“During St. Theophan’s time, women’s monasticism grew considerably both in his diocese and in the neighboring ones. New monasteries were established, and St. Theophan labored to instruct the sisters in spiritual life according to time-tested patristic principles. It was out of this labor that the present book was born. Originally titled A Reminder to Honorable Nuns Concerning What Monasticism Requires of Them (Moscow, 1897), it consists of sermons that St. Theophan gave in women’s monasteries.” —“INTRODUCTION”
CONTENTS
Introduction Homily 1 Keeping of the Monastic Vows Homily 2 Indications of Monasticism from the Life of St. John the Forerunner Homily 3 The Model of Great Martyr Catherine Homily 4 Purification of the Heart: The Major Aim of Monasticism Homily 5 Nails for Self-Crucifixion Homily 6 Erecting the Inner Cross Homily 7 A Mirror of Monasticism in the Life of Alexis, the Man of God Homily 8 God Gave Us a Church—We Need to Make Use of It As We Should Homily 9 Disposing and Training Oneself to Pray Homily 10 Erection of the Inward Temple for God Homily 11 The Wings of Prayer Homily 12 The Heavenly Quest—The Primary Work of Monasticism Homily 13 The Holy Myrrhbearing Women—An Image of Seeking the Lord Homily 14 A Model of the Monastic Life Shown in the Life of the Apostles After the Miraculous Feeding of 5,000 People by the Sea with Five Loaves of Bread Homily 15 Elder Hilarion’s Convent: The Elevation of a Community to the Rank of a Monastery Homily 16 Inspiration for Monastic Labor Homily 17 Keeping Up the Monastic Zeal Without Excuses Homily 18 The Healing Pool: That Those Who Struggle to Heal Their Own Spiritual Diseases May Also Serve Others Homily 19 The Wise Virgins: How Nuns Should Live In Order to Enter the Palace of the Eternal Bridegroom Homily 20 The Saviour Comes and Brings Salvation Appendices: A Biography of St. Theophan the Recluse, by E. Sumarokov Troparion & Kontakion to St. Theophan The St. Theophan the Recluse Society of America The Path to Salvation Index
Item Number: BKX310 Publication data: Wildwood, CA: St. Xenia Skete, 2004 Format: softcover Number of pages: 159 Dimensions (l × w × h): 21.0 cm × 13.4 cm × 1.0 cm Additional information: black-and-white illustrations ISBN: 0‒887904‒38‒7
