Touching Heaven: Discovering Orthodox Christianity on the Island of Valaam

by John Oliver

Book Overview

John Oliver was a young evangelical American on a journey of discovery--a journey that led him to an ancient Russian monastery, a place of peace and a place of struggle. For on Valaam, he encountered... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1888212659
• ISBN13: 9781888212655
• Release Date: December 2008
• Publisher: Ancient Faith Publishing
• Length: 186 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.3" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Too Short!

I will be reading this one again. Mr. Oliver's poetic and soothing prose lulled me into the story of his wonderful transformation from a "seeker" to an Orthodox Christian. His account of Valaam and Elder Raphael are like an afternoon recollection--as if I can close my eyes and share in his memories.

Touching Heaven

"Touching Heaven" is astonishing. Read it slowly, with great care and expectation.

Touching Heaven

With some appreciation for Russian culture at the beginning, John Oliver sets off to help rebuild part of the Valaam Monastery. His life is changed as he becomes a better Orthodox Christian and at the same time grows within as a thinker. The silence and the cooperate work in Northern Russia makes him realize his part in the scheme of life. He does find internal peace and understands why men over the centuries have turned to the monastic life. It is well written and could be re-read time and time again.