This is a new book which has just been published by the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania. It is a book that teaches us about God and how to gain self-knowledge by knowing God. It is meant to help young people, as well as new adult Christians through the difficult struggle of developing their faith in God, knowing their real self and understanding their relationships with others. The book begins by telling us that the Church as two great treasures: Holy Scriptures and the writings of the Fathers of the Church. These treasures help us to find our true self by knowing God. The book introduces the reader to the writings of the Fathers and Holy Scripture and helps us to apply them in practical ways to the problems and issues we face in everyday life. The major theme of the book revolves around our need to recognize and overcome the three great passions that all people struggle with: pride, vanity and self-love. We have all been created in the image and likeness of God and we all share the same human nature. Hidden in the heart of every human being is the knowledge of who God is and what truth is. But our eyes and ears and mind are so full of worldly things, thoughts, desires, and passions that we cannot see or hear God clearly. Even the God that is living in our hearts and loving us completely. That is what the treasures of the Church are for, to help us see clearly and find God – and in finding God, we find our true life and true purpose in life.
Many young people who have read this book say that it helped them. After reading this book, they feel that they know themselves better and that they have more trust in God and in the life direction of their life. It is hoped that this book will help others who read it.
