Precious Vessels of the Holy Spirit

Precious Vessels is an extraordinary book about the Lives of the Elders of Greece in the last century. The stories of the fathers are extremely uplifting and encourage Godliness in a godless world. The stories of the fathers include dedication to God beyond belief and the marvelous life possible for those who dedicate themselves to Christ. This is definitely a must read for all Christians who desire to live a more fulfilled life in Christ. Despite the great inspiration the stories of their lives give, the councils are what is most important. quotes like "I am not afraid of death. Not, of course, because of my works, but because I believe in God's mercy." from Elder Epiphanios or "No prayer, my children, gets lost. Prayer has sustained me for so many years". From Elder Iakovos. These councils, along with many others have been committed to memory and nourish me many times in the desert of modern society. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone. This is a short read and a very good one.

Christ The Eternal Tao

      Christ The Eternal Tao is an excellent book, about the search of man for God. Hieromonk Damascene (together with the studies done by the Belssed Fr. Seraphim Rose), demonstrates this search in the person of ancient sage Lao Tzu. Lao Tzu (BCE 500) according to Hieromonk Damascene ; in Lao Tzu's book the Tao Teh Ching, demonstrated "The best knowledge of God without direct revelation." Fr. Damascene compar
es the writing of Lao Tzu to that of Socrates and Plato who are believed by Christians to have prophesied some characteristic of Christ. Lao Tzu wrote that The Tao (Christ) is selfless, all knowing and great. Fr. Damascene compares Lao Tzu to the prophets of the Old Testament in the way that they both "Forsadowed the coming of Christ". Lao Tzu writes that the way of return to primordial man (pre-fall man) is by becoming "selfless" and by" non-action" or by letting go of thoughts. He compares the latter to the writings of Sts. Theophan the Recluse, John Cilmacus and other philokaliac writers of "detaching of thoughts". In the later sections of the book, Fr. Damascene discusses the importance of repentance (metanoia) and unceasing prayer.
     I feel this book is a must have for all Christians and members of  various eastern religions. At the beginning of chapter 13  when Fr. Damascene said "You are not your thought" I marveled (to use Biblical terms) and believe this carries a very important message that many of our charismatic friends need to hear. This excellent book shows an amazing new perspective on Christianity from the eyes of Lao Tzu and how Christ Jesus is the fulfillment of his teachings.Fr.Damascene argues beautifully for the case that Lao Tzu understood God's attributes and energies similar to the Greek philosophers of antiquity.