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Born in 1910 in the ancient Russian
town of Orel, to a traditional Orthodox family, Archimandrite John
Krestiankin of the Pskov-Caves Monastery in Russia, chose the path of
service to the Church from early childhood. He lived through all the
horrors of the communist revolution, Stalinist repressions, and continual
persecutions against the Church. Having spent nearly five years in prisons
and concentration camps, he was subjected to harsh tortures and mocking
but was never broken. Instead, he thanked God for everything, praying to
the end of his days for the interrogator who had broken every finger on
his hands.
It is difficult to describe what Fr. John meant to those who
came to him for advice and help. Some were immersed in a sea of Divine
love and forgiveness; others were compelled by only a few words to
re-evaluate their entire lives; while others reverently understood that
they were in the presence of a man whose gaze penetrated the most secret
corners of their souls, who saw the future just as clearly as the present.
All knew without a doubt that Fr. John was a man of God, entirely devoted
to His holy will, who said, "The main thing in spiritual life is faith in
God's Providence and discernment with counsel."
Fr. John witnessed by his life to the truth of Christ's
promise: I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against it (Matt. 16:18).
These letters provide an opportunity to partake of his wise
counsel, strengthen one's faith, and examine one's own position on
conditions and events in ecclesiastical and secular life. They contain
sound spiritual counsel on many different questions about the Church,
society, and family life, touching upon the most pressing, essential
problems of man in. the modern world.
520 pages, full-color-illustrations, full-color-cover, paperback,
$25.00
ISBN 1-887904-39-5 |
