The first volume of "Ascetics in the World" was published four years ago, without great expectations, with the aim of preserving these genuine Christian models. However, it was accepted with much love and interest, surpassing all expectations. The persistent demand for the second volume hastened its publication. What interest did readers find in these simple and humble souls of the Ascetics in the World?

It seems that they found living examples of virtue to imitate in their faces, which are rare in our days. They found comfort and supplication in their own sufferings, knowing their miserable lives. [...]

This volume contains twenty-four biographies of Ascetics in the World. Among them are a Bishop, a Hieromonk, five married Priests, two monks who lived in the world and at the end of their lives were deemed worthy to receive the Angelic Schema, and fifteen laypeople (men and women). They are classified chronologically based on the year of their repose.

What was written in the preface of Volume I applies to those who are biographed here. Each one lived in a different era, in a different place, and under unique circumstances. Each one followed a separate path, but they all have a common purpose: to observe God's commandments and to unite with Him. One admires their patience, self-denial, and the strength they had while praying and enduring all difficulties. Above all, one admires the simplicity with which they accepted grace and supernatural events, strange and humble, without being able to imagine that they are something and have something. Out of their love for God, they sacrificed for His image, humanity, everything precious material and spiritual they possessed, and they helped many. And now they help us with their example and their prayers. May their memory be eternal, and may we be worthy to follow them. Amen.

(from the book's preface)