophrony’s and the author’s
personal and pastoral concerns
and include prayer
(particularly the Jesus Prayer);
monasticism and obedience;
priesthood and the temptations it brings;
giving spiritual guidance;
the problems facing those
who become Orthodox;
and family life.
The discussions also shed light
on theological issues close
to the Elder’s heart.
The Elder’s teachings are presented
mostly in his own words,
interspersed with brief accounts
of the author’s impressions
of the blessed life he lived during visits
to the Monastery of St John the Baptist.
We see the Elder in church during
the Divine Liturgy and daily services,
in the refectory, and meeting pilgrims.
The author also describes visits
to the Holy Mountain
to see the places where the Elder lived
and to meet monks following
the same tradition.
After the chapters arranged chronologically
by year, this part of the book ends
with a collection of undated sayings
of the Elder which were not spoken
directly to the author
but were passed on to him by others.
The book shows us
a “great hesychast and theologian,
but also a wise, discerning and prophetic
spiritual father”
and brings us closer to the man in Christ.