Hesychasm: A Gift for our Times

“Changes in the world will be difficult, but just as amazing will be the spiritual rebirth of many. And many young people, apparently ignorant, will awaken to a spiritual life similar to that of old.”

Abba Arsenios [Praja], one of Neophytos the Recluses’ closest disciples, left a testament to his disciple:

“My son, I leave you the divine gift of hesychasm as an inheritance, as a blessing transmitted from Abba Neophytos the Recluse who was made worthy of the divine gift of the mystical practice of hesychasm. I leave you the inheritance of this gift as a talent. Be careful to not bury it, but to give it to moneychangers to multiply it and acquire tenfold interest, so as to not extinguish the mystical flame of the practice of hesychasm. Keep the candle of hesychasm lit and do not worry that you seem to be alone. Abba Neophytos the Recluse prophesied that there will be thousands who follow the mystical path of hesychasm. Changes in the world will be difficult, but just as amazing will be the spiritual rebirth of many. The mystical practice of hesychasm will descend from the mountains and caves into the heart of cities. And many young people, apparently ignorant, will awaken to a spiritual life similar to that of old. This resurrection will be wondrous, exactly where death is believed to rule. The Most Holy Spirit will show you the power which surpasses all things. The mystical practice of hesychasm will blossom in the desert of many hearts, which will then become heaven incarnate. I leave you the blessing of hesychasm, which you must keep lit in your own candle as a spark from which many others may light theirs. Do not try to figure out how this miracle will take place; the mystery of the practice of hesychasm will be the mystery of our world’s future. The times that are to come will be the most terrible confrontation between light and darkness, between the spirit of life and death. But the power of light will be so strong that it will surpass all natural laws. Take part in the great, spiritual blaze of this mystical practice. I leave you this blessing, and may the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and all seekers of this divine mystery. May the Most Holy Spirit protect you. Amen.” 

–Quoted by Mother Siluana Vlad, from a book by Fr. Ghelasie of Frăsinei