Λόγοι Α': Με πόνο και αγάπη για τον σύγχρονο άνθρωπο

Spiritual Counsels #1

by Paisios of Mount Athos

Поучения Старца о грехе и диаволе, о современной культуре, о Духе Божием и духе мира сего, о Церкви в нашу эпоху.

Genres: Christianity, Theology, Nonfiction, Religion, Christian, Spirituality

386 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Elder Paisios of Mount Athos (Greek: Γέροντας Παΐσιος ο Αγιορείτης), born Arsenios Eznepidis, was a well-known Eastern Orthodox monk from Farasa, Cappadocia. He is famous for his spiritual teachings. Many people worldwide, especially in Greece and in Russia, highly venerated Elder Paisios, even before his formal canonization as a saint, which took place on January 13th 2015.

Reviews

[Michael O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Volume 1 of a compilation of teachings of St. Paisios as recollected from notes and recordings from his fellow Orthodox monks and from others whom he ministered to. As such, this volume deals with Paisios's teachings on dealing with sin and temptations; living daily Christian life in modern culture; discerning between living a life close to the Holy Spirit vs. one close to the world; and using the life of the Church in these times to grow closer to God.

Somehow, Paisios has a way of expressing truths and insights that get through my own hardened heart and thick skull. I think that my own stereotype of monks, for decades, has been that they are isolated, out of touch, with minds far off in the clouds somewhere with little in the way of a practical understanding of how ordinary people live and the situations they deal with. But, despite living a personally ascetic and rigorous lifestyle, Paisios shows a very clear understanding of these things. What's interesting to me is how he handles situations where one might expect severity, but gives practical advice and compassion --- and others where one might expect diplomacy and tact, but where he's blunt and very direct. Yet, in every occasion, his dealing with the situations seem to be exactly the best medicine for the ills he's asked to address. In some cases, he shows great spiritual insight. In others, his advice or teachings are not unlike what one might expect from many persons giving advice like Dr. Phil or Anne Landers or Dr. Laura Schlesinger.

Overall, an outstanding book. I think this is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning more of Orthodox Christian wisdom and practices or in finding ways of living a more effective Christian life.

[Katerina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words of wisdom and down to earth advices to face our life and problems of our time with love, kindess and faith.Very helpful

[Monique Mathiesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I’ve ever read. What a privilege to have these writings available; it truly felt like I was sitting at the feet of St Paisios. I usually highlight my books, but not this one. Every single line was so timely and like a balm to my soul. This is a gem, a treasure trove for the unique struggles of modern man. An absolute MUST read for all Orthodox Christians!

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A-MAH-ZING! I've got to say I am quite impressed, it read as a conversation and had such depth, I immediately purchased the second in the series.
Lord Have Mercy

[Ted · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating a book on how much one likes it often says nothing about the book. I like the books of Fr Aimilianos. I sometimes measure a book by how "quotable" it is - can I use quotes in sermons, for the bulletin, on my blog. I didn't see this one as very quotable. It would be easy to quote him out of context, or to use a text only to have someone point out it is contradicted by another text. I didn't like the books format - he is answering questions throughout the book, but sometimes I didn't like the questions or the way they are phrased, and found them tiring after awhile. He is speaking to his disciples, which means the answers are personal and not necessarily meant for anyone else.

[Mihajlo Curcic · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book based upon the conversations with elder Paisios. In his unique way, through storytelling and sometimes with humour, he answers all sorts of serious questions, relevant to the modern man.

[Robert Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/5. This book is gold. Saint Paisios is so spiritually helpful for us Christians today. I was constantly taking pictures of passages with my phone that I want to write down, remember or go back to. I look forward to reading this wonderful book again.

[Nicholas Wuestner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book resonated with me more than any other book I’ve ever read and put words to so much that I have been thinking about. I feel very blessed to have access to this spiritual wisdom and know that this is a book I will return to over the years. TBTG

[Daniel O'Leary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is very well done. I read them out of order. This one was just as good as the rest. St. Paisios, pray for us!

[Allen Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking book.