{"product_id":"russian-letters-of-spiritual-direction","title":"Russian Letters of Spiritual Direction","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the last century a cross-section of Russian society--peasants, nobles, writers, soldiers--streamed to the Optino Hermitage for advice--and received it, from a succession of startsi, or \"elders,\" monks whose God-given wisdom and insight enabled them to serve as spiritual guides to others.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn these letters of spiritual direction by Macarius, second of the Optino startsi, we find the reason for this quest. \"Should I complain to my employer about working conditions in his factory?\" \"How can I get along better with my husband?\" \"How should I pray?\" Such were the questions asked of Macarius. His response was invariably concrete, and not a generalized rule of conduct for all. Yet, at the same time, Macarius' words of council reflect a tradition stretching back to the Desert Fathers. This realization of freedom within tradition so characteristic of true Orthodox spirituality makes Macarius' advice to nineteenth-century Russians pertinent for us today as well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SVS Press (Consignment)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49759085789422,"sku":"ksw1792003923875","price":9.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/3328\/9198\/files\/russian-letters-of-spiritual-direction_1.jpg?v=1792003930","url":"https:\/\/networkclad.shop\/products\/russian-letters-of-spiritual-direction","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}