Introduction
Introduction to Orthodoxy,
excerpts from The Orthodox Church, by Bishop Kallistos (Ware).
The
Orthodox Church: A brief overview of the Eastern Orthodox Church's
history and teaching. Some contemporary moral questions are also addressed,
as well as the subject of the church building.
GOA Web site: Our Faith. A collection of articles
on various Orthodox Christian topics.
The Eastern Christian Churches, from
the CNEWA Web site. This is "a papal agency for humanitarian and pastoral support", but the information is generally
quite accurate and balanced.
What is Orthodoxy?, by Archbishop Averky
The Way Into the Kingdom of Heaven, by St. Innocent of Alaska.
Recommended Books
The Orthodox Church, by Timothy [now Bishop Kallistos] Ware. This
is arguably the best modern introduction to Orthodoxy in a single volume in English.
You should be aware, however, of the numerous problems with this book
(see the superb lengthy review by
Hieromonk Patapios). The earlier editions of this book are best. Try
to find a used copy of the 1963 or 64 editions.
The Precious Pearl: The Lives of Sts. Barlaam and Ioasaph, by St.
John Damascene. This literary masterpiece of the eighth century was written
with the purpose of drawing non-Christians to Christianity. It is an exceptionally
pleasant catechism of the Orthodox Church and a treasure of Patristic
wisdom. It was written as a sequence of interrelated stories in which
the basic truths of life and the Christian faith are interwoven. Published
by the Institute for Byzantine and Modern
Greek Studies.
The Prologue from Ochrid, by the Blessed Hierarch Nicholai Velimirovich.
This superb four-volume work contains, among other things, the following
for each calendar day: the Lives of Saints, some theological or moral
instruction for consideration, and a homily. His Grace has woven the items
for each day into a Spirit-breathed tapestry that perfectly and inspirationally
presents the Orthodox Faith as a Gestalt. To read these four volumes
is to catch a glimpse of Orthodoxy that few other books can provide. Although
it is best to have your own copy for easy access daily, the Serbian Orthodox
Church, in which Bishop Nicholai served, has kindly put
the entire four volumes on the Internet.
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