I Know a Man in Christ

by Hierotheos Vlachos

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.

Genres: Theology

440 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

His Eminence Hierotheos, Metropolitan of Nafpaktos and Agios Vlassios in Greece, is regarded as one of the foremost authorities on the Orthodox spiritual life. A prolific writer, he has authored more than fifteen books, many of which have been translated into English. His Eminence’s theological vision may be summed up in the following quotation, taken from his The Science of Spiritual Medicine: “The whole therapeutic method of the Orthodox Church is not aimed simply at making human beings morally and socially balanced, but at re-establishing their relationship with God and one another. This comes about through the healing of the soul's wounds and the cure of the passions through the Sacraments and the Church's ascetic practice.”

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So readable. And so relatable for a modern westerner. He ventured into TM before ending up in Great Britain as an orthodox monk. He epitomizes love and humility. You can’t help but love Sophrinios! Excellent writing as well by Hierotheos Vlachos

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful.