Christ is fullness of life

On the 27th November 2013 people throughout the world learned the joyous news that the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate jad officially numbered Elder Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia among the saints of the Orthodox Church.

Saint Porphyrios, "prescient, unassumign, humble, simple and ardent"*, was filled with an all-consuming love for Christ and for his fellow man, and every aspect of his being witnessed to what he so passionately confessed, namely, that Christ is fullness of life. With his luminous presence, his inspired words and his fervent prayer, he made the grace of life in Christ a reality for those who came to him, as he transmitted to them faith, joy, power and hope. He was wholly devoted to the Church and to Christ and cared for the people of God, those near and those far off, faithful and the disbelievers, Christians and those ignorant of the word of God. And during his life and also after his saintly repose a multitude of people -most of whom had not known him during his earthly life- were benefitted by his saintly presence and experienced his miraculous acts and interventions in their lives.

The words of Saint Porphyrios have become widely known through a book originally published by our Monastery and translated into English as Wounded by Love. This book has been translated into more than twenty languages and has been read by countless people throughout the world. The words of the saint which are recorded in the book relate to prayer, spiritual life, the upbringing of children, illness and other topics, offering answers and opening a path of life.

The present little book is an anthology of the earlier work. Its aim is for the saving words of Saint Porphyrios to become an ever ready companion, inspiring and guiding all who read them at all times, and in every place and circumstance.

In the difficult times of pain and apostasy that are experienced in the present day, Saint Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia with his universal and continuing appeal offers himself and belongs to all who seek a true meaning in life and invoke his aid. Through his holy prayers he is close to us now, more than ever, as he himself used to say: When Christ unites us there is no separation. When I leave this life it will be better. I will be closer to you.

November 2014

Abbess of the Holy Monastery of Chrysopigi,
Mother Theoxeni,
and the sisters with me in Christ

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* This is how he was described by the Archibishop of Crete, Eirenaios, in his preface to the book, Αγίου Πορφυρίου Καυσοκαλυβίτου, Βίος και Λόγοι, Holy Monastery of Chrysopigi, Chania, 2003.