Review by Priest Daniel Jones in The Orthodox Vision (Summer 2001)

I remember, nearly twenty years back, a friend called and told me of a new book that had been published about a recent Saint of our times. At the time I was very busy, the times were hectic, and I thought with skepticism, "Oh great, another life of a Saint to read, that is just what I need!" A few years later, I looked back and realized genuinely, yes, that was just what I needed. That life of "another saint to read," was in a small way a salvific intrusion into my busy world. Just what was needed - I can think of no better way to introduce this book: Elder Cleopa of Shihastria. Another Saint to read. Just what is needed! An intrusion into the busy world we mostly live in. Better described: an-introduction, a little journey into that other heavenly world we all so much desire.

The book contains an informative Preface by the translator, Mother Cassiana, who makes the historical and spiritual connection between Saint Paisius Velichhovsky and our present day Father Cleopa. There is an eloquent foreward by Father Roman Braga that paints the historical and modern day picture of Romania in which we meet Father Cleopa as spiritual father. The main body of the book is a translation of the life of Elder Cleopa from the Romanian edition by Father Ioanichie Balan with much additional information included from Father Cleopa's teachings and from the personal experience of the translator who met Father Cleopa and received Father Ioanichie's blessing for the work of translation into English.

The text covers the span of life of Elder Cleopa from 1912 to 1998. There are beautiful sketches of his early childhood wherein one sees the Orthodox worldview that shaped him into the holy elder he became. His early years certainly portray startling asceticism, not monastic, simply the asceticism of everyday life in Romania. The picture of those years conveyed, even in their austerity, is joyfully expressed and uplifting. There follows his introduction into the monastic life and his subsequent "education" that he received while living in the mountainous woods and meadows while tending the sheep. One might be reminded of Saint Anthony the Great or other holy fathers who while never having a formal education were taught directly by the Holy Spirit. Father Cleopa was remarkably well-read and experienced in the Orthodox tradition and in secular disciplines. He was astonishingly knowledgeable about earthly and heavenly mysteries. The life continues with his surprising recognition and election as Abbot of a great historic monastery, years of solitude, and his growth and service as a renowned spiritual father. Following are the subsequent years wherein he is instrumental in rebuilding and strengthening the spiritual life of Romania through the last difficult years of communism and finally its fall and the influx of the modern world into Romania. And then his repose in the Lord.

I especially liked the way the book conveyed the spiritual teaching of Father Cleopa, his counsels, not as something separate from his life but intertwined in his daily activities and duties. The content and the easy flowing translation contribute to a sense to what in America might be called meeting "just folks." But while meeting "just folks," we in fact meet a holy elder, great spiritual father, a simple shepherd, yet a master of Orthodox spiritual teaching. It is compelling in its simplicity. It is an encounter with a person who lives Christ, follows Christ in the hardship and reality of day to day life. One meets a Christ-like figure. Not that direct comparisons can be made, but in that respect the book Father Arseny comes to mind, and there are other books too that somehow convey not only profound Orthodox Christian teaching, but "life more abundant." It cheers you up to read it.

Do not think that because Father Cleopa was a monastic father, the book is best left for monks and nuns to read. To paraphrase the introduction to the book, the life and teachings of Father Cleopa amply spills over to people in the world who are just living. His life and words of wisdom address some of the most contemporary questions, even problems, that face Christians individually and the Church at large. But in an unimposing manner. It is easy to understand, clear to read and encouraging.

It has been said that the Saints are the keys to our theology: there are Orthodox theology in action, theology in life, incarnate. In that sense this book is alive. Another life of a saint to read? Yes, and it is just what is needed. The door to heaven has been left ajar if anyone is interested.