To the Most Reverend Nun Xenia

A pastoral letter of spiritual guidance from Gregory Palamas to the nun Xenia. The letter form reveals a more personal and pastoral side of the great theologian, who is better known for his systematic defense of hesychasm. Palamas offers practical counsel on the virtuous life and the practice of prayer, adapted to the circumstances of a woman in monastic life. More accessible than his theological treatises, this letter shows the pastoral application of Palamas' theology.