A book of sermons by St. Theophan the Recluse, "A Reminder to All-Honorable Nuns of what Monasticism Requires of Them," has been published in the Publishing House of the Moscow Patriarchate in the Monastic Library series.
The book includes sermons by St. Theophan, the recluse of Vyshensky, delivered by him in the women's monasteries of the Tambov and Vladimir dioceses in 1859-1864, as well as letters addressed to nuns and those wishing to become monks.
The saint reveals topics that are still relevant to this day, concerning the purpose of monastic monasteries, the importance of observing monastic rules, the preservation of feelings and thoughts, the crucifixion of oneself to the world and the search for the highest.
His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, addressed the readers of the book as follows:: "For a monk, reading is a multi—useful spiritual activity, an integral part of the struggle against passions and the acquisition of virtues. Reading helps to resolve spiritual difficulties, to look at any situation in an evangelical way. It enlightens and strengthens in battle and, of course, awakens zeal for the Lord God."