New Publication: The Life & Akathist of St. Paphnutius of Borovsk – A True Orthodox Translation
We are happy to announce another significant contribution to the spiritual treasury of True Orthodoxy available in the English language: The Life and Akathist of our Venerable Father Paphnutius of Borovsk (celebrated May 1/14), translated by the Brotherhood of the Sacred Monastery of St. John of the Ladder.
This publication offers a comprehensive English rendition of the inspiring Life of this great 15th-century Russian ascetic, elder, and wonderworker, alongside his beautiful Akathist hymn, providing a profound resource for the spiritual enrichment of all True Orthodox Christians.
Why the Life of St. Paphnutius of Borovsk is a Beacon for Our Times
In an age marked by spiritual confusion and the erosion of true ascetic struggle, the luminous example of St. Paphnutius of Borovsk shines with particular clarity. This detailed Life, drawn from Pre-revolutionasry Russian sources, immerses us in the spiritual heroism of a saint whose unwavering faith and profound humility transformed the wilderness into a flourishing spiritual center. Through these pages, you will encounter St. Paphnutius as he:
- Embraces the Monastic Path: From his youth, dedicating himself entirely to God, embracing the “narrow way” with profound love for Christ, His Most Pure Mother, and ascetic labors.
- Founds a Great Monastery: Through divine guidance and immense personal effort—even carrying stones himself—establishes the renowned Paphnutievo-Borovsky Monastery, a future bastion of Orthodoxy.
- Exemplifies Clairvoyant Wisdom: Is granted by God the gift of discerning spirits and hidden thoughts, guiding his monks and countless laypeople with fatherly care and spiritual insight, often revealing secret sins for the sake of repentance.
- Stands as a Spiritual Warrior: Protecting his flock and the afflicted from demonic assaults through prayer and his holy presence.
- Manifests Boundless Compassion: Demonstrates extraordinary charity, especially during times of famine, and a profound trust in God’s providence, which was often rewarded with miraculous aid.
- Teaches with Humility & Authority: Instructs his brethren, emphasizing purity, prayer, and love for one another, while himself remaining a model of dispassion even unto his blessed repose.
- Intercedes Powerfully: Even before his earthly departure, his prayers brought healing, averted disasters, and led sinners to repentance, a testament to his boldness before God.
Reading this edifying account is more than a historical study; it is an encounter with the very essence of Orthodox monastic sanctity, a powerful lesson in the virtues of humility, obedience, unceasing prayer, and unwavering hope in the Most Holy Theotokos.
Not Only Read About the Saint – Pray With Him Through His Akathist
Complementing the Life is the full Akathist Hymn to the Venerable Paphnutius. This moving hymn of praise allows those inspired by the Life of St. Paphnutius to enter into prayerful communion with him, seeking his powerful intercessions.
The Akathist is perfectly suited for private prayer at home or for use in parishes, allowing the faithful to call upon St. Paphnutius for his heavenly aid and guidance.
A Labor of Love from Our Monastery
This publication is part of our ongoing dedication, under the guidance of our Bishop, to translate and disseminate vital patristic and spiritual texts essential for the True Orthodox faithful. Crafted with prayer and care, this digital edition features:
- Elegant Orthodox Design: An aesthetically pleasing decorative border graces each page in the PDF version, suitable for dignified use.
- Inspiring Graphics: Unique sketches related to key moments in St. Paphnutius’s life are included in the PDF to enhance reflection.
- Thoughtful Formatting: 36 pages of rich content (A4 PDF reference), with ample spacing.
- Dual Formats Included: Both PDF (for fixed layout, borders, graphics, and printing) and EPUB (reflowable ebook for Kindle, Kobo, phones, tablets) formats are provided.
- DRM-Free: For your ease of use across all your devices.
- Instant Download: Access your spiritual reading immediately after purchase.
Support the Mission of True Orthodoxy
Our monastery, the Sacred Monastery of St. John of the Ladder, strives to uphold the traditions of True Orthodoxy in Western Europe. This includes supporting our Diocese, maintaining the Sacred Cathedral of St. Paraskevi, caring for our brotherhood, and continuing our catechetical and publishing work. We rely entirely on God’s help and the support of the faithful, without external funding.
Purchasing this new English edition of the Life and Akathist of St. Paphnutius of Borovsk directly aids these vital efforts. It enables us to continue serving Christ and His True Church and to produce more spiritual resources for the English-speaking Orthodox world.
Find this inspiring spiritual reading on our Monastery’s e-store:
May the holy life, profound teachings, and powerful intercessions of our Venerable Father Paphnutius of Borovsk strengthen and guide us all on the path of True Orthodoxy.
