Elder Joseph of Vatopedi – The Pinnacle of Love.

Elder Joseph smiled an hour and a half after his passing, and his smile broadened during his funeral service.

The book is written by Kostas Panagopoulos, a contemporary author who reflects on modern daily life inspired by the life and teachings of the blessed Elder Joseph of Vatopedi. This is precisely what makes the book stand out and able to appeal to younger readers.

He himself said: "Light is not born from words, from shapes, from pretenses. Light is light. It is virtue. It is kindness. It is faith. It is love. If these are upon us, then even in silence we speak." The greatest gift of the Elder was that he knew perfectly how to conceal his holiness. However, his presence, his speech, his emotion, and the depth of Orthodox theology betrayed him.

He loved greatly. He cried much. He went through a lot. He is Elder Joseph of Vatopedi, the pinnacle of love, the great of asceticism, the mighty in patience in the face of sorrows within the life of practical humility and lifelong unseen self-offering in every uniquely valuable contribution of his.