Little Russian Philokalia: Vol. V: St. Theodore of Sanaxar (Paperback)

Philokalia means “love of the beautiful and good.” It was the name given to a celebrated 18th-century collection of ancient Greek mystical texts on the Christian spiritual life, teaching the path to true sobriety and the fullness of union with God.

This “Little Russian Philokalia” is a new collection of ascetic texts drawn from Russian sources, chiefly of the 18th through 20th centuries.

The fifth volume is devoted to the newly canonized St. Theodore of Sanaxar (1719-1791), one fo the most significant spiritual guides of 18th-century Russia. Living first as a desert dweller for ten years in his youth, St. Theodore formed a model ascetic community not far from the famous Sarov Monastery. He functioned as an elder (starets) to both monastics and laymen, and crowned his work by suffering for righteousness’ sake.

Here are contained the life and counsels of our spiritual forefather, showing us the way of repentance, inward purification, and salvation in Christ.