Silouan the Athonite
Twentieth-century Athonite monk whose teachings on humility, prayer for the world, and love of enemies were preserved and presented by his disciple Sophrony.
Historical context
His notebooks and Sophrony's account of his life are related but distinct sources. Read statements attributed to Silouan with attention to this transmission.
Key points
- Love of enemies is a test of prayer rather than a detached maxim.
- His reception shows that patristic spiritual writing continued into the modern period.
Scripture
- Matthew 5:43-48 — Christ's command to love enemies is central to Silouan's teaching.
Primary sources
Silouan teaches:
Silouan connects interior peace with Christ's command to love one's enemies.
The Lord said: “Love your enemies,” and if we do not love our enemies, we will not have peace in our souls.
Passage context and translation
Silouan makes love of enemies a practical condition of interior peace, not an optional maxim detached from prayer and humility.
Before the excerpt
It is not possible for the soul to have peace, if it does not ask the Lord with all its strength for the gift of loving all people.
After the excerpt
It is necessary to acquire obedience, humility, and love, or else all of our great ascetic feats and vigils will prove to be in vain.