Characteristics of the Spiritual Path (Revised Edition)

“My friend, you are walking on the spiritual path” writes His Holiness Pope Shenouda III of blessed memory, who was the Pope and Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church for over four decades. His years on the Apostolic Chair of St. Mark were truly extraordinary, as he shepherded the Church during Her unprecedented growth beyond Egypt into the lands of immigration and dealing with numerous challenges in all wisdom, discernment, and pastoral love. Yet, his concern remained unwavering for the spiritual growth of the Church’s children, his own “sons and daughters” as he would say. And so, His Holiness, offers his own guidance, experience and wisdom on not only his own spiritual path, but yours as well. What is the spiritual path? Where does it lead? Are you deviating from it? What if you are lost? With an amazing weave of Scripture, patristics, Church tradition and poetry, His Holiness tackles all these questions and more in his uniquely sincere, personal and profound address to you.This book is a new, complete and original translation of His Holiness Pope Shenouda’s Arabic book ma?alim al-?ariq al-ru?y, published 1989 by Anba Rewis Press in Cairo. This edition has been reviewed and edited by ACTS Press under the leadership and guidance of His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion and His Grace Bishop Kyrillos.This book is not simply one book about the spiritual life. It contains a summary of the major essential aspects of the Orthodox Christian life with God. As such, it is essential reading for all.