“The lesson of love can never be taught simply by words . . . Rather, it is taught by truly giving yourself and communicating the love and longing for Christ to those you serve. . . . How awesome and dignified is Christian service! And how good is the trustworthy and loyal servant who can say along with Christ, ‘Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart’ (Matt. 11:29).”
This book is essential and inspiring reading for all who would devote their lives to the service of Christ and His Church.
Known in the West as MATTHEW THE POOR, Abba Matta is widely regarded as the greatest Egyptian elder since St. Antony the Great. He produced a huge and varied body of work in Arabic, only a little of which has been translated into English. In addition, a great many of his informal talks to monks and visitors were recorded. He had a marvelous ability to communicate the deepest spiritual truths in the simplest and most practical language, making them accessible to laypeople as well as monastics. He speaks to the heart rather than the head, gently exhorting the reader to pursue a deeper life in Christ.
Other books available by Matthew the Poor include Orthodox Prayer Life: The Interior Way (SVS Press), The Communion of Love (SVS Press), and Words for Our Lives: Spiritual Words of Matthew the Poor (Ancient Faith Publishing).
