Top 5 Must-Read Orthodox Books for Every Believer

Orthodoxy is an intriguing sect of Christianity consisting of strong faith, a rich history, and spiritual traditions. If you want to learn more about Eastern Orthodox beliefs, rituals, or Church fathers, you need to get your hands on well-written Orthodox books. These can be very informative and effectively spark your interest in Orthodoxy while enhancing your knowledge and faith.

There are many Orthodox Christian books present for you to choose from. However, if you’re just starting out, navigating through the immense world of Orthodox literature can be overwhelming and confusing. If you find yourself in this position, then you have come to the right place.

Top 5 Best Religious Orthodox Books

This article recommends five books that are rich sources of information related to Orthodox Christianity and will promote your spiritual awakening. The list is short and simple, so you can get started right away and then keep adding to this list with time as you increase your faith, and capacity to learn more about the eastern Orthodox Church. Read on to see the top 5 best books on Orthodox Christianity.

Wisdom of the Divine Philosophers

The first item on this list is a series of four books. The Wisdom of the Divine Philosophers’ series is a collection of thoughts and quotations from revered saints of the Orthodox Church, which shed light on modern challenges and how to face them with the clearsightedness of Orthodox teachings. It comes in four volumes, and each book opens a portal for comprehending the Orthodox Christian beliefs and teachings.

You can buy these books individually or as a collection at the Orthodox Calender Company website.

Volume I

Volume I consists of impactful quotations from venerable saints on 76 topics, such as humility, forgiveness, and kindness. It also features the life story of St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite in addition to other stories on the desert fathers, as well as an index of each saint and elder.

Volume II

The second edition includes insightful quotations from saints and church elders on 77 topics, different from the ones mentioned in Volume I, for example, miracles and hope. It also includes a summarized life story of St. Seraphim of Sarov.

Volume III

Volume III includes quotations from 129 Church fathers and mothers. This book imparts their wisdom on topics that are more related to the current audience, such as depression, dreams, Christian women, thankfulness, stinginess, and many more. It also includes the life story of St. Isaac the Syrian.

Volume IV

The fourth edition is another timeless book on Christian wisdom and includes guidance on more contemporary topics such as modesty, modern society, adultery, motherhood, raising children, and so on. This volume also includes the farewell letter St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia wrote to his children in the faith.

Christology

Written by St. Nektarios of Pentapolis, Christology explores the anticipation of the Savior by different nations and countries. The book offers an Orthodox Christian perspective on both versions of Jesus Christ, God, and Man, and focuses on themes such as the Incarnation and His mission to redeem humanity. St. Nektarios provides a clear and spiritually insightful explanation of Christological teachings, inspired by the Scripture, the Church Fathers, and Orthodox Tradition.

Glorified in America

The book provides a fascinating look into the lives, turmoils, and legacies of esteemed saints such as St. Alexis Toth, St. Raphael of Brooklyn, St. John Maximovitch, Elder Ephraim of Arizona, and many more. It consists of inspiring stories of the revolutionary missionary challenges they endured and their crucial role in spreading Orthodoxy in America. Their virtue, miracles, and unwavering dedication to Jesus Christ have established them as pillars of faith in America, leaving a lasting influence on Orthodox Christians for years to come.

The Orthodox Psalter

The Psalter is a significant book in Christianity as it contains sections of the religious teachings that are easy to contemplate and discuss. The Orthodox Psalter is no exception and this version contains expositions by St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil the Great, St. Athanasius, and St. John of Damascus, among others, that impart wisdom that makes it easy for anyone to understand the religious passages.

Orthodox New Testament

No Orthodox books list can be complete without including the Orthodox Bible - as the book that all other books eventually spring from makes an essential contribution to this list. The Orthodox New Testament is one of the best versions of the Bible for Orthodox Christians as it is rich in explanations by revered saints such as St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil the Great, St. Athanasius, and St. John of Damascus. It offers commentaries and various interpretations to simplify complex passages and make them easy to understand for modern readers. It comes in two volumes - Volume I & Volume II.

Conclusion

Orthodox books are one of the best ways to enhance knowledge, comprehension, and faith in Orthodox doctrines and traditions. The inspiring lives of many prominent saints and Church fathers illuminate the path for modern-day believers to face their challenges with steadfast faith and sound wisdom. These spiritual book recommendations are the simplest way to start your Orthodox journey and will only propel you towards seeking more knowledge of the Orthodox faith.