Nil Sorsky (1433/34-1508) was the founder of the Sora Hermitage, an initiator of scete monasticism among the Russian Christians and is closely identified with the Orthodox contemplative prayer known as hesychasm, or stillness. In these writings, Sorsky, known as Russia's 'Great Elder,' speaks across five hundred years to modern readers today. This introduction to his life and works allows English readers to share in the celebration of the 500th anniversary of Nil's death, and to mark his continuing influence on monastic life and Orthodox Christian spirituality today.
