The Garden of the Holy Spirit: Saint Iakovos of Evia

by Stylianos Papadopoulos

From his earliest years Iakovos Tsalikis wanted to become a monk, but he would have to wait. The world had to get to know him and he had to get to know the world. Born in Livísi, a picturesque village in Asia Minor, the Tsalikis family was forcibly uprooted from their ancestral homeland. Leaving the life they knew behind, they took with them what was their true life — their Faith. Resettled in Northern Evia, the future Saint was raised in piety and trained in virtue by his grandmother Despina and mother Theodora. Iakovos worked hard alongside his father, Stavros, and eventually became the provider for the family. At the age of 32, he realized his calling in life by entering the Monastery of Saint David the Elder in Evia, living the rest of his life there as a monk. He rose above insurmountable obstacles, labored ascetically beyond what is human and suffered greatly for the sake of Christ. He received divine gifts as his reward, including clairvoyance and miracle-working, becoming an Elder of great stature. The author of this book, Professor Stylianos Papadopoulos, was blessed to know the Elder personally. His intimate knowledge of the Elder’s life together with his literary talent make the story on these pages come alive. God has not left us without Saints in our age of falsehood and agnosticism. Saint Iakovos intercedes for us today, now glorified among the Saints in heaven. From the vivid, lively stories in this book, may we be moved to glorify God and ask Saint Iakovos to intercede for us!

Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2018

Reviews

[Signe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our God is a living God who does not leave us without holy people who set the bar for those who love God. Not many can do what Saint Iakovos did.

Saint Iakovos completed the commandment to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."

Wondrous is God in His Saints!

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saints are our bridge and bond with heaven!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on spirituality I’ve ever read. St. Iakovos was a blessed and Godseeing monk during his life and worked many miracles during his life. He continues to this day to work miracles.

[Roman Riselvato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saint Iakovos pray for us, how beautiful it is to have modern-day saints still being produced in the vineyard of the one true holy orthodox church. This book outlines the saints' lives in a simple yet profound way from the struggles of young iakovos to him becoming a light on a hill top. He is one of my favorite modern-day saints! Please start here if your new to orthodoxy or diving deep into the tradition of the holy spirit of Jesus christ our only lord and savior. Amen.

[Shea Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of a wonderful Saint, which moved me to tears several times. Like many books about modern Saints, this book exudes grace.

Pray for us, St Iakovos!