Russian Letters of Spiritual Direction, 1834-1860

In these letters of spiritual direction by Macarius, second of the Optino startsi, we find the reasons so many streamed to the Optino Hermitage for advice. "Should I complain to my employer about working conditions in his factory?" "How can I get along better with my husband?" "How should I pray?" Such were the questions asked of Macarius. His response was invariably concrete, and not a generalized rule of conduct for all. Yet, at the same time, Macarius' words of council reflect a tradition stretching back to the Desert Fathers.