Potential of St. Porfiry Kavsokalivit’s teaching to support those suffering from mental disorders

The article presents selected quotes from St. Porfiry Kavsokalivit’s works, which are related - directly or through interpretation - to the nature of mental disorders and to overcoming them. Pieces of the elder’s private advice very exactly correspond to the modern mental disorders taxonomy presented in the article, which made it possible to group them according to the main symptom complexes of mental disorders. Not contradicting the patristic ascetic tradition, but organically complementing it, the peculiar character of St. Porfiry’s teaching is extremely helpful to support those suffering from mental disorders. His teaching reflects positive, optimistic motivations and directions of ascetics and spiritual life in general, which can be received with particular enthusiasm by all Christians and especially those suffering from mental disorders.