Book Feedback by FR. JEROME MAXIMOUS

Dear Lazarus of Alexandria,

Thank you for sharing your story in this book. I applaud you for coming through openly to tell your story and expose your vulnerability and hurt, from your childhood to your adulthood. The epidemic of pornography has infiltrated our society and faith communities, from the very young teens to married couples. We often focus on treating the symptoms of the sin or addiction (e.g., pornography, lustful acts), yet, neglect and overlook causation factors. Your story sums it all up. There are familial, environmental, and developmental factors that we tend not to address, facing such an addiction. But, your story clearly exposes those factors in your upbringing and community, which had an impact on the struggle with the addiction.

I encourage every parent to read this book and learn from the parenting mistakes from which you suffered. (Forgive me, Lazarus - not blaming your parents; the challenge of the culture inhibited their parenting method.) I encourage every young man and woman to read this book and be encouraged by the journey to repent and to be renewed in Christ. If it retells their story with tears and sobbing, know there is hope to change and to be freed from the bondage of sexual sin. Indeed, as Lazarus came through, one will come through by the grace of our Lord and the diligent effort one puts through.

Your 'healing journey' was indeed on point and practical in every way. I loved the quotations and stories you referenced from the Paradise of the Fathers and the Writings of the Desert Fathers.

Kudos to you on the journey you committed to and now you're enjoying its blessings, "Well done, good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matthew 25:23). Kudos to your fiancée (now you're wife) for supporting you along this journey. And, may the Lord reward the clergy and church servants who labored in supporting you and showing you, through their service, the love of our Lord.

Thank you for the great ministry you're doing to encourage others. May the Lord bless your work for the glory of His Holy Name, and may you continue to enjoy the blessings of purity.

Blessings,

- Fr. Jerome

Fr. Jerome Maximous is auxiliary priest in the Diocese, focused on youth ministry at St. Mary & St. George. H.G. Bishop Youssef, with the presence of H.E. Metropolitan Serapion, ordained him priest on March 20, 2016. Fr. Jerome also assists in student ministry in Gainesville, Fla, and in the Caribbean islands.