Letters from the Desert 305.66 In his introduction to the

In his introduction to the Greek edition Bishop Irenaeus of Chania writes: 'The words of blessed Elder Porphyrios are the words of a holy Father

introspection

Inspired by the epistles to the Corinthians and Ephesians

into eternity—into the mystery of God through the living experience of the Orthodox Church

Letters from the Desert 305.66 In his introduction to the"Sugg. Donation" Two monastic elders the "Great Old Man" Barsanuphius, and the "Other Old Man" John flourished in the southern region around Gaza in the early part of the sixth century. Maintaining strict seclusion within their cells, they spoke to others only through letters by way of Abba Seridos, the abbot of the monastic community in Gaza. The authority of John may be described as more institutional, responding as he does to problems of a