Orthodox Church

For more than a millennium, the Russian Orthodox Church has shown astonishing survival skills—from the Mongol yoke, to tsarist demagoguery and enlightenment, Soviet atheism, the chaotic 1990s and now two decades of Vladimir Putin. In this provocative new book, Lucy Ash reveals how, under Putin, religion is being stripped of its spiritual content and used as a weapon to control the population in a way never seen before. Orthodox clerics and their acolytes are trying to drag Russia backwards into a new Middle Ages.

Homilies on the Feast of Epiphany By St. Jacob of Serugh Step into a realm of divine revelation and timeless wisdom with "Homilies on the Feast of Epiphany" by St. Jacob of Serugh. This profound collection unveils the spiritual richness of the Feast of the Lord's Baptism as seen through the eyes of a revered Church Father. St. Jacob of Serugh's words resonate with the echoes of ancient truth, guiding the reader through the mystical union of Christ with His church at the waters of the Jordan. Journey alongside St. John the Baptist as he adorns the bride of Christ in preparation for the ...

The "Patristic Commentary on the Book of Jonah" offers a rich and profound journey through the Old Testament narrative of Jonah. This text is a read for anyone seeking to understand the enduring relevance of ancient scripture in our modern lives. This commentary invites readers from all backgrounds to delve into the spiritual and historical depths of the Book of Jonah. The work presents a critical approach that challenges the reader to contemplate authorship, symbolism, and the structure of the biblical text, while simultaneously providing a clear and accessible interpretation. Through the ...

Dive into the captivating world of "The Last Romans: A Brief History of the Byzantine Empire," where the echoes of ancient Rome blend seamlessly with the dawn of the modern world. This enthralling book invites readers on a journey through the corridors of history to explore an empire that stood resiliently at the crossroads of civilizations for over a thousand years. "The Last Romans" presents a distilled narrative that captures the essence of Byzantine history—from its inception in 330 AD, when Constantine the Great christened Constantinople as the new capital of the Roman Empire, to its...

In the early chapters of Acts all the Christians were Jews, that was until (1) Peter went to the God-fearing Roman Centurion Cornelius, and (2) some of the Jewish Christians who had fled Jerusalem, at the havoc wreaked by Saul, later started evangelizing the Greek speaking pagan Gentiles in Antioch in Syria. One of these was Titus, who accompanied Paul and Barnabas with their gift for famine relief to Jerusalem and then had a meeting with Peter, James and John. However, throughout the period of time covered by the Acts of the Apostles, all the leaders, all the teachers, all the evangelists ...

In great sweetness and honest feelings, St. Jacob of Serugh recorded for us the moments of Jesus’ ascension as a unique event that shook Heaven and earth. On that great day, the Lord Jesus Christ met with His Church at the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:12), raised His hands and blessed her (Luke 24:50) to enjoy the guarantee of the heavens. And while she was kneeling in front of Him, He raised his hands toward Heaven. This is why St. Jacob stands in amazement, trying to record for us these moments so we can share them. He sees the incarnated Son approaching, the heavenly Groom, holding the lost...

Repentance is an opening up of the heart so it can accept the joyful Kingdom of God; it is the exercise of a son or a daughter who longs to enter inside the new depths of his/her heavenly Father’s bosom; it is a renewal of the inner man as he/she longs to reach the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Epistle to Ephesians 4:13). Indeed, repentance is a renouncing of sins that prevail in the darkness, and the bonding to the divine Light, the Grantor of victory. As for confession, it cannot be separated from true inner repentance. They both work together to fulfill the ...

In a world grappling with uncertainty and the quest for authentic significance,' Patristic Commentary: The Epistle of Jude' emerges as a profound guide, illuminating the path. This work delves into the timeless teachings of Jude's epistle, offering a beacon of hope and a call to unwavering faith that resonates powerfully in our modern era. Jude's words echo with striking relevance as we find ourselves on the precipice of times that mirror the trials of early believers. His warnings against apostasy and the promise of Divine glory through Jesus Christ compel us to stay alert in our spiritual...

If the life of Jesus, our Lord, has ended with His death on the cross or His burial in the sepulcher, which is not possible, because in Him is the power of the resurrection and life and thus it is impossible for corruption to grab hold of Him. His mission would have failed and the cross would have not been able to reveal God's true and active love for mankind, able to forgive the sins and raise the dead. Hence, the life of Jesus, our Lord, on earth would have become a mere humane story recorded by history, and the cross would have been considered a disgrace, and the disciples would have ...

Encounters of Love and Faith with Saint Cyril VI: Stories of Love, Humility, and the Power of Prayer from Contemporary Men of God Dive into inspirational tales of faith and dedication with "Encounters of Love and Faith with Saint Cyril VI," a compelling booklet that illuminates the unique lives and actions of contemporary Coptic Orthodox Church figures, Anba Samuel, Father Saleeb Soryal and Father Matta El-Meskeen with saint Pope Cyril VI. That collection showcases the profound impact of living in Christ according to biblical teachings, emphasizing the undeniable power of prayer, love, and ...

Step into the spiritual wisdom of the beloved Apostle, St. John. John. This New Testament Patristic Commentary Series volume delves into the timeless truths of love, truth, and vigilance against deceit, offering a pathway to deepen their relationship with Christ and His Church. In this commentary, the gentle yet powerful voice of St. John the Beloved resonates, calling us to abide in love that springs from the truth—Christ Himself. This epistle, uniquely addressed to a “chosen lady and her children,” reminds us of the unity and equality we share in Christ, who unites us beyond ...

In a world often shrouded by darkness and closed doors, discover the profound message of hope and renewal in "The Feast of the Ascension: Opened Gate." This pamphlet invites readers on a spiritual journey to understand the significance of Christ's Ascension. Explore how the Ascension opens the gates of Heaven and transforms our lives. Learn how Jesus, through His sacrifice and love, demolishes the barriers of sin and despair, offering us a path to eternal joy and communion with God. Feel your heart uplifted as you contemplate the open gates of Heaven, the renewal of your soul, and the ...

Encounters of Our Savior Jesus Christ with Families: A Journey from Resurrection to Ascension Inspired by the Holy Fifty Days This booklet explores the timeless wisdom and divine encounters of Our Savior Jesus Christ with families, as inspired by the Holy Pentecost Season. Rooted in the rich traditions of the Coptic Orthodox Church, it brings to life Christ's practical and relevant teachings. Join us as we explore the sacred moments when Jesus engaged with families, revealing His divine plan and love for all. From the joyous greeting of St. Mary to Elizabeth to the powerful lessons imparted...

In this fifth book of the apologetic discipline series, we will examine practical insights for continuous development of the apologist’s ministry. In addition, we will revisit the foundational creeds which should fortify the apologist’s ministry. We will also explore modern considerations for engaging in apologetic ministry presently.