TOOLKIT for SPIRITUAL GROWTH II

Foreword

It is with much joy and anticipation for the devoted that I recommend Toolkit for Spiritual Growth II by Fr. Evan Armatas. This book, his second about the spiritual tools of the Church, offers readers the opportunity to come closer to our Lord in a manner that is practical. This book is not just to be read, but to be applied with prayer.

Father Evan has taken the time to convey a strong and meaningful message that involves each of us as faithful Orthodox Christians. The words allow readers to have a deeper understanding about the importance of Scripture reading, participating in the Holy Sacrament of Confession and comprehending why we confess, and living in the present moment. I encourage you to read through this book with prayer, and I embolden you to find a spiritual father to help guide you through this sacred journey of transformation in Christ.

Father Evan’s work in the parish of Saint Spyridon in Loveland, Colorado, is legendary, and through his efforts, and the work of the Holy Spirit, many have been brought to Christ. Conveying my congratulations to him for this book, I thank him for his many contributions in reclaiming the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20).

+CONSTANTINEMetropolitan of DenverGreek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Preface

Only a few months into serving as a parish priest I was asked to lead a retreat for teenagers. The topic I chose for the retreat was “The Spiritual Tools of the Church.” Now, I am fond of using object lessons, and so I devised one for my opening talk. I collected a bunch of tools—a hammer, screwdrivers (Phillips head and standard), a wrench, a tape measure, and other supplies. I also got a tool belt and some nails, wood, screws, and other construction items.

My talk began with a simple analogy. I told the teens that in the Church we have various spiritual tools, or disciplines. These tools, I went on to explain, help us build a spiritual life. Moreover, master builders have learned which tools can be used and how they can assist us in erecting a life that is true and beautiful. These builders, often called saints, have shared techniques and hard-earned skills that were revealed to them by the Master Builder, Jesus Christ (Matt. 7:24–27; 1 Cor. 3:9–15). They have used these tools within the Lord’s great workshop, His Church.

I laid out all the tools, and we talked about how each one is used in construction. A hammer is used to hit things, but carpenters don’t just bang on wood. Rather, they know how to use the hammer skillfully. Nor do they use a hammer on a screw or use a tape measure to apply an adhesive. Moreover, carpenters often wear a tool belt and place the tools in it so that without looking they can grab just the one they need.

I then asked for volunteers and blindfolded them. Next, I gave them a series of challenges related to various construction tasks. They quickly realized how important it is to know the tools, where they are, and how they are used when attempting to build.

In my first book, Toolkit for Spiritual Growth: A Practical Guide to Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving , I discussed three of the primary tools that Christ shared with His followers. These tools, I said, “free us from the disordered way of life that has become normal for many, even though their hearts and minds tell them otherwise. These spiritual practices put us back together in a rightly ordered way and lead us into life.”1

Not long after sharing these tools, I heard from readers who wanted to know what other tools might be helpful. Honestly, there are dozens, and picking which ones to share next was not easy. In this sequel, I have taken up three more spiritual tools: Scripture, confession, and time. The pattern of this book is similar to that of the first. I share a mixture of theology and practical advice, weaving in stories that help illustrate my points. I have drawn on the wisdom of Scripture and the life of the Church: her services, hymns, traditions, and rhythms; the teachings of the saints and Fathers; and years of pastoral experience. In some ways, I am trying to share with readers the experience of sitting down one on one with me.

I think these three disciplines, along with those from the first book, will provide additional support to anyone who seeks to live a transfigured life in Christ—a life centered in truth and focused on

1 Fr. Evan Armatas, Toolkit for Spiritual Growth: A Practical Guide to Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2020), 7.