Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches Books

Dynamius the Patrician lived at a turning point in western civilization where the fragments of the old Roman Order were beginning to fade without the edifice of empire to support them. In his time as a legate, Dynamius, appears to have interacted with...

The council of Markabta was the third ecumenical council for the Church of the East, and one that would be held in response to the lack of central authority within the eastern church. Mar Dadisho is responding to various episcopal authorities within the...

This biography of the Frankish king Sigebert II is usually regarded as a work of Imperial propaganda by the later French friar, Sigebert of Gembloux. It does grant some of the remaining folk memory of the interactions of the old Merovingian, but is...

Saint Jean Chrysostome est l'un des plus grands Pères de l'Église orientale, un théologien et un orateur éminent qui a marqué l'histoire de la religion chrétienne. Dans cet ouvrage, les lecteurs découvriront la vie et l'œuvre de Chrysostome, ainsi que...

Both Rome and the Orthodox Church claim to be the Church Christ founded-the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church of the Nicene Creed. How can we judge between these competing claims? This useful and accessible book helps readers to do just that. For...

These six reflections, which meditate upon the sacraments as sources of healing, reveal the wisdom, insight, and wit of Met. Kallistos Ware. He explores the human condition in light of the Orthodox Tradition from many angles: the deep meaning and mystery...

The stories of Fr Arseny and his works in the Soviet prison camps have captured the minds and hearts of readers all over the world. In this second volume readers will find additional narratives about Fr Arseny translated from the Russian edition. These...

Mediation and the Immediate God pursues a long-debated question: How can we say both that God has a direct relationship with each Christian, and that He uses others in order to bring us to health and glory? Edith M. Humphrey explores the ubiquity of...

In the Orthodox Christian faith the elements of liturgy, scripture, hymnody, and iconography are the instruments or "voices" of a melody of faith. Here Vigen Guroian presents the fundamental beliefs of Orthodox Christianity through the metaphor of music...

Anastasius Bibliothecarius, also known as Anastasius the Librarian, was an Antipope during the 9th century. He composed this short collection of documents regarding the first thirty forth Roman Popes. It spans the pontificate of St. Peter in the 1st...

The medieval Russian church was reformed during the early 13th century following the mongol invasion. This is a brief catalogue of twelve letters regarding issues of regional heresy and episcopal jurisdiction. The latter works do make reference to the...

In the year 1166, the Eastern Roman Emperor Manuel I made a request of the head of the Armenian church to compose a short explanation to the history and constitution of their church structure, so that it might remain independent from the Imperial church...

St. Proterius remains a controversial figure in the history of Christianity. His election as the patriarch of Alexandria against Dioscorus, who had been deemed as a heresiarch by the Council of Chalcedon. His arrival in the Roman city resulted in a...

Samuel, the Catholicos of Georgia, addresses Ioane Sabani, expressing his admiration for his dedication to God and the Holy Scriptures. He emphasizes the importance of documenting the martyrdom of Abo, hoping it will be honored within the Holy Catholic...

The narrative centers around holy queen Shushanik, who, while enduring severe physical and emotional torment, conveys a profound sense of joy and acceptance regarding her fate. Despite the attempts of those around her to comfort and nourish her, she...

This medieval account begins with the life of Saint Nino, revered as the enlightener of Georgia, and recounts the tale of Zabilon, a God-fearing man from Cappadocia. Zabilon secures victory in battle and, upon encountering captured enemies, advocates for...

This medieval Georgian work details the ancestry of the Georgian kings, starting with Targamos, a descendant of Noah, who fathered eight renowned sons after the Tower of Babel's language division. Each son received a portion of land, establishing various...

The account of Konstanti Kakhi (Constantine the Georgian) details his life as a devout Christian and his unwavering faith amidst the trials faced by Christians in Georgia. Renowned for his wealth and generosity, Constantine dedicated his life to serving...

The text is a hymn honoring Theodosius, portraying him as a righteous ruler blessed by God. It emphasizes his humility, spiritual dedication, and the miracles he performed through divine grace. The narrative intertwines themes of faith, prayer, and the...

The story of St. Eustathius of Mtskheta unfolds during the reign of King Huasro, highlighting his journey from a Persian healer to a devoted Christian. After embracing Christianity and receiving baptism, Eustathius faces hostility from local magi and is...

This medieval Georgian text recounts the life of King Giorgi and his daughter Tamar, who ascended the throne after his death. Giorgi, known for his benevolence and support of the church, was deeply saddened by his lack of children until Tamar was born...

St. Isidore composed this document to serve as a foundational guide for monastic living, addressing various aspects of monastic life, including the structure and discipline of a monastery, the selection and qualities of an abbot, and the expected virtues...

In this work the Venerable Bede elaborates on the nature and divisions of time, building on concepts introduced in his previous work on Cosmography. The text categorizes time into moments, hours, days, months, weeks, and years, detailing their...

The high medieval text outlines the life of Venerable Bede, a prominent English priest and scholar born in Northumbria in 673. He entered the monastery of St. Peter and Paul at the age of seven, where he was educated and later became a prolific writer,...

This 11th century work outlines the ecclesiastical laws and decrees established by King William of England following the Norman conquest. It emphasizes the independence of bishops from secular courts, mandates that ecclesiastical matters be resolved...

In a letter addressed to the clergy and people of England, King Canute recounts his pilgrimage to Rome, undertaken to pray for the redemption of his sins and the welfare of his kingdoms. He details the support received from Pope John and Emperor Conrad,...

In "On the Holy Fasts," the St. John addresses the necessity of discernment as a divine gift that helps individuals distinguish between good and evil. He articulates the importance of timing in communication, advocating for silence when appropriate and...

In his discourse, Gregory of Nyssa examines the profound mystery of human creation in the image of God. He likens understanding this divine image to looking into a pure mirror, where one perceives not just physical resemblance but also deeper spiritual...

In "The Apology of Saint Athanasius," the Archbishop of Alexandria addresses King Constantius, defending himself against false accusations made by Ursacius and Valens. Athanasius emphasizes his long-standing Christian faith and the pious traditions he...

This work by St. Ambrose explores the theological significance of regeneration through resurrection and baptism. It references the interpretation of Psalm II by the apostle Peter in the Acts of the Apostles, linking the resurrection of Jesus as a form of...

This work by St. Ambrose discusses the comparison between the manna from heaven and the true body of Christ, asserting that while the former is a mere shadow, the latter represents the ultimate truth and sustenance. It highlights the impermanence of...

This work is a prayerful reflection on the challenges of adequately praising the Forerunner of the Word, emphasizing the inadequacy of human speech in expressing true gratitude. The speaker acknowledges the gifts received from the Forerunner and the need...

This works begins with a reflection on the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, illustrating the consequences of procrastination versus preparedness in spiritual matters, particularly in relation to the coming of the bridegroom. It underscores the...

This work extols the virtues and deeds of Saint Brigid, a revered figure in Christianity. The author acknowledges the challenge of her missionary endeavor. The author emphasizes Brigid's noble lineage, her early dedication to good works, and a notable...

In a series of letters, Bishop Pelagius expresses his unwavering dedication to the Catholic faith, emphasizing adherence to the canons established by the apostolic see and the teachings of notable popes. He declares his intention to uphold the doctrines...

This work by the ecumenical patriarch expresses deep sorrow over the departure of a revered leader within the Greek Church, whose virtues and wisdom were unparalleled in the community. It highlights the leader's commitment to righteousness, piety, and...

This early medieval text recounts the life and contributions of Julian, a notable ecclesiastical figure in the province of Carthage. Initially a disciple of Eugenius II, he formed a profound bond with Gudilanus, a deacon, characterized by deep mutual...

The Laws of Yaroslav the Wise, established during the reign of Grand Prince Yaroslav of Kiev, serve as a foundational legal framework for Kievan Rus. They encompass a wide range of topics, including compensation for murder, the handling of theft, the...

In a heartfelt address, Kirill, the Metropolitan of all Russia, implores bishops and priests to adhere to the sacred rules of the Church established by the apostles and early fathers. He expresses deep concern over the disorders within the Church,...

In a passionate defense of Orthodox Christianity, Mark, Bishop of Ephesus, critiques those who have attempted to merge Latin rites with Orthodox beliefs, labeling them as "Greco-Latins." He argues that their teachings, particularly regarding the Holy...

This works serves as a guide to the Orthodox Christian faith, emphasizing the significance of belief in the Holy Trinity, the incarnation of Christ, and the veneration of saints and their relics. It encourages adherents to live a life of humility,...

This text is a heartfelt letter from a ruler, reflecting on his life, faith, and the moral duties of his children. He emphasizes the significance of having a fear of God, performing acts of charity, and maintaining humility. The letter recounts personal...

The volume by John of Damascus addresses the theological debates concerning the nature of Christ and the Holy Trinity. It critiques the views of various heretical groups, including Arius, Eunomius, and Nestorius, who misunderstand the relationship...

John of Damascus' discourse addresses the theological conflict with Nestorianism, asserting the understanding of the Trinity as one essence in three hypostases and the nature of Christ as having two perfect natures-divine and human-united in one...

This discourse explores the profound mystery surrounding the birth of Christ, urging believers to honor this event with silence and reverence rather than engage in speculative inquiries about its nature. The text emphasizes that God's incarnation in...

The text explores the complex relationship between God and evil, asserting that while God allows suffering and trials, He is not the creator or cause of evil. It emphasizes that evil stems from human free will and sin, and that God uses adversity as a...

This text is a heartfelt letter from a ruler, reflecting on his life, faith, and the moral duties of his children. He emphasizes the significance of having a fear of God, performing acts of charity, and maintaining humility. The letter recounts personal...

The narrative presents the life of Saint Peter, a devoted ascetic from the region of Hvoshtan in Diocletia, who dedicated himself to a life of extreme fasting and prayer in the wilderness. Despite familial attachments, particularly to his sister, he...