Metropolitan Anastasy was a leading figure of the Russian emigration following the Communist takeover of his country. A man of erudition, he formed a bridge between two worlds -- the Imperial Court of the last Tsar and the transient 20th century Russian diaspora. These reflections from his diary in the calamitous post-revolutionary period offer the groanings of his heart and musings on the eternal mercy of God which he writes "are part of my very essence." They draw upon wisdom from sources as diverse as writers of classical antiquity, authors, composers and inventors of the age of enlightenment, offering unique perspectives on these. This volume is enhanced by a short life of the author written by Archbishop Averky (Taushev) together with several black and white photographs.