Shepherd of Souls: The Life and Teachings of Elder Cleopa, Master of Inner Prayer and Spiritual Father of Romania

by Archimandrite Ioanichie Balan

At Sihastria Monastery in the mountains of northern Romania, Elder Cleopa tended the sheep for many years, spending his days in prayer and spiritual contemplation. Then, at the age of twenty-nine, he was unexpectedly chosen to be the new Superior of the monastery. Now that he was a shepherd of souls, Elder Cleopa quickly revealed his skill in directing people in the spiritual life. He instructed both monastics and lay people in the practice of the Jesus Prayer, and in the cultivation of hesychia (interior silence). After being arrested and threatened by the communist secret police, Elder Cleopa departed to the wilderness, where he spent a total of ten years in unceasing prayer. Eventually he returned for good to Sihastria Monastery. Each day for the next thirty years, hundreds of people flocked to him for guidance. Endowed by God with spiritual insight, he would mystically apprehend the problems and needs of each, leading them into closer communion with their Creator. At the time of his death in 1998, he was the spirtual father of all Romania. This inspiring book by the Elder's close disciple contains both his life and counsels.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality

232 pages, Paperback

First published November 14, 2000

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another quick and edifying read from St. Herman's press in Platina, California. Having studied "theology" as a Religious Studies major in college a decade ago, I became really bored with academic, over-intellectual religious texts. They are lifeless and do little besides boost the ego of the reader. The books from St. Herman's finally helped me to appreciate reading books about the faith. They are books for the heart rather than the intellect alone. My favorite of these books (and Orthodox texts in general) pertain to the lives of canonized and uncanonized holy people. This slim volume was recommended to me by a friend from Romania and Moldova while she was still studying here in Salisbury. We both shared a great love for Elder Paisios, and she would say, "We Romanians have an Elder Paisios too... Elder Cleopa!". This biographical work covers Father Cleopa's childhood, his time as a monastery shepherd, his unlikely rise to the position of abbot, his years of solitude in the forest, and much more. It is packed with photographs and illustrations, and it is definitely worth your time.

[EC · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome told story of the life of Elder Cleopa of Romania. Just a beautiful book!

[Oakley C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, sublime, beautiful, fulfilling.

[Dylan Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

May Paradise consume you!