About the book: 2013 / St. Mark the Ascetic (5th century) - one of the greatest Egyptian hermits. The circumstances of his life in many respects remain hidden to us, but the Monk Mark left a precious testimony of spiritual feat - his ascetic creations. The teachings of the Monk Mark the Ascetic are varied in genre and content: these are conversations with the brethren, and answers to questions asked by the philosopher, and lengthy teachings , and a penetrating interpretation of individual biblical verses, which St. Mark always connects with ascetic work. The works of Saint Mark touch on complex theological issues and at the same time testify to a deep knowledge of the human soul, an understanding of its slightest movements. The wise instructions of St. Mark the Ascetic were included in the Philokalia; over the centuries, their importance as a reliable spiritual guide for monastics and laity has not diminished.