Illness and the Believer

Illness and the Believer - Spiritual Life Series vol. 5 by Hieromonk Gregorios, Elder of the Cell of St. John the Theologian, Koutloumousiou Monastery, Mount Athos. Trans. by Fr. Michael Monos, Trim size 4x6, 56pp.

From the Prologue: Today, despite the remarkable progress of medical science, the number of people who are ill is increasing and new diseases and illnesses continue to make their appearance. Almost every family has previously experienced or is currently going through the pain and ordeal of an illness and therefore it can be helpful to examine the causes of illness and how they may be faced spiritually so that those who so suffer may reap some benefit for their souls. As we shall see, illness, whether it is due to sin or to some other cause, is a means by which the soul can be healed and purified.

This small book examines the role of illness in the life of the believing Orthodox Christian, specifically: 1) the cause of illness, 2) the purpose and benefits of illness, 3) how to confront illness in a spiritual manner, 4) healing and the practice of medicine, 5) divine consolation. As in Father Gregorios' other books, he approaches his study of illness through the writings of the Holy Fathers and Elders of the Church.