Ignatius Brianchaninov (1807-1867) was a prolific author of Orthodox Christian ascetical works. Published toward the end of his life, his writings continued to grow in popularity long after his death. Along with his contemporary, St. Theophan the Recluse, Ignatius is now considered a foremost authority on Orthodox spirituality. He was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1988. His writings have previously appeared in English as The Arena and On the Prayer of Jesus. Nicholas Kotar is a graduate of Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, New York. He is an translator of many spiritual works in the Russian Orthodox tradition.