Initially, the institution of the Elder was associated with the monastic life. Every novice monk, as a 'subordinate', had his Elder, that is, an experienced and wise older monk who guided him in the ascetic life. To him, he owed absolute obedience.
In recent decades, the term Elder is also used in a different sense than the one mentioned above. It has been given to monks or hieromonks whose spiritual influence extended to Christians outside their Monasteries or Hesychastic communities. Even to married priests, whose devout life, actions, and gifts have earned the acceptance and admiration of their congregation.
This series condenses into a few pages of each volume the life of such a person, so that the reader can understand what ultimately categorizes him among the 'Contemporary Elders'.
[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]
