By Elder Sophrony of Essex Prayer is infinite creation, far superior to any form of art or science. Through prayer we enter into communion with Him that was before all worlds. Or, to put it in another way, the life of the Self-existing God flows into us through the channel of prayer. Prayer is an act of supreme wisdom, of all-surpassing beauty and virtue. Prayer is delight … [Read more...] about Prayer: An Ever-New Creation
Elder Sophrony
Elder Sophrony of Essex was born (1896) and raised in Russia, where even as a young boy he experienced the Uncreated Light. After studying art and theology in Paris, he began his sojourn as a monk on Mt Athos in 1926 and became a close disciple of St Silouan the Athonite. In 1947 poor health forced him to leave the cave on Mt Athos where he had been living, and he returned to Paris, where he wrote his celebrated biography of St Silouan. In 1959 he founded the Monastery of St John the Baptist at Tolleshunt Knights, Essex, England, where he reposed in 1993. On Prayer was published posthumously.