Chosen One of the Mother of God. Venerable Joseph of Optina: life and instructions
Избранник Божией Матери. Преподобный Иосиф Оптинский: житие и наставления
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“My beloved!” - this is how I addressed the Rev. Joseph of Optina during his visit to the Queen of Heaven herself. Therefore, Elder Ambrose sent everyone who asked him about the appearance of the Mother of God to his beloved disciple and successor in eldership, Fr. Joseph. However, the reverend himself Joseph always avoided answering, considering himself unworthy of heavenly phenomena. His entire service as an old man was covered with the robe of God-like Humility.
This edition of the book has been prepared on the basis of many sources published by Optina Pustyn immediately after the blessed death of the Great Elder.