On Earth We’re Just Learning How to Live

Presented here for the first time in English, this heartfelt and moving memoir has become quite popular in Russia since its publication there in 2004. In it, the Russian archpriest Fr. Valentin Biryukov endeavors to pass on the spiritual wisdom of his extensive life experience. Now ninety-four years of age, he lived through almost the entire history of the Soviet Union, having experienced severe deprivation and struggle while exiled with his parents and siblings in the Siberian wilderness; having been severely wounded while helping to liberate Leningrad from the 872-day blockade by the Nazis during World War II; and finally having fulfilled his life’s calling by serving Christ in the holy priesthood. All three of his sons likewise became priests. In the most difficult of circumstances, throughout his whole life, his faith in God kept him alive, both physically and spiritually.

During his long life, Fr. Valentin has had innumerable experiences of God’s mercy and has met a great many others who have experienced God in profound and at times miraculous ways. He has recorded these experiences in this book for the sake of younger generations, in order to strengthen their faith, and in order to derive teachings on how to live as true Christians: with prayer, love for others, hope in God, humility, repentance, and forgiveness. “All of our life is a school,” he affirms. “All of our life is just a preparation for eternal life. Here on earth, we’re not living, but just learning to how live in the Heavenly Fatherland.” — Backcover