The memory of a righteous man with praise is the memory of the late Fr. Haralambos. His sudden demise saddened us deeply and the awe of those who knew him from up close continues together with the very vivid memory of the good struggler. And an added witness now comes with this book of his. Miracles, Which My Eyes Have Seen, which circulated precisely the following day after his death, a witness of his struggle unto the last breath. A prophetic witness, he speaks in the pages of the book about his death and he hurried to write these miracles so as to help other souls too. A witness, which seems to guide us and give us the correct direction, which is none other than the way of God, which passes through man, through ourselves and the others who we have to help in the enlightenment, holiness and repentance.

The Elder writes of miracles with the faith of a small child but also with the care of a true theologian. He writes simply and unpretentiously so that everyone can understand him. This also is a testament to all who write for the enlightenment of the people, to avoid the fancifulness and poses and to speak simply, clearly straight forwardly as our people also speak.

I will not refer to the content of the book, which is read pleasantly and quickly and wizens and benefits souls, but I refer to all that spring forth from its pages and mirror their author and describe his personality. What are the elements and ascertainments?

Firstly, the man’s faith is true and wholehearted. Then his humility, which touches childlike innocence. His struggling and interest for everyone and everything is viewed with Christ as the center. In addition, the kindness, simplicity, lack of greed, sincerity, diligence; his love for everyone, for prayer, for fasting, for the liturgical life, for the word and for the good work, for the spirit of sacrifice, for the spreading of the good witness; his great proficiency in preaching, oral and written, for the salvation of souls and the defense of the Orthodox Faith is evident in these pages.

The good Orthodox book, as were all the Elder’s books are the best sermon in our day. One book may save not one, but many souls. Let us attempt this sincerely, as much as each one of us can.

Archim. Haralambos Vasilopoulos

Former Abbot of the Sacred Petraki Monastery

Translated by Fr. Nicholas Palis

Edited by Mrs. Anastasia A. Koutoulakis

Soft cover

8.25" x 6"

152 Pages