Serbian Patericon: Saints of the Serbian Orthodox Church, January-April

In the wake of turbulent historical events, when Serbian Orthodox hierarchs are calling for peace in their land, it is more necessary than ever to know and make known the true glory of heavenly Serbia: her ancient Orthodox roots, the holiness of her saints, and the piety, righteousness, hospitality, and spiritual traditions of her people. It is providential, then, that the SERBIAN PATERICON is now appearing in English for the first time: a compilation of the lives of martyrs, confessors, monks and holy leaders who have adorned Serbian history since the dawn of the Christian era.

Today, when universal Christianity is losing nobility of spirit through apostasy, the young generation is becoming spiritually impoverished. Yet Christians have to go on through the darkness. People have to draw strength from their heavenly predecessors as a supply of new energy from above. The purpose of this Patericon is to provide a link from the traditional, ancient Orthodox experience to the young generation in America, before it is too late. In the words of Fr. Seraphim Rose: "It is later than you think. Let us hasten therefore to do the work of God."

The depth of Serbia's spirituality, visible in the otherworldly transcendence emanating from her iconographic tradition, influenced the people of other lands, especially Russia. The present volume on the Saints of Serbia can now serve as a transforming influence on Christians of all nationalities and as a source of healing for Serbia herself.