RESOURCES FOR ENQUIRERS
Social media and the internet may not always offer the best introductions.
Here are links and recommendations which are generally considered by most of the orthodox world to be "sound".
Come and see!
Visit your local Orthodox Christian church and ask to speak with the priest.
I pray the Holy Spirit leads you home.
(click on underlined links)
1. ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS OF EVERY SERVICE
This site offers English translations for every service of every day - also an App
https://digitalchantstand.goarch.org/goa/dcs/dcs.html
2. BOOKS
Translations matter and study notes matter a lot. Many modern translations clearly lead people towards Western (mis) understandings. This translation is competent and the notes are excellent. Also available as an app!
"THE ORTHODOX WAY" Bishop Kallistos Ware - who shows the meaning of Orthodox doctrine for the life of the individual Christian. His other book.. .also a classic "The Orthodox Church" traces the history and development of the apostolic church.
FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD Fr. Alexander Schmemman.
In For the Life of the World Alexander Schmemann suggests an approach to the world and life within it, which stems from the liturgical experience of the Orthodox Church. He understands issues such as secularism and Christian culture from the perspective of the unbroken experience of the Church, as revealed and communicated in her worship, in her liturgy - the sacrament of the world, the sacrament of the Kingdom.
Understanding and acquiring the Orthodox Christian 'mind'. by Pres' Eugenia Constantinou
We love, honour and emulate our Saints. St Porphyrios is one of the most beloved miracle working, clairvoyant, prophetic and grace-filled modern saints. This book is a rich source of edification, revealing to us how God's grace, and our love for Him can result in our Theosis.
Biblical Scholar, Fr Stephen D Young, presents the Orthodox Christian Church of today as a continuation of the religious life of the apostles, which in turn was a continuation of the life of the people of God since the beginning of creation
A firsthand account of a pilgrim's journey as he endeavours to live St. Paul's instruction to "pray without ceasing". It's about the Jesus Prayer.
3. ONLINE RESOURCES
SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES IN AN ORTHODOX WAY
Explore the bible and the early church with biblical scholar Dr. Jeannie Constantinou (podcasts, books, talks & more)
Ancient Faith Ministries is an incredible online resource with many offerings including radio, podcasts, and a wonderful collection of writers who blog on a range of topics
(Apologetics) This is the first of two videos where Fr. Josiah Trenham discusses his book by the same title. This is an excellent, gracious examination of the protestant world through the Orthodox eyes of a former protestant.
YouTube series covering many and varied themes on EO Christian faith. They talk about heroes and saints, the history of traditions and customs, and how to tie all of this in to our walk with God, our fellowship in the Church, and our path towards Jesus Christ.
AN ONLINE 'SAINTS AND FEASTS' COMPENDIUM
Thousands of articles about orthodox saints and church feast days. The related websites are also worth visiting. https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/p/saints-feasts.html
Especially for our youth...Over 100 brief, fun yet theologically sound videos explaining our faith in an easily understandable manner.
A former feminist turned Orthodox. The wife of a priest. She speaks and writes well. All her books are excellent
The seen and the unseen world in Orthodox Christian tradition. It will blow your mind. It will explain many of the parts of scripture that don't seem to make sense. Lots of pop-culture references too... (also via the Ancient Faith site)
ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING BY FR. THOMAS HOPKO (of blessed memory)
Especially his beautiful talk "From Shadow to Reality"
And on 'the problem of PAIN AND SUFFERING' his "The Word of the Cross" (4 parts)
