The meaning of this life is to be prepared for our homeland, for Heaven, for Paradise. The most important thing is for man to grasp this most profound meaning of life, which is the salvation of the soul. When man believes in God and in the future life, then he understands the vanity of this present life and prepares his passport for the other life.
Elder Paisios of Mount Athos
CONTENTS
Prologue
An Introduction to the Elder's Counsels
PART ONE
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LOVE
CHAPTER ONE
The Indifferent Generation
CHAPTER TWO
The Presence of a Christian Is a Confession of Faith
CHAPTER THREE
To the Pure All Things Are Pure
CHAPTER FOUR
Actions With Prudence and Love
PART TWO
STRUGGLE AND DEVOUTNESS
CHAPTER ONE
The Good Fight
CHAPTER TWO
How the Devil Works
CHAPTER THREE
The Benefits of Good Fellowship
CHAPTER FOUR
Devoutness Moves God
CHAPTER FIVE
Self-Offering Provides Divine Oxygen
PART THREE
SPIRITUAL BRAVERY
CHAPTER ONE
The Signs of the Times
CHAPTER TWO
Sacrifice Brings Joy
CHAPTER THREE
Bravery Is Born of Trust in God
CHAPTER FOUR
For the Faithful, Martyrdom Is a Festival
PART FOUR
DEPENDENCE UPON HEAVEN
CHAPTER ONE
God's Providence For Man
CHAPTER TWO
Faith and Trust in God
CHAPTER THREE
Where Man Cannot Reach, God Provides Help
PART FIVE
SPIRITUAL WEAPONS
CHAPTER ONE
Prayer Is a Powerful Weapon
CHAPTER TWO
Monasteries Are the Fortresses of the Church
CHAPTER THREE
The Deeper Meaning of Life
INDEX
Scriptural Index
General Index
