Book Reviews
What the Readers Say
Lovely little book to help inspire little ones to participate in the liturgy. There are beautiful hand-drawn illustrations that feature images inspired by the liturgy. I have 4 year olds who are enjoying them, though they can’t quite yet read the text. I also enjoyed receiving this package from Essex and truly felt that it arrived bathed in prayers.
When I saw that there was an audiobook, I was beyond delighted!
Thank you so much for doing this.
There are times when you may not be able to read from a physical book.
Having an audiobook is such a blessing, and also quite rare.
I hope that it will be possible for you to make more audiobooks.
Sometimes it’s the very thing you need!
Most audiobooks are of secular topics or novels.
To have one that feeds you from the wisdom of the Holy Fathers, and illuminates the wisdom in such a way that we might be able to understand better or more clearly, is a great blessing.
If I may, with respect, make a small suggestion…
When reading, and coming to stops or pauses, it would be helpful to have a distinction between the smoother pause of a comma and the more definite stop of a period, in order to more easily stay focused.
I noticed that improved in the latter part of the book.
There is a style that Father Peter would read in English during zoom meetings that I found very helpful in being able to stay connected with the reading.
I actually started using his style of reading to help me in my own reading of books out loud, and finding that more of it was being processed and my focus was better.
Please take this as an encouragement and not at all a criticism.
I’m a very poor reader and I am also dealing with chronic illness which makes mental endeavors challenging at times.
So audiobooks of monastic wisdom is such a tremendous blessing!
I think this book is very well done.
Please, if you are able, do more.
Thank you for you blessings with this audiobook.
Every bit of this book is such a great blessing; such a great help in my spiritual life.
I have to go back and read it again.
So much of it is underlined where I have been moved in my heart to contemplate on my journey on the Way.
Thank you for this treasure of a gift you give to us!
I am so delighted to have a book of St Silouan’s writings in Spanish.
I have long wanted to find translations of the writings of the Holy Fathers.
English is my first language.
My Spanish is very poor. I can only express simple thoughts.
My hope is that, with God’s help, I will be able to process the Spanish translation (albeit very slow to stick), and then be able to express my more important thoughts in Spanish.
I hope other books such as this will be translated into Spanish.
It’s a great blessing!
I am so delighted to have a book of St Silouan’s writings in Spanish.
I have long wanted to find translations of the writings of the Holy Fathers.
English is my first language.
My Spanish is very poor. I can only express simple thoughts.
My hope is that, with God’s help, I will be able to process the Spanish translation (albeit very slow to stick), and then be able to express my more important thoughts in Spanish.
I hope other books such as this will be translated into Spanish.
It’s a great blessing!
This is a wonderful book. The icons are beautifully reproduced and the reflective comments make you stop and think before turning the page. Be prepared to be challenged and encouraged and blessed.
The book is professionally published and written. It is a must for anyone Christian who wishes to learn a little more on the grace of God within our hearts, why we receive it and we why we feel that sometimes it is not not with us. Highly recommended!
Very good book, after reading the English edition, was very impressed with the Romanian translation as well. The spiritual biography of St Sophrony is a must-have book, a wonderful gem that gives a beacon of light and hope on the way to try to live a Christian life in today’s society. Thank you!
O carte extraordinara, merita citita si recitita!
Very nice, quiet and prayerful music to listen during Great Lent and not only then. The booklet with the English translation is very helpful to guide the audience on what is sung, the Greek language is not a barrier for non-speakers to listen to the wonderful recording, very beautiful sound. Thank you!
*Flying over the Abyss*is another treasure offered to us by Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou. The book is an excellent guide for people who wants to know the answers to essential life’s questions such as : “How we struggle against the passions ?”, “How we deal with our thoughts?”,” Time and Eternity”. The book brings hope, joy and peace in the troubled soul of the reader in times of trials.
The answers are illustrated with examples from real life meetings of Father Zacharias with people who ask for his advice and discussions with Saint Sophrony.
In particular, the chapter “The benefits and Wisdom of Thanksgiving ” reinforces how powerful a permanent thank given to God can heal depression ! By reading this book you find the perfect companion in times of solitude and thirst for God!
The book has a wonderful and elegant binding. The entire content of the book has a deep insight in the Man’s heart , who wants to fly “over the abyss of darkness, embraced by the love of Lord Jesus.
Glory to God for such a book ,given to us ! Thank you Father Zacharias !
Feel very grateful this audiobook has been made available – deeply practical, clear and eye-opening.
It’s amazing!!!
I have the book from a while and have read it but listen to this has been rejuvenating.
I look forward to more audio books.
A remarkable gem. A constant companion and source of light on the path to God.
An excellent book for those on their spiritual journey. I haven’t finished the book yet but the words of St Silouan has already answered so many of my questions, given me light to so many of my struggles and is helping me to understand God’s word. I highly recommend it.
Wonderful, essential book. A wonderful ordering experience from the monastery also. Beautifully bound book with high quality paper. They even wrapped it and sent an icon and a book mark!! Thank you!!
Offering audiobooks is an answer to prayer…thank you! This is a wonderful option for those of us living in the world with busy work schedules and little to no time to sit down & read. Fr. Zacharias’ books are wonderful spiritual resources. I hope the monastery will make ALL of its books available in audiobook format…that would be such a blessing!!!
Thank you.
This small volume has been/is a blessing to me.
I intend to purchase several more as presents for friends.
Today I received the beautiful new edition of father Sofrony’s book about Saint Silouan. Every time I turn my mind to Saint Silouan and Saint Sophrony my eyes are filled with tears. Tears I don’t know why, not like tears of joy or sadness, tears that don’t come from me but from somewhere else. Knowing of Saint Silouan, meeting father Sophrony and the brothers and sisters at his monastery in Essex was a gift of God to someone completely unworthy, who at a very young age had been totally terrified by the vision of death, finding some solace in the long services of the Holy Week in a provincial Greek town. Now I hope beyond hope that I, all the persons that I love dearly and the whole world, will be allowed to enter the joy of our Lord. Here again Saint Silouan’s words are my only solace: Keep your mind in hell and do not despair. Father Silouan, father Sophrony pray for us sinners.
A wonderful book – very inspiring and very practical, with helpful answers to many questions.
I am so grateful that it exists as an audiobook!
Thank you very much!
I find it verry useful…because I can listen while I’m driving… plus the reading is clear, loud and peaceful.
I wholeheartedly recommend this audiobook. It inspires and nourishes the heart and mind. The reading is clear and allows the listener to focus on the substance of the delivered speech.
Who is the hidden man of the heart? The God-Man Christ, whom we have been gifted at our baptism. ‘ I will never leave you or forsake you.,’ says God. This book wonderfully reminds us to not easily forget our first true love, God. The Word is life and food for the poverty of our
fallen soul. A blessed Pascha. ????☦️????
The Cd format is not easy to use and the booklet confusing, but the singing very powerful.
Extraordinary book describing faith in a way that would startle many Christians in the west and possibly reach the parts that other expressions of faith do not. I had the privilege of meeting with St Sofroni many years ago and could sense holiness.
Thank you so much for launching the audio book, it is a great initiative, the reading is very clear, reminds me of the readings during meal time while visiting the monastery. It is so easy to listen while doing some other work, and getting answers to questions that have been on the mind for a long while. Hope there will be more such audio books, these are very helpful! Thank you so much for it!
I have listened to part of the audiobook which was easy to access, me being a non tech person and without needing any help. Beautiful clear audio.
I would like to say is that through each book, CD, and Divine Liturgy that God allowed me to find in this beautiful monastery of Saint John the Baptist in Essex, I feel like I am claiming a mountain, little by little. Thank you!
Reading is very clear. It makes the material easier to understand. The book is very inspiring and edifying. The audio versions make it more accessible to more people. It helps to listen to the audio and read the book at the same time. I’m looking forward to more of Fr Zacharias books on audio. Thank you!
An excellent work, beautifully read. A perfect listen for Lent or any season of the year
An answer to prayer! thank you so much. More audiobooks please!
I have yet to read the book, having only just been able to make a start on it but it looks to be extremely well and lovingly written and I really look forward to the rest of it. The book itself is robust, well and beautifully made and the service I received from the Monastery shop was outstanding. The order was despatched promptly and with care and communications were personal and effective. It was just a lovely experience. This was my first order from this shop and I certainly intend to order from them again.
Sister Gabriela gave me a much deeper understanding of Saint Sophrony and she writes beautifully.
Ένα εξαιρετικό βιβλίο με απόδοση στην νεοελληνική γλώσσα.
Συγχαρητήρια στον Πατέρα Ζαχαρια για την έκδοση αυτού του βιβλίου.
Την ευχή σας γέροντες ????
The Justice of God in Stages is a perfect place to begin if you are new to Archimandrite Zacharias’ work, and is richly edifying for the long-time reader. The wisdom within has that timeless quality of the Fathers.
Αυτή τη στιγμή διαβάζω το βιβλίο του Πατέρα Ζαχαρία “Ο πλατυσμός της καρδιάς” σαν μια γλυκιά συνέχεια του βιβλίου του Αγίου Σωφρονίου “Ο Άγιος Σιλουανός ο Αθωνίτης”. Η ερμηνεία του Πατέρα Ζαχαρία σχετικά με τη θεολογία του Αγίου Σιλουανού αναφέροντας πολλές από τις εξηγήσεις του ιδίου Αγίου Σωφρονίου με βοηθάει να καταλάβω (όσο είναι δυνατόν για το φτωχό μου νου) την πορεία της πνευματικής ανάπτυξης του ανθρώπου και μου ανοίγει σαν κατευθυντήριο φως τον δρόμο προς κατανόηση της Αλήθειας.
Χωρίς υπερβολή μπορώ να πω ότι τα βιβλία αυτά συντελούν στην μεταμόρφωση της αντιλήψεώς μου για τον γύρω κόσμο όπου καθημερηνά δίνουμε μάχες με τους πειρασμούς υπό διάφορες μορφές. Παρακολουθώντας την πορεία της πνευματικής ζωής του Αγίου Σιλουανού με τη βοήθεια της πολύτιμης ερμηνείας του Πατέρα Ζαχαρία μου δώθηκαν πολλές απαντήσεις και οδηγίες σχετικά με τις δοκιμασίες. Μεγάλη παρηγοριά βρήκα στα κείμενα αυτά – π.χ. καταννοώντας ότι οι δοκιμασίες έρχονται υποχρεωτικά στη ζωή μας για να “διευρυνθεί η καρδιά μας” και να ακολουθήσουμε την οδό του Χριστού (κατάβαση και έπειτα – ανάβαση στον Ουρανό) προκειμένου να αποδείξουμε στον Θεό ότι είμαστε δικοί Του, ότι είμαστε “εικόνα Θεού”, ότι ανήκουμε στον Χριστό.
St. Sophrony’s writings on St. Silouan caused me to take Silouan as my patron saint! Everyone needs to read this!!
Μια πνευματική αναπνοή μες στην σκληρή καθημερινότητα που ζούμε αποτελεί το βιβλίο του πατρός Ζαχαρία ”Απηχήματα πνεύματος”. Με τρόπο κατανοητό και μεστό, ο γέροντας μοιράζεται μαζί μας θεογνωσιακές εμπειρίες, έχοντας ως συνοδοιπόρους τους Αγίους, Σοφρώνιο και Σιλουανό, και μας ανοίγει δρόμους για να κατανοήσουμε ακόμα πιο βαθειά την Αγία Τριάδα μέσα από το πρίσμα των εορτών του έτους. Ενα βιβλίο που διαβάζεται και ξαναδιαβάζεται μέσα στον χρόνο και στα χρόνια, κάθε καινούρια ανάγνωση δρόμος προς την θεογνωσία !
As with all books by Fr. Zacharias, this was a simple yet deep reading. Father beautifully explains things and makes the reader understand more.
This was a gift for my grandad who is a priest in Slovakia and speaks Russian. He loved the book. Very pleased.
Είμαι τόσο χαρούμενος που αγόρασα αυτό το βιβλίο και τόσο ευγνώμων στον Αρχιμανδρίτη Ζαχαρία για αυτό το έργο. Έχει παρουσιάσει πολλά από τα θέματα της θεολογίας του Αγίου Σωφρονιου με τρόπο πολύ κατανοητά. Είμαι βέβαιος ότι θα το διαβάσω και θα το ξαναδιαβάσω, μέχρι να μπορέσω να κατανοήσω καλύτερα τα πολλά σημεία που άγγιξαν την καρδιά μου καθώς το διάβαζα.
I am so pleased to have purchased this book and so sincerely grateful to Archimandrite Zacharias for this book. He has made so many of themes of Saint Sophrony’s theology so much clearer. I am certain that I will read and re-read this book until I can better grasp the many things that touched my heart whilst I was reading it.
After having this book for many years I never cease going back to it again and again. The way it is written is special because it is written by Saint Sophrony. I would highly recommend it for anyone seeking get an insight into orthodox spirituality and Sainthood. I purchased it also for someone as a gift. The book came in immaculate condition with some nice bookmarks in the book with a picture of a fresco from the monastery of Saint Silouan.
We could study and read these words every day of our life and be truly edified by the depth of their profound wisdom and beauty, yet still feel as though we have barely scratched the surface of what it means to know and follow Christ.
This is genuinely one of the best spiritual books that I have ever read and written very well by Saint Sophrony. As a Roman Catholic exploring Orthodoxy, this is a great example of the richness of the Orthodox ascetic life and teaching, particularly around the fullness of prayer. Highly recommended to anyone seeking the fullness of Christian teaching and exploring the treasure trove of apostolic thinking/teaching from Orthodox saints.
The questions and answers are thought provoking and the answers are educational and spiritual. An excellent book. It directs our life in Christ.
It is a thought-provoking book with many insights and responses to the tough questions Orthodox children will eventually ask about contemporary issues and the Faith in general.
It’s worth the read, even if you don’t have children.
A humbling joy to read. An encouragement to keep us ascending towards God, though we may falter at times. To revist themes and to discover another depth in meaning. The teaching is sectioned in small incremental headings to allow for the reader to stop and reflect. Truly our Lord provides for those who seek Him in their hearts desire.
Exceptional…. Just as all Father Zacharias’ books are. His books are Full of Grace!
Thankyou for such an inspiring book.
Cathy
Sydney, Australia
This is such impactful and amazing book, very educating. I wish I had read it much earlier.
Thank you for making it available to purchase through your online library; it arrived promptly.
Another spiritually profiting book from the monastery. Just as the others, Wavering in Quest is a balm for the hurting soul. Thank you to Fr Zacharias
Exceptional……. But I realise to fully absorb this book I will need to read it many, many times.
Thank you for providing such a wonderful book with profound depth and meanings.
What can I say. Pictures of the icons and the text are unbelievable. By the end of the year I will hang them on the wall!
I would Like to also start with a thanks to Fr Charbel Abernethy of Philokalia Ministries also for his Higly reviewed recommendations to your works.
Summary of Flying Over the Abyss for Christians
Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou’s Flying Over the Abyss is a deep theological meditation on the spiritual ascent of the Christian soul. Drawing from the teachings of Elder Sophrony and Saint Silouan the Athonite, the book delves into the transformative potential of despair, repentance, and divine grace, presenting a path toward theosis.
Core Themes I found:
The book expounds on blessed despair, a paradoxical state in which the soul, through total self-abandonment, finds communion with God. This concept aligns with Saint Silouan’s teaching, “Keep thy mind in hell, and despair not,” illustrating the necessity of radical humility for spiritual renewal. Additionally, it explores the struggle against passions, emphasizing that overcoming self-love and embracing suffering are fundamental steps toward divine union.
Archimandrite Zacharias carefully distinguishes between charismatic despair, which fuels deep prayer and reliance on divine mercy, and destructive despair, which leads to spiritual paralysis. He argues that despair, when rightly oriented, is not a hindrance but a gateway to grace and higher contemplation.
Key Insights:
The Depth of Noetic Prayer – The book underscores that authentic prayer transcends words, manifesting as a state of inner stillness and communion with God through purified nous.
The Science of Spiritual Warfare – Vigilance and discernment are necessary for identifying and resisting the subtle deceptions of the enemy.
The Transformative Power of Grace – True spiritual progress requires the mortification of the old self, allowing divine grace to illumine the soul and guide it toward holiness.
Conclusion:
For Christians, Flying Over the Abyss offers a compelling and challenging roadmap for deeper spiritual refinement. It presents a vision of the Christian life as one of continual purification, self-emptying, and reliance on divine mercy. Particularly relevant to those immersed in the Orthodox ascetical tradition, this book is a powerful resource for those seeking to navigate the narrow path toward theosis with greater clarity and devotion.
I found Orthodoxy through a book of St Silouan the Anthonite which is still with me till today one of my oldest treasures.
This book is essential for any Orthodox Christian, but especially helpful for those pursuing the angelic life.
The print and physical quality of the book is amazing, and the icon is great.
Thank you very much for the wonderful book Flying Over The Abyss. It brings me so much joy and enlightenment of the heart to read, it enriches the soul as every paragraph is a seed of hope that guides our path to understanding the truth.
I bought this book a few years ago when I visited the monastery out of curiosity while passing by. I am a Christian but am not Orthodox. I did not understand the liturgy as I think it was in Church Slavonic but I stopped at the bookshop and bought this as I wanted further insight especially on the Jesus Prayer. I found it in this book. The content is deep and searching and reaches deep inside you. There is so much searching material here that I will have to read this book several times to mine its riches. The visit was not in vain.
We pray our Arch. Zacharias keeps writing these beautiful books to guide our daily fallen life-to illuminate my fallen self- to keep me on His Way-the only Way Life has any meaning with all its struggles which turn to opportunities in Christ! No more despondency, no more boredom but a goal- to attain- The Echoes of the Spirit!
‘Walking in Quest…’ is another precious gift from The Community of St John the Baptist. Here are helps to stay steady even when we are tempted to be unstable. In fact, instability becomes itself a gift where we can begin again in thanksgiving and repentance, communion continues with His living Presence. Father Zacharias gives us holy foundational wisdom that brings hope and fresh energy. He writes, ‘Monasticism is the inheritance of a state’, these writings help us ‘in the world’ to at least attempt to imbibe such a state, by His grace and mercy.
There are many questions relating to obedience in monastic life and I found Father Zacharias’ gracious answers applicable to the wider challenges of local church life.
So, here we have a book that nurtures the soul in its pursuit of God: yet does not flinch from the dynamics of walking in obedience to our brothers, sisters and overseers. We are reminded our core is an unshakeable Kingdom where we worship One who loved us to the end.
Very pleased to receive these delightful calendars, with their beautiful Icon images and peaceful words of comfort and inspiration; truly reflective of the Monastery itself, first visited over forty years ago.
Christ, Our Way And Our Life: a wonderful book to read. Father Zacharias has a lovely easy to read style of writing. His presentation of the theology of Saint Sophrony is quite devotional, thought provoking and spiritually edifying. This has been the most inspirational book that I have read for a long time. It was great to see also that the book was well protected in its packaging when it arrived from the monastery, and the delivery time was quick too. I would encourage anyone with an interest in Eastern Orthodox spirituality to add this beautiful book to their library. I would highly recommend it.
This is only the second year I have bought this wonderful calendar, but it is – if anything – even more beautiful than last year’s. The close-ups of the frescos and mosaics give such a sense of intimacy with St Sophrony’s vision and Sr Gabriela’s execution; they are so fresh, vivid and intimate – no wonder the calendar sold out! – The only thing I noticed this year was (I think) the shorter quotations; but they also enable a deeper focus for meditation – and I am even beginning to think I can understand the modern Greek better! In short: a joy and a great blessing. Thank you for publishing such beauty.
Exploring the legacy of St Silouan, the most authentic monk of Mount Athos in the 20th century and his disciple Archimandrit Sophrony, Archimandrit Zacharias shows how obedience to Gods will through the commandments of the hegumen is the golden way to receive the grace of true hesychastic prayer, the stillness that knows God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
I’m deeply grateful to Fr. Charbel Abernethy (Philokalia Ministries) for recommending this book – a real gem for anyone committed to “interiorized monasticism.”
I thoroughly enjoyed Flying Over the Abyss. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to grow deeper in their repentance and experience of God.
This book is so filled with wisdom that I found I needed to sit with a single sentence for a day. “Flying Over the Abyss” contains profound spiritual teaching about the distinction between worldly sorrow and the sorrow that leads to repentance, as well as between natural thoughts, demonic thoughts, and Godly thoughts. I believe that this book has planted the seed of a great change in me, and I pray that God would preserve me in its wisdom!
Glory to God for stumbling across this treasure! It has greatly increased my love of the Mother of God. Archimandrite Zacharias shows how the teaching of Our Lady’s perpetual virginity is not simply deduced from abstract principles, but is rather rooted in the deep experience of monastic spirituality. In this book, I found myself learning about the Blessed Virgin, but also learning more how to pray. This book is simple to understand, profound in almost every sentence, and powerful in its fruit.
The Byzantine Choros is a wonderful sound of sung chants that is refreshing the atmosphere around me and empowering me to keep my eyes upon the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. The hard-back booklet that comes with it contains the poetic texts of the hymns and is accompanied by colourful iconic illustrations. Thank you so much. And unbelievable that it cost me £2.00. And again I had to purchase another to give as a gift because of the quality and beauty contained within.
A beautiful illustrative calendar that I gave as a gift for my priest. And just had to purchase another one for myself too because I love it so much. I highly recommend. Get one before they are gone!
Every word written spoke to my heart! Truly, I believe this book was made by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
As a retired Anglican Clergyman these past six years, I have found the writings and iconography of Saint Sophrony to be truly inspirational and life-giving, and the beautifully-produced calendar a daily reminder of how much I have to be grateful to the Monastery for. Thank you!
I have ordered this blessed book for my son in law. I truly hope one day GOD will help me to buy for myself this book directly from the Monastery! ????♥️????
I am Cristina Georgiana’s mother. I ordered this blessed calendar 2025 as a present for whole family. They were pleased! GOD bless usall! Happy New Year! ????♥️????
God bless your holy monastery! We used to visit it rather often before 2020 and I am very much longing for that holy place, where you can find Orthodoxy in its finest and true presentation. I hope I will see it again at least once before I leave this world. The calendar is beautiful and it reminds me very much of Father Sophrony, whose features can be found on many of the male faces on the icons. We were so lucky as to meet him some times in the late eighties and early nineties of the past century. We will never forget those precious meetings.
May God be with all of you!
Katharina
This book has been instrumental in me leaving Protestantism for good. I had been hovering over the decision to leave for a few years, having considered my previous beliefs heretical, but the task of converting felt too extreme being in my 70’s and finding the cultural change too much to adjust to.
However, the reminder of Orthodox spirituality, laid out in this book, made me see that I could never adapt to what I no longer identified with. Very grateful for this.
The 2025 Calendar (s) were a gift for a precious heart friend from Greece. The elegant package was complimented with paper icons, the Monastery’s generous offering for the purchase. I wish to compliment all those, by whose efforts, the sacred publications come to light. Grace and thank you, Carmen
Very good book, one that would need to be read again and again, offering some many answers to questions that are relevant to any Christian, a beacon of hope in the effort to be less entangled by the vanity of this world. At first glance the book seems intended primarily to monks and priests, but all the answers are relevant in some degree to anyone who searches God’s help for salvation in any place of life.
“when we go through the desolation of our everyday life enduring illnesses, temptations, and many other calamities, and yet we do not despair but we bless God, then, in a lesser but significant measure for our salvation, we fulfil the same word that the Lord gave to Saint Silouan.” (page 238)
As the book’s blurb states,” Their prayer sustains the world.” This book is a work like unto the parable of the wine skins. We are filled with awe, transformation as only the grace inspired words of God can transfigure us, ” Unto His new creation.” Does this journey end? NO! This love is uncontainable, unimaginable. God’s economia is Magnificant love and faithfulness. The lover of the Word will believe John 21:25…………. I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that could be written. Amen
Father Zacharias’s book is a wonderful door opening the understanding of prayer in the teachings of Saints Silouan and Sophrony. This book is a great balm for an aching heart. It gives hope that the Lord can heal the passions and cleanse the heart, even when this seems impossible, because nothing is impossible with God’s help. Thank you for this wonderful book!
“Prayer comes with praying. A door of great prayer will be opened to each person who prepares for it in prayer…Unceasing prayer is a necessary condition for man not to sin, for him to be able to love God and his neighbour, for him to be invested with the unassailable strength of humility and for him to be able to stand steadfast before God.” (pages 50-51)
“The agonising battle lasts as long as man wrestles with sins and passions. But when it is God’s goodwill to cleanse him and heal his infirmity, the wound in his chest is transformed into a luminous charismatic inner sensitivity… The eyes of his heart are now clear and turned to his fellows… He desires and prays for every man to acquire the good portion which he now has received.” (page 126)
“The more the Christian is filled with humility and the desire to give thanks, the greater will be the blessing he receives during his presentation in prayer, the deeper will be his joy and gladness of spirit, and the more abundantly will God’s grace pour out upon him.” (page 236)
“When sins are confessed, the good God forgives immediately. But if man is content with that and loses his humble spirit, ‘his last state is worse than the first’, for ‘God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble’” (page 248)
“In his usual state, fallen man is divided. He thinks something with the intellect, and his heart desires something else, and his senses are attracted to something else…. Through the invocation of the Name, it also happens that the Light that flows from the Name begins to reveal the ‘hideous face’ that man bear within him. Despair envelops him as he discerns the bottomless abyss of perdition that separates him from the holy God, and he has no other way out but to invoke the Name of ‘the only one who is able to save him from eternal death’.” (page 269)
‘Deep calleth unto deep.’ The deepest pain brings the deepest repentance, which begets the deepest humility and grace. And yet, it will feel as though we’ve barely scratched the surface of what it means to know God. We are blessed by the words of Fr. Zacharias, they help us to reach our destination, the Kingdom of God.
This book is medicine for my soul!!
When I am in moments of darkness, confusion and doubt about my salvation I read a few passages and immediately hope returns! I have found the books from your bookshop life -saving and transforming. At the moment , my shame is debilitating me, yet , when I read Archimandrite Zacharias’s books I find peace, comfort and hope in Christ.
Deeply grateful to you all for making these books available to us laypeople in the world.
God bless this beautiful Monastery and all the Monk fathers, for all the prayers that they are doing for all.
Such a wealth of spiritual wisdom offered by our brother that cannot be overly appreciated. The edification I have personally received from pondering his spiritual insights has been life-enhancing. The book binding and presentation is in itself marvelous. The spiritual counsel presented on its pages should be read over again many times. Thanks to God for enabling Father Zacharias to share this treasure with us.
This calendar reminds me of the beautiful days when I visited the Monastery as a pilgrim—moments of confession, lessons in prayer and love that I learned from the Fathers, and all the gifts I received.
Flying over the Abyss is an extraordinary book for our times and resonates deeply with my current spiritual state. It is structured around topics that are highly relevant to our spiritual lives and the difficulties we confront in our world, particularly as Christians in their spiritual journey.
I also appreciate that the book is presented as a dialogue between questions and answers, allowing readers to start reading from any point they wish on a given day and to delve deeper and assimilate the content similarly to the Pateric.
Thanks to Fr. Zacharias for this book and not only, as it has given me inspiration, prayer, and the desire for Divine Grace!
A very good reading for the Nativity lent and a great addition to Fr Zacharia’s collection of lenten and festal homilies: “Alive from the Dead”, “Thirst for Life Eternal”, “At the Doors of Holy Lent” etc. This book is a wonderful walk through the way of the Lord in humility and prayerful silence from the Annunciation to the sending of the Holy Ghost the comforter. Thank you!
“Without the Holy Nativity, all the days of our life would drawn in the ‘waters of lethe’, in oblivion, and in the abyss of the infernal night. Yet Christ came and was born like ‚a star rising out of Jacob’ so as to lead us into the path of our own regeneration.” (page 60)
“Throughout Holy Scripture, both in the Old and New Testament, great and revelatory events were preceded by prayerful silence.” (page 131)
“In this world, the way of Christ is a sign, but a sign ‘that is spoken against’. In every event of His early life, the sign of His ineffable humility and His blameless love is revelead and prevails, but in a different form. At the beginning of His earthly sojourn, the sign of the poor and lowly manger was given to mankind; at the end, the sign of His Cross; and at the sending of His Holy Spirit, the sign of fiery tongues.” (page 226)
Over 56 pages you will find a real treasure trove of detail, the extracts from Spiritual Talks given by the late Saint Sophrony. A very helpful and detailed Preface is an important part of this, setting the historic scene and background. With approximately half a dozen extracts on each page, you will find depth and wisdom in everyone, from the smallest issue to the big picture of our faith and the one we worship. Each one can form the basis for a moment of reflection. The book is beautifully finished, using a thicker cream coloured paper and a classic typeface with space on the page: it all adds up to an easy read. And all this comes at a very modest price.
Great for bilingual speakers and students who study Greek!
Best idea ever for gifts! The wrapping was beautiful and so carefully done. I was pleased and grateful as all I had to do was to order the wrapping and leave a note with which book I wanted to be wrapped. ALL books are of high quality and I am truly excited to offer them to people who will appreciate them greatly. Thank you Saint John Monastery!
Excellent book , a very edifying and spiritual book. Thank you very much Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou for such a special book. May God always inspire you to guide us.
This book is a very good read, wonderful spiritual food to be taken a little at a time. I found most useful the extended chapter with the explanation of the Holy Liturgy (“Rugăciunea liturgică” chapter) and the importance of the prayer in preparation for the holy mysteries. Worth reading it!
O carte extraordinară despre rugăciune și un îndemn la pregătire mai atentă pentru Sfânta Liturghie. Merită citită!
I am very pleased that I purchased this book. I am thankful to Archimandrite Zacharias for enabling me to better understand some up to now incomprehensible things. Very pleased. Thank you.
‘Flying Over The Abyss’ is another sanctifying gift from the Community of St John The Baptist. The format of pertinent questions and prayerfully considered replies give the reader a sense of welcome and inclusion.
As ever, Father Zacharias provides reflection which is simple, profound and ‘loaded with grace’. I found the connection between discernment of thoughts and liturgical time both challenging and exhilarating: should we expect anything less when ‘flying over the abyss’?
Again, one comes away with fresh hope in pursuit of living from a deep heart… I’m so thankful these books are available in English. They remind us poverty of spirit is a safe space to receive the kingdom – thank you, thank you.
Tony Martin (pastor)
We’ve loved this book for almost 30 years! What an inspiring text – it delves into the most powerful aspects of our life in the Holy Spirit. It’s unusual! Written from sensitive experiences of the Saint.
A most fantastic piece of art which details the inner nuances of the Grace which renovates the entire world at all times. These books are a marvelous help in maintaining focus in my daily life in the world.
A beautifully produced, durable book by a saint… written at the end of his life, when he was firmly established in humility, and could speak openly about things that for most of us it is better to keep private, such as the uncreated light, about which he writes at length and in great detail. Another of his central themes is repentance. I think he wrote this book by sitting down each day and writing what he considered most important to add to the text, without revisiting or editing the text later. Thus it feels like a personal letter, it is revealing, direct and deeply touching. For myself I have found that the best way to read it is in small portions, and to not engage with the text intellectually, but to open the heart and come into resonance with the author. This is truly a treasure of a book.
The universal doctrine of pure and authentic Christian theology is always made more beautiful and rendered with grace by the words of Fr. Zacharias. This book is a little gem of no exception.
A blessing of a book, bound and covered in such a way that reflects the profound simplicity of its contents. We need not have reached the first rung on the ladder toward St. Sophrony’s spiritual height to appreciate the Truth here shared. We pray in the shadow of the saints and partake like dogs of the scraps from the Master’s table – with deep and abiding gratitude. Glory to God!
The Love and Care provided with the packaging and also the attention to detail with a book mark based on my patron Saint Silouan the Athonite was a beautiful loving touch. Fast delivery. I’m very grateful for this monastery, may Saint Sophrony pray for us ????❤️
A beautiful overture of the panoramic gift and timeless grace God bestows upon the hearts of all who seek to know Him in this life. Thank you Fr. Zacharias and all who are with you!
Wonderful book and worth it if only for the first “talk to his family” chapter and wonderful forward. I look forward to turning to this book over and over again in the years to come.
I have several books written by Archimandrite Zacharias. Recently purchased “Heychasm: The Bedewing Furnace of the Heart”, “Prayer as Infinite Creation” and “Hypostatic Prayer”. Each book deserves 5stars because they feed the heart and all three books are worthy to spend time on with meditation and prayer. One can see the line from Saint Silouan, Saint Sophrony through to Father Zachariah. I am still reflecting on Abba Philemon that Father Zachariah meditates on in his book on Hesychasm.
One cannot praise the books sufficiently. Many thanks for them all.
Seraphim
Christ Himself said that man lives by the word of God. We are easily distracted by this world. It is the word of God that refreshes our spirit to run the race with endurance. Echoes Of The Spirit has been thoughtfully compiled to; remind us, inspire us, sustain us, and console us with the depth of God’s edifying words.
I am reading the book now.
It is awesome!
It touches the deepest part of me …. and as I read every page I see depths of being that are so inspiring.
While I’m doing housework …. I snatch pockets of time and read it ….. it’s a magnet!!
I don’t know how to express it; I simply LOVE it !
Thank you .
Bless you all!
A beautifully bound and presented book.
Currently not that far into reading it, but this is an enervating and nourishing deep dive into a great man’s inner world.
… I was not expecting too much from this book. Through my love for Joseph the Hesychast I am very settled on the writings of his favourite writer- Isaac the Syrian. His writings, read slowly, are a lifetime of inspiration. Then found this book on-line, and thought there might be a point or two of interest. However, this is a wonderful book. A true treasure of insights into the hesychast life- which is the life of every true Christian.
I am still enjoying EVERY word of this very well written and edifying book about St. Silouan. Highly recommend!
These books are healing. No one answers my questions like St Sophrony and Fr Zacharias. These books have changed my life. I read them over and over. I have been listening to Fr Zacharias since he came to Kansas to speak on the ascetical life of St Silouan and St Sophrony. These books are a great gift of Grace to us, teaching us how to sanctify ourselves and be closer to the Lord.
I haven’t read the book yet ! But the above reviews excite me …. to buy and read . 5 stars for the reviews guys!!
Beautiful book! Each paragraph comes across as condensed theology leaving a sense of Grace even when some writings are deep and incomprehensible. It invigorates the love for prayer and renews the desire to meet our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God!
I found the Justice of God in Stages to be clearly written as well as mercifully short and concise. As a novice layperson I appreciated this. However it is still dence with meaning beyond my grasp without having lived it, one senses. It faithfully and lovingly shares with us the nuanced lived teaching of the grace filled Saint Sophrony on how God’s grace works in reality. From someone who experienced him.
Of course the same wisdom is present by the Holy Spirit as in all the great works of past fathers and mothers in Orthodoxy. A lot of the benefit I received is in the nuance, the modern language and it did not disapoint on teaching on what the title promises.
Great present
Bought this book for a friend, she really loved it; it has beautiful icons and sayings from Holy Fathers, thank you.
Very nice little book that will orient a child to the major points of the Liturgy. It is beautifully bound in hard back with colorful illustrations and very large yet sparce print. I got two of the books for parishioners with children around 6, but I would think a child much older would learn from it also.
Je n’ai lu que les 70 premières pages pour l’instant, mais le livre, tout en facilitant l’approche de l’adulte qui souhaiterait expliquer les choses de la foi à un enfant, est un petit concentré de dogmatique, simplement expliqué, très clair et qui ne laisse rien de côté. Tout cela accompagné d’exemples d’échanges vécus avec des enfants par soeur Magdalen et leurs réactions pleines d’innocence et de bon sens, font de cet ouvrage une véritable source d’où coulent le lait et le miel. Gloire à Dieu!
We are blessed in our lives to be offered such inspirational writings, such as The Justice of God in Stages by Father Zacharias. The book is a permanent reminder to be vigilant and to acknowledge the grace of Christ by following our given cross in humility and with hope in eternal life. It is essential reading for all Christians seeking the truth: “Seek, and Ye Shall Find; Knock, and It Shall Be Opened Unto You”
A beautifully written book.
I highly recommend it.
Thank you ☦️
A truly exceptional book. In my opinion, it is the most complete and most up-to-date book on hesychasm. And essentially practical. And reading it fills me with joy. We are here, at the heart of the heart of Orthodoxy. I have all the books in French by Father Zacharias, and so I am revising my practice of the English language to read the others… May God bless Fathers Zacharies and Peter for their writings and their Sunday conferences, with Mother Aimiliani who wonderfully translates these talks… As well as all those who work for this incredible work.
I am listening to you from France and do not miss a single conference.
For those seeking to understand the path of the Christian spiritual life or, to put it more specifically, for those who want to understand their own experience of the spiritual life, there is a sure guide in The Justice of God in Stages. Archimandrite Zacharias draws on his own experience and the teachings of his mentors St Silouan and St Sophrony to outline the Way of the Cross, the experiential path that every Christian will follow and must follow as “a good and faithful servant.” Amid the many voices vying for our attention in the world today, one would be wise to humble oneself before Christ and be attentive to the signposts along the spiritual journey. The Justice of God in Stages is an essential guidebook to what those signposts are, how they are experienced, and why each one contributes a necessary step in the spiritual life. This is not a book to be read by “gulps” but by “sips” so that the Living Water of the Gospel can soak into our soul and change our life.
I have been following Archimandrite Zacharias since I first heard his talk on Youtube many years ago. The topic then was the deep heart. I was drawn to his humility and the deep simplicity of his message, which is the message and spirit of his spiritual fathers, Saint Silouan and Saint Sophrony.
In Fr. Zacharias’ book, we find the core teaching of the Orthodox Church from the earliest days, that is, that sincere life-long repentance/contrition and continual prayer that come with love of God draw The Lord to dwell in our hearts, thereby deepening and enlarging our hearts towards union with the heart of Our Lord. Fr. Zacharias explains this path in a detailed way, showing the stages of progress, the pitfalls, the dangers for the lay person as well as the monk. Although the path of repentance is ‘narrow”, Fr. Zacharias has explained it in such a way that anyone who truly desires to love God can start and continue on this path. The Jesus Prayer is covered in detail.
This book, like Fr. Zacharias’s other books and talks conveying the teaching of his fathers, is permeated with the spirit of compassion and humility that I cannot help but feel is meant to be communicated along with the written word. I am grateful to Saint Silouan, Saint Sophrony and Fr. Zacharias for sharing their valuable experiences and their spiritual blessing with us. May I be forgiven if I have shown error and misunderstanding of the book in this review.
A wonderful resource for honoring the memory of this great saint of the 20th century. I’m very grateful for this publication, however it is a pity that the English translation of the hymns are not metered to the melodies of the Greek original, it would make it much more handy for liturgical use. Also I would have appreciated the inclusion of the Paraklesis and Akathist contained in the Greek version.
Always 5 star.
I love the books from the Monastery not only for myself but as gifts for friends and family what more can you give than the wisdom and love and graces given to all the Fathers of the church helping us toward salvation.
God Bless to all involved.
Also they are packaged so beautiful. ????
Just what my soul needed. Really simple and beautiful words. The book itself is also stunning, and very well constructed! Thank you.
The Justice of God in Stages -these books get better and better. Regarding the three stages of Orthodox spiritual life, I could see my darkened soul in the struggle for God’s mercy! I always place Archimandrite Zacharias’s books next to my Orthodox Bible, where they belong. This book is worth it—a must-read for all who want to see where they are on the path. I am elated but totally humbled!
This book is like a very powerful compass to direct us along the Way, along the path that Christ sets before us each and every day.
This book is a prophetic gem and generous offering of theology of the life in Christ in the daily trenches of modern life. If read slowly and prayerfully, these words help lift the spirit to the places where eagles soar and angels dwell, for our life in Christ is a continual process of drawing deeper from the wellspring of His love to render us more capable of keeping the pilot light of His Word continually lit within the deepest reaches of the heart.
We need a faithful guide to overcome this world, and to understand a yet unknown reality. To put ‘off the old man’ takes struggle, patience, love and ‘faith in things yet unseen’. Saints and monasticism have exclusively dedicated themselves to that awesome meeting with their maker. They have followed the narrow path of tribulation that yields the desired true wealth, the pearl of wisdom. This book outlines succinctly our experiential journey that others have taken and our heart confirms it. Our merciful Lord never leaves us floundering in the abyss of this world. “Like a mother hen”, He wants to gather us and console us in His infinite love.” Glory to God in the Highest, Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Amen
I just felt this book should be a required reading with the New Testament. It is so related to modern life and the modern Christian or even just the modern men and women. An amazing look at our soul and psyche. I cannot recommend it enough. St Silouan thought hard how human soul can be saved through their own means and came up with the short instruction ”Keep thy mind in hell and do not despair”. This certainly has the quality of a New Testament saying.
In Romania the writtings of Staretz Silouan are considered the 13th Filocalia after the other 12 books translations from the Holy Fathers of Our Holy Father Dumitru Staniloaie.
The Orthodoxy I knew got a totally different dimension through eyes and heart of Saint Silouan.
Praise be to God in all things.
God bless✝️
This books has truly been a blessing for me! I was not able to put it down. Glory to God in all things.
This is a must read book. Adam’s lament is particularly a splendid poem than one can re-read many times and find new meanings. St Silouan’s life of struggle is very inspiring, is like a lighthouse by which one is guided not to get completely lost in the sea of this life.
This is a beautifully written book for comprehending the role of obedience in order to obtain true humility. Concise and succinct on the subject matter of true salvation for all who choose to follow Christ.
Excellent, well written and extremely spiritually inspirational the sort of book that you can read again and again
‘Prayer as Infinite Creation’ is a beautiful treatise on living life as a continual prayer. Prayer leads one to the innermost chambers of the soul to stand achingly before God, dying daily, indeed hourly, for love of God. It is the crucible of salvation, the glowing charcoal in the depths of the heart, and the longing to give all for all. The beauty and depth of the theology of Saint Silouan as distilled by Saint Sophrony and accessibly rendered by Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou could never be overstated. Each succeeding generation brings forth a more generous truth for all who wish to draw near. May God bless us to drink deeply of these words and learn to live them fully in our daily conscious striving to know Him, for prayer that bears fruit can not be a part time effort, but a way of life and constant state of being.
I thank Father Nephon for introducing me to “Prayer as Infinite Creation.” A great blessing. I have been enlightened and inspired by each page.
This book is the ultimate in prayer- an eye opener for all Orthodox Christians! We had it for our spiritual book club – we planned for 3 sessions but landed up reading it for 6 sessions! A book full of God’s wisdom to put into daily life! Bless Arch Zacharias!
Spiritually edifying books.
The book – Prayer As Infinite Creation is for all who yearn a better understanding of how we work in synergy with God through prayer – His gift to His creation.
Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou narrative is a beautiful and comprehensive.
Pages 18 – 19 of the book outline this mystical spiritual union and transformation between God, our creator and His creation.
The blurb on the back of the book is very succinct in expressing the key components of this life giving transformation.
” The more one rubs against the divine energy, the more the veil of the heart is removed. When this energy accumulates, the veil is completely lifted, the deep heart opens and the mind of man finds the place wherein its awesome presentation is performed. The visible world retreats, and the higher spiritual world becomes a tangible reality. The mind ceases to reason and becomes still in extreme attention. The heart is filled with a life-giving reverential fear. The breath contracts and God becomes ‘all in all’.
I am reminded of psalm 46, verse10
” Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Nkjv
First off, this book is absolutely beautifully made and bound. It’s printed on very nice paper with nice wide margins — One of the most beautiful books I own. This is sort of a “Mini Philokalia” as it dives deeply into the practice of Hesychasm and The Jesus Prayer, touching on all the main points, but in incredible depth.
Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou’s writing is great, as always, and easy to follow. This is a book that I’ll be revisiting regularly for many, many years to come.
Another wonderful book by Saint Sophrony that I can’t recommend enough. This coupled well with his book “We Shall See Him as He Is”. His words are so clear and deep and penetrate the soul with truth. The section on The Jesus Prayer was especially good, describing the prayer in much more depth than I’ve read before.
This book completely changed my life. Saint Sophrony’s words on prayer and repentance hit me so deeply that it has changed my views on many things. His words are sweet, deep and penetrate the soul with the unavoidable truth of repentance and humility as the path to true enlightenment in Christ. This is a book that I will revisit many, many times. Not to mention the book itself is beautifully made and bound.
I have recently purchased Christ, Our Way and Our Life and I am so very glad that I have. As an Anglican it is one of the most powerful works that I have ever read. Although I am only part way through, it has illuminated my thought with a clarity that I have not felt outside of Holy Scripture. I give my genuine thanks.
The Otherness of Love is a real inspiration even for us who live in the world with families and children. I found many answers to some questions I have been tormented with for years, such as the question of the authority in education, and I never found the way until now. This book is so “other” than any other book I’ve read! I thank Fr Zacharias again and again for his kenosis which enriches us all!
