Ancient Christian Witness

"Elder Porphyrios, a Greek monk and priest who
died in 1991, stands in the long tradition of charismatic spiritual guides in
the Eastern Church which continues from the apostolic age down to figures such
as Saint Seraphim of Sarov and Staretz Silouan in modern times. In this book he
tells the story of his life and, in simple, deeply reflected and profoundly wise
words, he expounds the Christian faith for today.

This book was compiled after his death from an
archive of notes and recordings of his reminiscences, conversations and words of
guidance, and was first published in Greek in 2003.

The vibrant personality of Elder Porphyrios at all
times shines through his words with great transparency and charm. In his
introduction to the Greek edition Bishop Irenaeus of Chania writes: "The words
of blessed Elder Porphyrios are the words of a holy Father, of a man with the
gift of clear sight, who was ever retiring, humble, simple and ardent
and whose life was a true and authentic witness to Christ, to His truth and to
His joy. Through his presence, love, prayer, counsel and guidance he supported
an untold number of people in the difficult hours of illness, mourning, pain,
loss of faith and death. He is a god-bearing Father of our days, a true
priest and teacher who in his ascetic way fell in love with Christ and
faithfully served his fellow man. His teaching is deeply impregnated with the
ethos and theology of the Orthodox Church and is dominated by the person and
image of Christ our Saviour.'