In order to present in a preface the new work of the Hieromonk from the Holy Mount Athos, Father Benedict of Nea Skiti, who has been living and practicing asceticism for over forty years under the Holy Monastery of Saint Paul in Nea Skiti and has translated into modern Greek the work of the wise and holy ascetic Father Isaac the Syrian, we do this with great love and joy, aiming at the benefit that arises from the reading of the work for the contemporary members of the Orthodox Church, especially in our days following the alterations that the Greek language constantly undergoes, resulting in highly spiritual texts becoming inaccessible to the new generation of Greeks. This is particularly important as it is a work of ascetic teachings and words of a distinguished and divinely inspired ascetic.

To the diligent author of the translation, we maintain fresh prayers to the Lord, along with our personal blessings, blessing the accomplished work that Father Benedict undertook and completed with his present work. It is one of the most interesting works in sacred and ascetic literature, even in the entire contemporary ecclesiastical literature, and it is published under the title "ABBA ISAAC THE SYRIAN, ASCETIC HOMILIES". This work illuminates and highlights the work of the Holy Father and the genuine Orthodox theological teachings imparted additionally in a time and region where these were disturbed by various currents, causing uncontrollable situations.

Furthermore, we also present the following, giving the essence of the entire contribution of the Holy Father to the ascetic idea of venerable Orthodox Theology.