About the book: 2009 / The book briefly but comprehensively covers the ascetic feat of sobriety and spiritual prayer both in ancient monasticism in the East and in Russia The Orthodox Church from antiquity to the last Optina elders. The influence of the elders is not limited to the monastery walls, it extends far beyond their borders. Being the guiding principle in the spiritual and moral manifestations of life not only of monks, but also of the laity, it covers in general all manifestations of life, both spiritual and worldly, connected with each other, although not fused, but also inseparably.