St. George Press Releases English Edition of 19th-Century Monastic Vision

The front and back cover of the new release. Photos: St. George Press

MARCH 3, 2026 — St. George Press has released an English translation of "Watch and Pray: A Monk’s Vision of the Path to Heaven," making available a rare nineteenth-century Orthodox spiritual text for contemporary readers.

The book presents The Vision of Abbot Joasaph of the Monastery of St. Savvas, an account of a monk who, according to the text, was granted a vision of the spiritual world. In the vision, Abbot Joasaph is guided by St. George the Victory-Bearer along the narrow path of salvation and shown the dangers of spiritual sloth, the glory of the righteous, and the throne of Christ. Through vivid imagery, the vision emphasizes repentance, watchfulness, prayer, and the mercy of God.

The text was collected, translated from Greek into Romanian, and preserved by St. John Jacob of Hozeva, whose efforts ensured its transmission within Orthodox spiritual literature. The new English edition also includes a concise biography of St. John Jacob for readers unfamiliar with his life and legacy.

"Watch and Pray: A Monk’s Vision of the Path to Heaven" is now available from St. George Press at a retail price of $8.00.

Previously, the UOJ reported that St. George Press had announced a collection honoring Fr. Roman Braga.

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