by Nicholas Baldimtsis

Softcover: 112 pages

The problems have the modern world seem insurmountable to pursuing holiness. We see modern day saints emerge but struggle to connect their lives with our own, to bring the lessons learned from them to action in our lives.

This book traces the life of St. Iakovos from his early childhood years till his wise years as a hieromonk and spiritual father. This journey is told in the first person, from the perspective of the saint. He shares with us stories from Asia Minor, that saint bearing land, allowing us to glimpse into the holy experiences of his ancestors. In this way, this book becomes our own bridge, allowing us to walk along the journey of transmission of Orthodoxy from the misty lands of Asia Minor to the modern world. We can learn from the saint’s own experience how to cling tightly to reverent piety, Orthodox belief in Jesus Christ, and the pursuit of holiness even today.

The book was written by St. Iakovos’ spiritual child and physician. The author brings a sense of intimacy and familiarity to the life of the Saint from someone who was close to the saint for many years.

From holy roots in Asia Minor a rich spiritual fruit is brought forth on the island of Evia. Iakovos Tsalikis, the Elder of Osios David and saint of our age, was devoted to our Lord, His Mother, and all the saints from his youngest years. Hear his life told from his own perspective and his own way: how his family established a new home as refugees, how God called him from childhood, his path to monasticism, and his experiences in the struggle towards salvation. Draw forth inspiration from the living stream of Tradition to imitate this great saint’s God-pleasing way of life.