The Russian Pilgrim

 *The Russian Pilgrim* is one of the most remarkable books on the Prayer of the Heart. Its pages recount the life story of an anonymous pilgrim who travels—mostly alone, though sometimes accompanied by others—across various regions of Russia, all while practicing the Prayer of the Heart. By reading passages from the *Philokalia* and consulting experienced spiritual guides about this sublime practice, he readily mastered the prayer and eventually attained the state of praying from the heart—the ultimate goal of the practice. Although he endured times of great trial—facing beatings, robbery, and illness—he bore it all with love for the Savior and through the aid of the Prayer of the Heart, which brought him profound spiritual comfort. I pray to God that one day I, too, may attain the Prayer of the Heart and experience the sweetness that flows from the frequent repetition of the all-holy name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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