The author of the book you are holding in your hands is our contemporary, Archimandrite Ephraim (Moraitis), an ascetic, shepherd and missionary, through whose work monastic life was revived in a number of Athos monasteries, and also founded several monasteries in America and Canada. Father Ephraim is a spiritual child, novice and companion of the famous Athonite elder Joseph the Hesychast (1899-1959), who was able to fully perceive the rich spiritual experience of his great teacher. This book is a collection of letters and conversations of Father Ephraim, which was compiled by his spiritual children for many years. Simple in form, but deep and comprehensive in content, imbued with humility and love for God, the elder’s “fatherly advice” is an excellent practical guide for spiritual work. Turning to these priceless grains of ascetic wisdom will be of great benefit to many. For some, “Advice” will become support and consolation, for some it will be enlightenment and edification, and for others it will be a discovery, the beginning of a new path - the path to God.