A BOO!k review

Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain

Back in January, I had the pleasure of reading this book. I enjoyed it so much that I wrote a book review about it for my parish's newsletter. Now since it's officially the month of the "spooks, frights and terrors," I thought I'd share it with you.

The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios: A Book Review
by Xenia Kathryn

With a strange title, one might assume The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios to be a tale of perplexing fiction rather than a spiritual biography. Though I thought the title misleading initially, the book ended up being in fact a cohesive narrative, a riveting account of a spiritual journey as unique as the title of the book. Author Dionysios Farasiotis (who writes under a pseudonym) shares the story of his quest for truth. Born and raised in Greece, it can be assumed that Farasiotis had been baptized and brought up, more or less, in the Orthodox Church (the fact is hinted at, but never specified in the book). A bright and inquisitive child, he grew up with burning questions about the universe, the purpose of man and the path to enlightenment. His questions intensified as he came into adulthood and certain influences steered him into the dangerous arena of the occut. Hypnotism, yoga, mind control and witchcraft all became a means to “enlightenment”, putting Farasiotis on the front lines of a violent spiritual war that would last for years.

Farasiotis' coming of age takes place during the sixties and his "openness" to a variety of religious experiences brought him, unexpectedly, to Mt. Athos. Not only at Mt. Athos, but literally at the gate of the blessed Elder Paisios. In his lifetime, Elder Paisios accepted many visitors who, even then, regarded him as a saint. His love for Christ and for others was a heavenly gift to behold. His humor and his humility put even the most hard-hearted skeptic at ease. Here, at the feet of Elder Paisios, the author was blessed to see a true example of shining, Christ-like love. A true spiritual awakening begins.

At this point in the book, an optimistic reader might assume that such an encounter would act as a "quick fix" for our hero; surely, Farasiotis must have left Mt. Athos a changed man! But this was only the beginning of an arduous battle between Truth and deception. Yes, seeds were planted, but it would take years of watering, of prayers offered by Elder Paisios and other holy monks, for Farasiotios' heart to be truly changed.

Eventually the author decided that, before he could wholeheartedly accept Christianity, he must likewise make a "pilgrimage" to India. Here he would seek out Hindu yogis and offer them a chance to to enlighten and guide him towards the “truth” in its entirety. His travels through India lead him to three different ashrams, where his encounters with gurus left him both terrified and strangely intrigued. With their calm and mystifying demeanors, Farasiotis felt drawn to the gurus with an intoxicating, magnetic force.

During his time in India, which included an extended stay at an ashram, the author vividly describes his gradual loss of self, his increasing spiritual oppression and torment. As he excelled in his "self-awareness" and yogic studies, Farasiotis experienced an increasing amount of strange and terrifying phenomena. Only the remembrances of Elder Paisios' love and teachings brought him peace. Despite his increasing entanglement with Hinduism, Farasiotis frequently called on the name of the Lord from the depths of his inner darkness. As it turns out, Elder Paisios, though thousands of miles away, spent many sleepless night fighting on the front lines of Farasiotis' intense warfare, offering mighty intercessions on his behalf.

I will not ruin the ending for you-- I hope you will read it for yourself! Of course, a "happy ending" can be assumed... or at least, a spiritually edifying one that promises to uplift the soul and point us towards the Kingdom. Like all spiritual battles, though, happy endings are never easily won. "The Kingdom of God is taken by force" and Dionysios Farasiotis describes a journey that is wrought with intense warfare, with extreme highs and lows. What pulls him through is the remembrance of God's unconditional love, which he experiences first-hand through the loving example and prayers of Elder Paisios. The Elder's patient attitude towards the young seeker is clearly reminiscent of the Father's love for us.

I too have tasted and seen God's goodness, and yet like the prodigal son and the young man in his journey, I spurn it in order to pursue my own passions. And yet, the Father waits patiently and never loses hope. He waits with open arms, and runs to meet me in my nakedness and confusion. The truth is, whether traveling like Farasiotis to the ends of the earth or sitting contentedly in the comfort of my own sinfulness, I too am involved in a battle as intense and perplexing as described in The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios. What a gift, to read a book and be re-awakened to the unconditional love of God, who respects our free will and always waits for our return.

It's rare when I'm able to zip through a book in less than a week's time. Very rare. Some books are worth savoring and reading at a leisurely pace. Others are so gripping that I can't help but forsake the dishes a little longer and speed through the story, uninterrupted (maybe that's just me?). If you're looking for a spiritually riveting page-turner, look no further than The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios (St. Herman's Press, available at Logos Bookstore for $17).

Warning: There are many frightening accounts related in the book, due to the author's involvement with the occult. The Gurus reminds us that the spiritual realm is very real. In order to draw closer to Christ, we must remain ever vigilant and trust fully in His Resurrection, where death and darkness have no dominion.