The book “Being a Priest Yesterday and Today” presents two views on pastoral ministry. One is patristic, set out by a young priest in such a way that it includes a range of questions that the world around us poses to the Church and its ministers. Another view is from a priest who has more than 50 years of service in the parish. The general outline of the book unites the ideal image of an Orthodox shepherd and an example of how today, following the commandments of God and relying on the writings of the spirit-bearing Fathers, you can lead your flock to Christ. The book is intended primarily for future shepherds and priests serving in the parish, but may be of interest to a wide circle readers who will find in it consolation on the path to God and a hint in resolving spiritual conflicts, which are inevitable especially at the initial stage of entering church life.