Saint Joseph the Hesychast

Life - Teachings

by Elder Joseph of Vatopedi

'The Elder used to tell us that the experience of love for one's neighbour is revealed to him who prays in truth; and more specifically, "When grace is operative in the soul of someone who is praying, then he is flooded with the love of God, so that he can no longer bear what he experiences. Afterwards, this love turns towards the world and man, whom he comes to love so much that he seeks to take upon himself the whole of human pain and misfortune so that everyone else might be freed from it. In general, he suffers with every grief and misery, and even for dumb animals, so that he weeps when he thinks that they are suffering. These are properties of love, but is prayer that activates them and calls them forth. This is why those who are advanced in prayer do not cease to pray for the world. To them belongs even the continuation of life, however strange and audacious this may seem. And you should know that, if such people disappear, then the end of the world will come.'"

Cover type: Soft
195 pages
Edition #3 published in 1983 by Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi.
ISBN: 978-618-226-007-4