Elder Sebastian of Karaganda
This book tells the story of the life and spiritual struggle of the Venerable Confessor Sebastian of Karaganda (1884–1966), one of the last heirs of the tradition of Optina eldership and a disciple of the Venerable Joseph and Nektary of Optina. Having passed through savage persecution of the Orthodox Church, arrests, imprisonment in the Karaganda corrective labour camp, and many years of hardship, the elder preserved an unshakeable faith, humility, and love for his neighbour. After his release he continued his pastoral ministry in Karaganda, becoming a spiritual guide and comforter to a great many believers. The pages of the book reveal the history of Orthodox life in Kazakhstan, the fates of confessors of the faith during the years of Soviet repression, the recollections of his spiritual children, and examples of grace-filled help granted through the elder’s prayers. The life of the Venerable Sebastian bears witness to the power of Christian love, patience, and faithfulness to Christ even in the harshest of trials.