Though Saint John Cassian lived and wrote centuries ago (c. 360-435), his spiritual writings continue to be important to contemporary church life and personal spirituality.  The rich religious traditions of Eastern Christianity influenced the course and development of monasticism in the West. Today, all Christians can, through Saint Cassian's focus on prayer, reach a higher state.

John Levko, S.J. is a Byzantine rite Jesuit. He is presently a member of the Mathematics faculty at the University of Scranton and is also the Director of the University of Scranton's Center for Eastern Christian Studies.