Touching Heaven: Discovering Orthodox Chrisitanity on the Island of Valaam

“Deep in a northern Russian forest of jade and brown, far from any hint of civilization, Valaam Monastery sinks into the seasons of the year as it has for a thousand years before. . . .” So begins the story of John Oliver, a young American on a journey of discovery, a journey that leads him to an ancient Russian monastery, a place of peace and a place of struggle. For on Valaam, he encounters the great depths of Orthodox Christianity and is reminded that the Christian life is not for the faint of heart. And on Valaam, as in our culture, the treasure of stillness requires a fierce guarding.