Why Zossima?
Zossima Press is named after the Orthodox Christian Saint who discovered St. Mary of Egypt in the desert. This saint was spiritually accomplished but he lacked the fullness of humility and repentance, qualities he met in the holy example of St. Mary. Fyodor Dostoevsky named his “perfect man” in The Brothers Karamazov Father Zossima after this saint, though it is assumed he is modeled on St. Ambrose of Optina and St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, because of his selfless, unconditional love.

We at Zossima Press have chosen this saint as our patron because it is our assumption and guiding principle that great books, and sometimes even good books, create moments and openings in our hearts that make personal transformation possible. Zossima Press aims to print edifying and enjoyable books to highlight these moments, leading ourselves and our readers toward true and therefore better self-understanding.