The Pilgrim's Tale

The first Russian Orthodox title in the distinguished Classics of Western Spirituality™ series, and the first Orthodox titles in some time, The Pilgrim's Tale is one of the most widely read and important examples of Russian spiritual literature. The author of The Pilgrim's Tale, which is devoted to various aspects of the Jesus Prayer, has been identified on the basis of other witnesses as Russian Orthodox monk Archimandrite Mikhail Kozlov. This translation is the first in English to be taken from the earliest version of the text preserved in Optino manuscript 456, written in the late 1860s. Other current versions are based on later translations. Preceded by a preface by the eminent historian/author/educator Jaroslav Pelikan, The Pilgrim's Tale gives testimony to the depth and richness of the Russian spiritual tradition. It deserves a wide readership among spiritual seekers of all faiths and will be welcome in university and seminary courses on spirituality and theology. †

Aleksei Pentkovsky studied at the Oriental Institute in Rome. He is a reader at the Moscow Theological Academy of the Russian Orthodox Church and serves as executive secretary of the foundation, Russian Initiative into Culture.

T. Allan Smith is currently associate professor of Church History and director of advanced degree programs at the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael's College, Toronto.