Epistles

From the Prologue: "In Christian literature, epistles have always been something more than a way of transmitting news or making events known. They provided a channel of profound communication, a testament of spiritual wealth and were a means of pastoral guidance. Using the format of an epistle, the Fathers of the Church usually expand on matters of faith, ethos and worship as they relate to the life of the Church. The Epistles of the New Testament, which had been written earlier, advance the truths of the faith and the unchanged spiritual life upon which those truths are founded. The fourteen Epistles of the Apostle Paul, which have a local church or one his co-workers as a specific recipient, become points of reference which Christians can consult in their daily life. The same can be said of the Epistles of the Apostles James, John, Peter, and Judas; however, they are given the titles of Catholic, as they are addressed to the entire .... 

Introductory Note 7

Biographical Note of the Elder Paisios 9

Prologue 11

Contract 18

FIRST EPISTLE

For Beginners 25

SECOND EPISTLE

A Small Blessing of a Few "Nuts" 93

THIRD EPISTLE

Spiritual Balms 161

FOURTH EPISTLE

"A Handful of Experience: Pumpkinseeds

Roasted over the Fire of Temptations" 175

FIFTH EPISTLE

On Chastity and Love 197

SIXTH EPISTLE

The Beatitudes 223

INDEX 233

PUBLICATIONS 247