Journey to Simplicity: The Life and Wisdom of Archimandrite Roman Braga

by Daniel B. Hinshaw

The events of Fr Roman Braga’s life unfolded on three continents in complex and tumultuous times. In Romania, he lived through turbulent historical events, and he suffered for Christ under communist persecution. Later he continued his life and ministry in Brazil, and ended his days in the United States. He was a confessor of the faith and spiritual father of great wisdom and compassion, who shared Christ's love with all who came his way. This text presents the life of Fr Roman Braga, while also exploring the broader historical context in which he lived. Most fundamentally, it reveals the transfigured life of a man who is close to us in time, but who passed far beyond us in his spiritual life, who was not broken but rather transformed by God’s grace, even in the midst of the horrors of torture and imprisonment. He continues to shine as a beacon of God’s love, and a witness to His power to overcome even the greatest of evils.

Genres: Christian, Biography

561 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2024

Reviews

[Dylan Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the Church is to be lived as "eucharistic organism, not primarily as the protector of cultural values, but as the place where bread and wine become Christ's Body and Blood," wherefore our fragmentation? Fr. Roman's life is a contemporary question mark to our contemporary nonsense, in that unceasing tradition of prophets and monastic elders. What a blessing that the grace which shone through him continues to live in our communities and his many spiritual children.

America has yet to face the biblical Wrath which traditionally Orthodox countries have endured. Perhaps, by the Spirit Who acts through these American saints and the foundations they've laid in our soil, the house has been prepared for the storm. And our "inner universe" for the Day of the Lord.

"Do you know, when you suffer a little you become hateful, you hate and you want revenge, but when you suffer a lot, you forgive everything." To which Christ might have answered, as he did Paisios the Great, "You have become like me in your love."

[Christian A Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew Fr Roman a very little for 20 years. I'm no expert on his life, but he was, to me, the greatest proponent of love I have ever experienced. Nobody who met him, I think, has ever disagreed with that observation. I pray to him, and he has been there for me in many difficult times.
I very much appreciate Dr Hinshaw's diligent and thoughtful research that has helped me to better see the context of this holy man's life. I think readers will benefit from Fr Roman's observations and guidance about how to make Orthodoxy alive in our life in America. I recommend you couple reading this book with prayer to Fr Roman for maximum impact. I pray that you will also learn to bask a little in Fr Roman's love.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey to Simplicity is simply a fabulous book. However, it’s not only an outstanding biography about Roman Braga. It’s the incredibly sad history of communist and atheistic Romania and the horrific persecutions. Conversely, it is also the inspiring story of the enduring faith of some of the Romanian people. I think one my favorite chapters, however, was “Encountering the American Melting Pot,” and “Saving Princess Laodicea,” as Roman Braga came to the US after he was freed from the gulags. The faith that he encountered in the US was very different than his experience in Romania, and I think his thoughts about where the American Orthodox Church needs to go, is worthy of serious thought. Looking at the fascism of his eroding country, he reflected that “they want our souls, not our bodies,” and they left us as “shells of humanity,” using Pavlovian theories of fear conditioning for psychological torture. The author details the efforts at “re-education” and to turn them into “autotrons.” He quotes Solzhenitsyn, “And the simple step of a simple courageous man is not to partake in falsehood, not to support false actions! Let THAT enter the world - but not with my help!” He asserts “Christian politics is an oxymoron.” There is much to learn from this man, but perhaps preeminently his overwhelming peace and ability to forgive everyone, including those who brutalized him in the gulags. As Enoch, he “walked with God,” and his love for mankind was expressed in everything he did. (NOTE: this book was written by a friend of Roman Braga who also happened to be his physician in his final years of suffering with cancer. Researched not only from afar, but up close, one can get a very vivid and accurate picture of Roman Braga’s exceptional life and faith.) I highly recommend this book.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to even begin.

I have never met Fr Roman, but I know many who have. His presence is constantly felt around here. Words really can’t express the level of admiration I have for this contemporary saint. I feel unbelievably grateful for this book which expresses in such brutally vivid detail the trials and sufferings he underwent, and the patience and love he was granted by God as not only a means to endure his tortures, but as a sign for all of us to love our enemy in even the most extreme circumstances. I am truly humbled by this simple monk, a man of infinite complexity, yet utter simplicity. An angel in the world of men. May we be worthy of his prayers.

[w gall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The size of the book is intimidating but the type is large and it was a quick read for me. The major events of Fr. Roman's life are set in detailed context - his imprisonment by Romanian Communists and his impressions of the USA and how Orthodox Christianity could develop here- as well as his godly personal response to them. The wisdom consists of these responses to both the major and more ordinary events. There are no miracles, except for one instance of his possible knowing another's thoughts. Numerous excerpts of his writings and those of others reveal the his thinking and others' impressions of him.

[Randall Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life of a saint

I like that this book details the context of Father Braga's time in Romania. We see important parts of his spiritual formation. The 'simple monk' was a true holy man who shared his hard-won wisdom through both writing and his way of life. A fantastic biography written by his friend & doctor; strongly recommended!

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing account of a modern-day Orthodox elder and holy man of God, who endured the trials of Communist prisons and emerged from them as a victorious witness of Christ our God. I am sure that it will be a reading that will benefit everyone.

[Emiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title would probably be more enjoyable as a read than a listen. The author does a great job of narrating and it is very well researched. However, he reads out ALL the footnotes...and there are many footnotes. For me, this took away from the main body of the text and at times felt unnecessary and even frustrating/confusing. At other times I felt the author had a bit of an agenda.