Eastern Orthodox History

In this short, accessible account of the Eastern Orthodox Church, John McGuckin begins by tackling the question "What is the Church?" His answer is a clear, historically and theologically rooted portrait of what the Church is for Orthodox Christianity and how it differs from Western Christians' expectations.   

Welcome to the Orthodox Church - its history, theology, worship, spirituality, and daily life. This friendly guide provides a comprehensive introduction to Orthodoxy, but with a twist: listeners learn by making a series of visits to a fictitious church, and get to know the faith as new Christians did for most of history, by immersion. Mathews-Green provides commentary and explanations on everything from how to "venerate" an icon, the Orthodox understanding of the atonement, to the Lenten significance of tofu.

Eve Tibbs offers a comprehensive, yet very accessible, introduction to the beliefs and practices of the Eastern Orthodox Church for Western listeners. Tibbs has devoted her career to translating the Orthodox faith to an evangelical audience, and she has over 20 years of experience teaching this material to students. Assuming no prior knowledge of Orthodox theology, this survey covers the basic ideas of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, from its origins at Pentecost to the present day.

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 ...

The Foundations of Christian Monasticism Ancient Monastic Rules gathers in one substantial volume the great early guides to the common life: St. Pachomius the Great, St. Basil the Great, St. John Cassian, and St. Benedict of Nursia. Collected by St. Theophan the Recluse from the 1892 Russian edition, this work brings together the spiritual architecture of Christian monasticism: obedience, prayer, labor, fasting, humility, repentance, brotherly love, correction, and the disciplined pursuit of holiness. This is not merely a historical curiosity. It is a treasury of ascetic wisdom showing how ...

Uncover the Depth and Beauty of an Ancient Faith, Thriving in Modern America The Orthodox Church in America is a story of resilience, devotion, and transformation. For centuries, its liturgies, icons, and teachings have drawn seekers to a profound spiritual life, one that balances sacred tradition with contemporary relevance. Orthodox Church in America: A Beginner's Guide: The Timeless Faith in a Changing Land is your gateway to understanding this extraordinary faith, brought vividly to life in a way that speaks to your curiosity and heart. Step Into the Mystique of Orthodoxy: From the ...

From the author of The Habsburgs and The Middle Kingdoms, a lively, 1,500-year history of the shifting borders, imperial conflicts, and cultural fusions on Europe’s eastern edge. In Eastern Europe, historian Martyn Rady traces the long history of Europe’s eastern borderlands, showing how...

In recent years, something curious is happening in the church scene. Some Evangelicals are drawn to the Eastern Orthodox Church (or to Roman Catholicism). The ancient churches offer an alternative to liberal mainline Protestant churches and theologically compromised charismatic and Evangelical churches. They reject the LGBTQ+ agenda, promote protective masculinity, and stand for pro-life issues. While many Christians would still affirm these values, what else is involved in the trade-off? What about the authority of scripture or tradition? Is faith in Christ enough for salvation, or must ...

FAIRACRES PUBLICATIONS 082 In these five essays Fr Stăniloae gives us the essentials of his teaching on prayer. They are the fruit not only of personal experience and long familiarity with the hesychast writings of Orthodox monasticism, but also of the spiritual tradition of his native Romania. Through the texts we are given the outline of the icon of humanity restored to God in Christ.

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 ...

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, ...

The Eastern Orthodox Church, is the world's second-largest Christian church, with more than 260 million members. It operates as a communion of autocephalous churches, each governed by bishops in local synods. In this classic work Prof. Adrian Fortescue describes in detail the history, structure, and current state of the Orthodox Church. An excellent introduction for those seeking to better understand this historic apostolic church.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Miquoting Jesus comes the “marvelous” (Reza Aslan, bestselling author of Zealot) story of how Christianity became the dominant religion in the West. How did a religion whose first believers were twenty or so illiterate day laborers in a remote...

What if the Roman Empire did not truly fall in 476? For nearly another thousand years, an empire centered on Constantinople carried Roman law, imperial government, Greek learning, and Christian faith into the medieval world. Its rulers faced Persian armies, Arab conquests, religious revolts, crusaders, civil wars, and Ottoman expansion—and somehow kept the empire alive. Byzantium for Beginners tells that extraordinary story in clear, engaging language designed for readers who want to understand Byzantine history without getting lost in dense academic detail. Inside, you’ll discover: Why...

For nearly a thousand years following its foundation, there was only one Christian church. Centered in the city of Rome, the church expanded and grew until it became the dominant religion in Europe and beyond. The early growth of the Church had been suppressed by the Romans until the Emperor Constantine became the first to convert the empire to Christianity. From that point forward, the growth of the Church was inextricably linked with the Roman Empire - the most powerful military, economic, and political force in the ancient world.

Unlock the Mysteries of Christianity’s Oldest Traditions. Journey into the heart of two ancient Christian faiths that have shaped the spiritual lives of millions. Exploring Eastern Christianity: The Syriac and Ethiopian Churches reveals the hidden richness, profound beliefs, and enduring legacies of the Syriac Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church—two of the most fascinating and misunderstood branches of Christianity. Discover the spiritual power of these ancient churches, where prayers have echoed through centuries, and where the faith of the earliest Christians ...

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 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...

What happens when a missionary crosses an ocean—and discovers that the people he came to teach have much to teach him? Saint Innocent of Alaska began life as Ivan Popov, the son of a poor church servant in a remote Siberian village. He would become a priest, explorer, linguist, bishop, and Metropolitan of Moscow—but his most important work unfolded far from the centers of power. Traveling through violent storms in traditional skin-covered kayaks, he ministered among isolated communities across the Aleutian Islands. He learned the languages of the Unangan and Tlingit peoples, helped ...

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 ...