Kindling the Divine Spark: Teachings on How to Preserve Spiritual Zeal

Bp. Theophan the Recluse “Without application of strength one cannot make a step; the application of strength requires effort, and effort requires patience. Be patient in the sure hope that your labors will be rewarded in the end. Patience crowns everything and gives to everything support and strength.”—St. Theophan the Recluse   Steeped in the ancient patristic and ascetic tradition, St. Theophan the Recluse was at the same time down-to-earth and very real, making profound, mystical realities understood by those he counseled. He had the exceptional gift of being able to encourage all, no matter where they were on the spiritual path, to go further in their fight against the passions and in their preparation for union with the Bridegroom Christ. His inspirational teaching is for all who sincerely seek the heavenly realm.   St. Theophan often used folk expressions in order to make mystical realities understood by all Christians of his time. He felt a dire need to raise Christians to a hi