952 - Growing in Christ: Shaped in His Image

By Mother Raphaela with a foreword by Frederica Mathewes-Green.

Published by St. Vladimir's Seminary Press: Paperback, 111 pages (5.25" X 7.25")

A sequal to Living in Christ: Essays on the Christian Life by an Orthodox Nun, this volume continues the practical, insightful and hard-hitting cousel of a contemporary Orthodox abbess. A theme that runs throughout the work is St. Paul's admonition to "...come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Eph 4:13).

Mother Raphaela assesses and addresses all the failings and spiritual detours that keep us from having the character of our Lord Jesus Christ -- everything from false piety to heads swollen with knowledge. She also emphasizes the molding of character within community, where rough edges and prideful independence are transformed into graciousness and service to the neighbor. Illustrated with illuminations by the author herself, these commentaries on monastic community, church, society, and the motions of the human soul result from careful observation of and reflection upon the spiritual and natural realms.