The Garden of the Holy Spirit; Elder Iakovos of Evia

"The Garden of the Holy Spirit" is available from Amazon

I had the blessing of doing a pilgrimage to the island of Evia in the 
year 2000. This was my first pilgrimage to Greece and I was 
determined to go to Evia. I had read this book and it was so warm
and sweet to my heart, that I could not even think of missing the 
opportunity to see the monastery where Elder Iakovos lived and 
served until his repose in 1991. I had also read the life of St John
the Russian. As a matter of fact, the relics of St David of Evia and
St John the Russian were the very first relics I venerated after my
baptism in 1998. I was in awe. The beauty of Evia is breathtaking!
The whole island with its forests, valleys and mountains felt like a
holy place. It has been hollowed by its saints and the long-suffering
Greek immigrants from Turkey, forced to leave their ancestral lands
in 1922, during the exchange of populations with Greece.

"Elder Iakovos belongs to a special group of contemporary charismatic
Elders (Paisios and Porphyrios, Fr. Dimitri Gagastathis and others) 
who were responsible for a resurgence of faith among those who knew
them personally. In the conscience of the people, these Elders are living
proof that the Orthodox Church is alive and continues to produce Saints.

The author of this book, Professor Stylianos Papadopoulos, was 

blessed to be among those who knew Elder Iakovos. In reading these 

vivid, lively stories we are moved deeply to glorify God Who in this age

of falsehood and agnosticism raised such holy figures among us.

Presented in a revised translation, the life of Blessed Elder Iakovos is

offered in a new edition by Orthodox Witness to English speaking 

readers. From this text, we trust that all will draw strength and courage

in their spiritual journey." From the Amazon website.

The video below has been subtitled into English. It includes stories

from those who knew Elder Iakovos. May the name of Iakovos

Tsalikis be added soon to the ranks of the righteous saints of the

Orthodox Church. He is worthy!