Elder Joseph of Vatopedi - Saint Joseph the Hesychast Life - Teachings

Saint Joseph the Hesychast is widely known today as one of the most niptic and mystic of the recent elders of the Orthodox Church. On the occasion of his recent enrollment into the ranks of the Saints of the Orthodox Church, we present to the world the republication of the first book of the Life of the Saint, written by one of his disciples, Elder Joseph of Vatopedi, of blessed memory, who lived by his side in the remote caves in the “desert” of Mount Athos. 

 “The Elder used to tell us that the experience of love for one’s neighbor is revealed to him who prays in truth; and more specifically, ‘When grace is operative in the soul of someone who is praying, then he is flooded with the love of God, so that he can no longer bear what he experiences. Afterwards, this love turns towards the world and man, whom he comes to which doesn’t really work here love so much that he seeks to take upon himself the whole of human pain and misfortune so that everyone else might be freed from it. In general, he suffers with every grief and misery, and even for dumb animals, so that he weeps when he thinks that they are suffering. These are properties of love, but it is prayer that activates them and calls them forth. This is why those who are advanced in prayer do not cease to pray for the world. To them belongs even the continuation of life, however strange and audacious this may seem. And you should know that, if such people disappear, then the end of this world will come.’”