Eastern Orthodox

In a world drowning in noise, the wisdom of a 4th-century desert monk offers a lifeline to clarity, peace, and purpose. Evagrius of Pontus for Beginners is your guide to the profound teachings of one of Christianity’s most influential thinkers, presented in a way that’s accessible, transformative, and utterly relevant for modern life. Unlock the secrets of apatheia—a state of inner calm that frees you from the tyranny of distractions and passions. Master the eight evil thoughts that threaten your peace and learn practical strategies to overcome them with grace and resilience. ...

To many in the West, Orthodoxy remains shrouded in mystery, an exotic and foreign religion that survived in the East following the Great Schism of 1054 that split the Christian world into two camps - Catholic and Orthodox. However, as the second largest Christian denomination, Orthodox Christianity is anything but foreign to the nearly 300 million worshipers who practice it. For them, Orthodoxy is a living, breathing reality; a way of being Christian ultimately rooted in the person of Jesus and the experience of the early church.

This revised edition includes a new epilogue, "Coming up on Twenty-Five Years" since the entry of the Evangelical Orthodox into the Holy Orthodox Church. This is the story of a handful of courageous men and their congregations who risked stable occupations, security and the approval of life-long friends to be obedient to God's call. It is also the story of every believer who is searching for the Church.

It is precisely where we hurt most that the experience of the Orthodox Church has much to offer. The remedy is not a pep talk, or any simple admonitions to fight the good fight, cheer up, or think positively. Rather, the Orthodox method is to change the way we look at the human person (starting with ourselves). According to two thousand years of experience, Orthodoxy shows us how to "be transformed by the renewing of our mind" - a process that is aided by participation in the traditional ascetic practices and Mysteries of the Church.

Surprised by Christ combines an engrossing memoir of one man's life in historic times and situations from the Six-Day War to the Civil Rights Movement to the Jesus Movement in Berkeley with an examination of the distinctives of Orthodox theology that make the Orthodox Church the true home not only for Christian Jews, but for all who seek to know God as fully as he may be known.

Why are modern Christians so indistinguishable from everyone else? How come Christians who lived in times of bloody persecution were so heroic, while we who live in safety are not? How could the first Christians fast valiantly, but we feel deprived without dessert? How did New Testament believers pray without ceasing? How could the early Christian martyrs actually forgive their torturers? What did the Christians of the first centuries know that we don't? This book explores these questions.

They called him a saint. His enemies called him dangerous. But history remembers him as the man who dared to define the nature of Christ when the church stood on the edge of fracture. Cyril of Alexandria: A Beginner’s Guide is not just a book—it’s your front-row seat to one of the fiercest theological battlegrounds in Christian history. If you’ve ever wondered how the early church survived heresy, imperial pressure, and internal war, you’ll find the answer in the life of one bishop who refused to back down. Cyril wasn’t interested in theories. He wanted truth nailed down, ...

Children will enjoy this creative story recounting the Great Procession of Our Lord on Palm Sunday. Who owned the donkeys that Jesus summoned for His grand entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday? Why were they chosen? What happened to them when and after they were given this great honor? In this fictional tale, the author weaves together Sacred Scripture and imagination to create a heart-warming story. It all begins with the birth of a baby donkey named Star. He is a gift to five-year-old Mara, who has difficulty walking due to a disability. Although Mara bravely faces ridicule for her ...

Unlock the rich history and profound faith of the Syriac Orthodox Church—the ancient Christian tradition that continues to thrive in today’s world. For centuries, the Syriac Orthodox Church has preserved the teachings of early Christianity, tracing its roots to the city of Antioch where the apostles first spread the Gospel. This book takes you on a journey through this fascinating heritage, offering an insightful and accessible guide for anyone seeking to understand this ancient faith. Discover the deep theological foundations that distinguish the Syriac Orthodox Church, from its ...

He lived in a time when ideas could spark revolutions—or get you exiled. John of Damascus chose to write anyway. In a world split by empires, threatened by heresy, and shadowed by the rise of Islam, he didn’t retreat. He answered with logic, clarity, and conviction. And what he wrote still shapes how Christians worship, think, and speak about God today. He defended icons when the Church was ready to destroy them. He explained the Trinity in words so precise they’re still used in catechisms. He bridged Greek philosophy with Christian faith—centuries before the West caught up. He ...

Unearth the timeless legacy of two extraordinary Christian traditions in one compelling volume. Roots and Renewal: The Assyrian Church of the East and The Orthodox Church in America delivers an unparalleled exploration of faith, history, and cultural endurance. This 2-in-1 book combines "The Assyrian Church of the East: A Beginner's Guide" and "The Orthodox Church in America: A Beginner's Guide", offering a dual perspective that is as rich as it is inspiring. Step into the Cradle of Christianity From the ancient deserts of Mesopotamia, where the Assyrian Church of the East stood as a beacon...

Dive into a world of timeless faith and rich heritage with Two Pillars of Orthodoxy: Serbia and Poland's Sacred Legacy. This 2-in-1 volume seamlessly brings together Serbian Orthodox Church for Beginners and Polish Orthodox Church: A Beginner's Guide—a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and cultural discovery. Uncover Sacred Treasures: Explore the awe-inspiring monasteries of Serbia and the resilient beauty of Poland’s Orthodox sanctuaries. Each location is steeped in stories of devotion and resilience, connecting you to centuries of tradition. Meet Saints and Heroes: From Saint ...

Unlock the mysteries of a faith that has stood the test of time, survived centuries of upheaval, and continues to inspire millions today. Polish Orthodox Church: A Beginner's Guide: An Introduction to Poland's Orthodox Heritage invites you on a journey into a world of rich traditions, breathtaking art, and timeless spirituality. Immerse Yourself in History: From the arrival of Byzantine missionaries to the rise of autocephaly, discover how Poland’s Orthodox Church has shaped and been shaped by the country’s turbulent history. Learn about its resilience during the partitions, its role ...

Allan Krokkos,an ex-pat arrives at a small, remote Greek town.to find a mixed batch of other foreigners already domiciled there .As daily life in the proceeding weeks turns to months and then years the towns dramas,dilemmas and guarded secrets slowly unfold in this drifting, dreamy escape into the every day lives of a sleepy ,insular town in Arcadia

For many generations, a wealthy Russian-American family has been tracking down an important and priceless ancient family relic; the Holy Chalice of their ancestors. This is the gilded cup used by the clergy to serve the Mystery of the Eucharist to the ancient Emperors of Byzantium, and their successors after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. With nothing but dead ends and hard stops to show for their efforts, the family turns to employ Thomas Fernandes, a former Roman Catholic priest who himself was once called upon to recover a holy relic for the Vatican. But the family is not the only ...

What do a bishop from Alexandria and a monk in Damascus have in common? Everything—if you care about the foundations of Christian thought. Orthodox Foundations is two books in one—a compelling beginner’s guide to Cyril of Alexandria and John of Damascus, two towering figures who didn’t just defend Christian doctrine—they forged it in fire. They lived in different centuries. Faced different threats. Wrote in different styles. But both stood at the front lines of the Church’s greatest battles. They argued for truth when compromise was easier. They shaped ideas that still define ...

Mount Athos: The History of the Greek Mountain and the Center of Eastern Orthodox Monasticism looks at the unique region and what life has been like there since medieval times. You will learn about Mount Athos like never before.

Father Thomas Hopko draws on the wisdom of the Orthodox Christian Church and the Holy Scriptures to help us understand same-sex attraction, with both compassion and clarity. Combining theological and pastoral insights, this small gem will aid pastors, those who experience same-sex desires, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the nature of our identity and our sexuality. This book is in reality a primer on how to overcome the passions through the traditional Christian ascetic struggle, which, of course, applies to everyone.

Step into the captivating world of one of Christianity’s oldest and most enduring traditions. Assyrian Church of the East: A Beginner’s Guide is your gateway to understanding a faith that has weathered centuries of persecution, shaped global history, and continues to inspire millions around the world. This isn’t just another history book. It’s an invitation to uncover the spiritual treasures and timeless lessons of a Church that connects the apostles to the present day. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student of theology, or someone seeking deeper spiritual insights, this ...

Unlock the mysteries of a faith that has guided hearts and minds for centuries. Serbian Orthodox Church for Beginners: Rituals, Saints, and Sacred Spaces is your ultimate guide to the rich traditions, spiritual practices, and inspiring history of Serbian Orthodoxy. Dive into the essence of a timeless tradition: Experience the Meaning of Rituals: Explore the significance behind sacred practices like the Divine Liturgy, Slava celebrations, and fasting periods, and how they shape the lives of believers. Connect with Inspiring Saints: Learn about Saint Sava and other pivotal figures whose faith...