The book by the famous French Orthodox theologian and patrolologist Professor Jean-Claude Larcher is dedicated to the burning problem of suffering in human life that concerns every person and therefore the burning problem. The author examines the most famous passages from the Bible and Eastern Christian Orthodox patristic writings on this topic and refutes the common idea of Christianity as a “religion of suffering.” The book is written in a living, modern language and will certainly be useful for a wide range of domestic Orthodox readers, inviting them to reflection and even discussion on this topic.

Based on the Holy Scriptures and the teachings of the Holy Fathers, this book shows that suffering is neither a mystery, the understanding of which should be abandoned, nor a punishment or test sent by God Himself, but a consequence of ancestral sin, affecting every person during his life. Neither in its origin, nor in itself does suffering have a positive content . It represents a spiritual test when a person can make a choice in favor of God or turn away from God. Christ, through His suffering, freed humanity in Himself from the power of suffering. The one who unites with Christ receives this grace from Him. In this way he can spiritually transform suffering, finding in it the opportunity for spiritual growth.

Responses in the foreign press to the first edition of the book “In this short and rich book, J.-C. Larcher reflects on how we should approach suffering in faith. And, based on the writings of the patrists, he convincingly shows us that Christ did not suffer so that people would suffer further, but precisely in order to help them spiritually transform suffering, change its meaning to their benefit and ultimately free them from it "."Life and Liturgy"

"In the new book of J.-C. Larche you will find the same advantages as in the previous ones. The problem of suffering is considered here in the light of the teachings of the Holy Fathers. Their theology and anthropology allow us to free ourselves from the positive assessment of pain that has long dominated Western Christianity, and to comprehend the meaning of the share of suffering that every human life contains.” “Letter to Friends in Monasteries.”

“ You will greatly benefit from reading this beautifully written book, with a clear, instructive and internally consistent system of evidence, inspired by the spirituality of the Greek fathers, of which J.-C. is a brilliant expert. Larcher." "Journal of History and Religious Philosophy"

"A clear, rigorous and concise book that allows you to take a fresh look at an always difficult problem." "New Theological Journal"