Translation of the Georgian work that probably served as a basis
for the Greek text.

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BARLAAM AND IOASAPH

AN EDIFYING STORY FROM THE INNER LAND OF THE ETHIOPIANS, CALLED
THE LAND OF THE INDIANS, THENCE BROUGHT TO THE HOLY CITY, BY JOHN
THE MONK (AN HONOURABLE MAN AND A VIRTUOUS, OF THE MONASTERY OF
SAINT SABAS); WHEREIN ARE THE LIVES OF THE FAMOUS AND BLESSED
BARLAAM AND IOASAPH.

INTRODUCTION

"As many as are led by the Spirit of God they are sons of God"
saith the inspired Apostle. Now to have been accounted worthy of
the Holy Spirit and to have become sons of God is of all things
most to be coveted; and, as it is written, "They that have become
his sons find rest from all enquiry." This marvellous, and above
all else desirable, blessedness have the Saints from the
beginning won by the practice of the virtues, some having striven
as Martyrs, and resisted sin unto blood, and others having
struggled in self-discipline, and having trodden the narrow way,
proving Martyrs in will. Now, that one should hand down to
memory the prowess and virtuous deeds of these, both of them that
were made perfect by blood, and of them that by self-denial did
emulate the conversation of Angels, and should deliver to the
generations that follow a pattern of virtue, this hath the Church
of Christ received as a tradition from the inspired Apostles, and