Orthodox Christian Initiative for Africa: Saint Paisios of Athos in the Youth Culture of Greece (photos + video)

Τετάρτη 12 Ιουλίου 2017

Saint Paisios of Athos in the Youth Culture of Greece (photos + video)

On a wall on the island of Samos, there has been designed an unusual graffiti image, depicting the figure of the Holy Elder Paisios, whose memory is celebrated on July 12th.

Although this artistic trend is to some extent linked with rap and hip hop music, we should remember the song by the Greek rapper Artemis titled "Max (Passions and Virtues)" from his album Wolves in Sheep's Clothing (Λυκόσχημος Αμνός), which speaks of the true story of the conversion of a young junkie named Max to Christianity after reading the book Counsels of Saint Paisios: Passions and Virtues in prison.

Saint Paisios, both before and after his recent canonization, is very popular in Greece in all demographics, including the youth. Of course, there have been excesses, which is common with such popularity, and this existed even when the Saint was alive, which made him very unhappy. Many of his words have been misinterpreted and distorted, and things are attributed to him that he never told.

Despite this, he has brought much benefit and is beloved. The above two examples of youthful artistic culture, shows there are many beautiful, original and different ways to express this love.

Book: The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios, by Dionysios Farasiotis

St Herman of Alaska Press
(Ελληνικά εδώ)

This powerful memoir tells the story of a Greek youth who, out of a desire to know the truth empirically, began to experiment in yoga, hypnotism, and various occult techniques. Eventually drawn back to the Faith of his forefathers—Orthodox Christianity—he visited the ancient monastic republic of Mount Athos in his native Greece, where he was brought to a knowledge of the Truth of Jesus Christ by the saintly Elder Paisios (1924–1994).

Nevertheless, believing he had only found “part of the truth” on the Holy Mountain, he chose to give the “same opportunity” to Hindu yogis that he had given to Elder Paisios and other Orthodox monks. Thus, at the age of twenty-five, he embarked on a trip to India, where he undertook his search in the ashrams of three famous gurus, one of whom was worshipped as a god. His experiences in India, along with his subsequent encounters with Elder Paisios on Mount Athos, are recounted in the present book in vivid detail.

Popular in Greece since its first publication there in 2001, The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios is a page-turning narrative of both outward adventures and inward struggles. What stands out most in this book, however, is the radiant image of Elder Paisios, possessed of divine gifts, laboring in prayer for his fellow man, and overflowing with unconditional love. Through this, one sees the uncreated Source of the elder’s love and of the author’s spiritual transformation: the true God-man Jesus Christ, Who honors man’s personal freedom while drawing him, through love, into everlasting union with Himself.
Softcover, 320 pages.