Отечник

The Fatherhood of St. Ignatius Bryanchaninov is a collection of short stories about the great fathers of the Church, hermits, and monks. Ignatius Bryanchaninov compiled it, using the texts of the "Prologue" and "Philokalia", making translations of Greek and Latin works contained in the multi-volume "Patrology" of Minya.

This book turned out to be a treasure trove of teachings from ancient ascetics, where each of their words is the fruit of the ascetic experience, deeply absorbed by the author himself. The "Fatherhood" teaches intelligent and attentive prayer, devotion to the Orthodox faith, and the fear of God, which are essential not only for monks but also for laypeople.

The saint was sure: if you perfectly master the patristic heritage, then, "like-minded and of one heart with the holy fathers, you will be saved".