Joy of the Holy


"The goal of Christian life is the acquisition of the grace of the Holy Spirit." This popular saying of St. Seraphim of Sarov serves as the basis for his teaching on the spiritual life. It is especially relevant for the faithful of contemporary society who strive to lead spiritual lives. His teaching is today attracting a remarkable amount of attention. The attraction of his teaching lies in the very practical way he presents the heights .of Orthodox Christian spiritual life as being open and accessible to all. Whatever one's status in life or position within the Church, every faithful member of the Body of Christ possesses the same potential for acquiring the grace of-the-Holy-Spirit. St. Seraphim is noted for the distinct character of his message, which is especially relevant to the needs of contemporary man.

"This particular work is significant in that it is structured as a systematic study of his spiritual teaching. Presented as a patristic analysis in comparison with similar teachings of the Church Fathers, this book also serves as an ideal introduction to Orthodox spiritual life. The very practical and applicable approach of the author will appeal to all readers regardless of their level of spiritual progress. Whether one is already familiar with the teachings of the ascetic Fathers, or whether one is a beginner with a new thirst for knowledge and prayer, the interests of each and every reader will be inspired by this book."
- His Grace, Bishop HERMAN Bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania Rector of St. Tikhon's Orthodox Seminary

HARRY M. BOOSALIS, a native of Minneapolis, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota. He graduated from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts (Class of 1985) with a Master of Divinity degree. A doctoral candidate in Orthodox Theology at the University of Thessaloniki, Greece, he teaches Dogmatic Theology at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania.