Orthodox History

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 ...

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.

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 understandable, deeply authoritative and bestselling book on the Orthodox Church, in a fully updated and revised Third Edition.

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.

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...

Immerse yourself in the profound world of one of the oldest and most fascinating Christian traditions with Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church: A Beginner's Guide. This comprehensive introduction is your gateway to understanding the rich tapestry of faith, culture, and history that defines the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Discover the ancient roots and enduring legacy of a church that has been a beacon of faith for over 1,600 years. With this guide, you'll uncover the deep spiritual practices and vibrant traditions that continue to inspire millions. Unlock the Secrets of Ancient Faith: Delve ...

Unlock the Mysteries of the World’s Oldest Christian Church Step into a world where faith meets history, where ancient traditions still breathe life into modern worship. Coptic Orthodox Church: A Beginner's Guide takes you on an unforgettable journey through one of the most enduring Christian communities, illuminating its spiritual depth, cultural richness, and timeless resilience. Discover how the faith of St. Mark, the church’s founder, flourished in the sands of Egypt. Walk alongside the Desert Fathers and Mothers who shaped monasticism for the world. Experience the beauty of Coptic ...

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.

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 ...

Understanding Christian Denominations: A Guide to Doctrines, Worship, and Beliefs Across the Church Are you curious about the real differences between Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and the many branches of Protestantism? Do you want a clear, concise guide to how Christians around the world understand salvation, scripture, sacraments, and worship? This comprehensive and reader-friendly book breaks down the complex world of Christian denominations—without bias, jargon, or theological confusion. Understanding Christian Denominations explores the key beliefs, practices, and structures that define ...

In an isolated spot on the rocky coastline of northern California, past and present converge, and the lives of people of disparate cultures and backgrounds come together to weave a story of faith and hope. Fort Ross, site of the oldest presence of Orthodox Christianity in the continental United States, is the pivot point for this weaving together of the stories of the first Native American saint, Peter the Aleut, with those of author Robert John Hammond and other contemporary converts to Orthodoxy. Written in a lyrical and impressionistic style, this volume will inspire the reader to delve ...

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.

FAIRACRES PUBLICATIONS 043 Re-printed many times since it was first published, and translated into numerous languages, this book is an invaluable guide at every stage of spiritual pilgrimage. It is a classic exposition of the Jesus Prayer and its use in the Hesychast Orthodox tradition of the prayer of stillness, and the author shows how anyone who prays can apply this teaching to themselves.

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.

The Nicene Creed has stood at the center of Christian belief for more than sixteen hundred years—uniting believers, defining doctrines, and shaping worship across continents and centuries. Yet for many, its phrases remain mysterious, distant, or shrouded in ancient language. This book changes that. It opens the doors of understanding with clarity, warmth, and a sense of discovery that speaks to today’s reader. From the drama of the Council of Nicaea to the powerful meaning behind phrases like “begotten, not made” and “of one substance with the Father,” this guide brings the ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...