St Joseph the Hesychast ~ Prayer of the Heart

St Joseph the Hesychast (1897–1959) was a Greek Orthodox monk and spiritual elder of Mount Athos, renowned for his life of profound prayer, asceticism and inner stillness. Born Francis Kottis on the island of Paros, Greece, he arrived on Mount Athos in 1921, dedicating himself to solitude, fasting, vigils and the unceasing practice of the Jesus Prayer: 'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.'Joseph gathered a small brotherhood of disciples whose spiritual influence contributed significantly to the renewal of Athonite monasticism and the contemplative prayer tradition. He reposed on 15 August 1959 and was formally recognised as a saint by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 2020.These passages for prayer and reflection have been taken from the text, 'Monastic Wisdom: The Letters of Elder Joseph the Hesychast.'

🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.

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