Educational Resources
Educational Resources and Homilies on theHoly Orthodox Faith.
How to Receive Communion (Reverence for the Real Presence)
In this video, His High-Eminence Orthodox Metropolitan Hillarion takes us through simply the best practice to take Holy Communion.
Why Should a Protestant Consider the Orthodox Church?
In this video, Fr. Josiah Trenham gives a few answers to common questions from Protestant christians.
Acquiring the Mind of Christ
Acquiring the Mind of Christ is an easy-to-read collection of essays by our revered abbot, Fr. Sergius, whose wise words, whether in confession or in sermons have been treasured by the monastery community. Contained in this little volume are reflections on the Divine Liturgy as life, prayer, beauty, monasticism, and the outline of a “ten-minute” prayer rule.
The right-reverend, Archimandrite Sergius serves as the 16th Abbot of St. Tikhon’s Monastery. He is a graduate of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, where he currently teaches spiritual formation. Fr. Sergius has traveled extensively for the Monastery and Seminary giving talks and retreats.
Holy Scripture and the Church
This is one of the best essays on Holy Scripture from a modern Saint from Russia. He speaks about Protestantism, German scholasticism, the problem of many thousands of interpretations of a single passage, individualism, and much more. How do we know what the true interpretation of Holy Scripture is? Where can we find knowledge that is truly profitable to the salvation of our soul?
How Christmas is Celebrated in Different Countries
While Christmas is celebrated all over the world, every nation has its own special way to commemorate this great feast.
Do you know which country has a tradition of burning an oak branch on Christmas? Have you ever wondered why they wear white sheepskin clothes for Christmas in Georgia? Have you ever tried Christopsomo?
An Orthodox Perspective on Biblical Interpretation
Dr. Mary Ford from St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary gives us an Orthodox perspective on how to approach the interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. A great resource.
Spiritual Counsels 5: Passions and Virtues
An essential book on the passions and virtues of the soul from one of the greatest modern Orthodox Saints, St. Paisios of the Holy Mountain.
Wounded by Love
Elder Porphyrios, a Greek monk and priest who died in 1991, stands in the long tradition of charismatic spiritual guides in the Eastern Church which continues from the apostolic age down to figures such as Saint Seraphim of Sarov and Staretz Silouan in modern times. In this book he tells the story of his life and, in simple, deeply reflected and profoundly wise words, he expounds the Christian faith for today.
Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives
Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica was one of the most renowned spiritual guides of Serbia in the twentieth century. As a novice he lived in obedience to Elder Ambrose of Miljkovo Monastery, a disciple of the Optina Elders. From him Fr. Thaddeus learned the Prayer of the Heart and the selfless love that came to characterize his whole ministry to the suffering Serbian people.
In 2002 Elder Thaddeus reposed, leaving behind a large collection of his teachings, preserved by his faithful spiritual children. His life, teachings, and spiritual conversations are here presented for the first time in English.
The Longer Catechism of the Orthodox, Catholic, Eastern Church
“What is Christian hope?” According to the Longer Catechism, Christian hope is "the resting of the heart on God, with the full trust that he ever cares for our salvation, and will give us the happiness he has promised." Succinctly and authoritatively, this and many other questions were asked and answered in St. Philaret of Moscow's Longer Catechism, which he composed in order to assist the faithful in understanding the essentials of the Orthodox Christian faith and way of life. Totaling six hundred and eleven questions and answers, it organizes its subjects on the three pillars of Faith, Hope, and Love, and under each respective heading treats of the Creed, the Lord's Prayer and Beatitudes, and the Ten Commandments. This immensely valuable work has stood the test of time and will continue to be a resource for bishops, priests, deacons, laity, and catechumens, for teaching, learning, and reinforcing the truths of our faith.
The Law of God
Upon opening this book the believer will find himself in the catechetical school of Father Daniel, will hear his living voice, and will delve into the profound inner world of this talented priest, Christian author, exegete, and missionary.
The Beginnings of a Life of Prayer
The beginnings of prayer arise from the longing of the heart to know God, to rest in Him Who showed His love upon the precious Cross, to abide in the fullness of communion with Him. In the present book a primer on prayer Archimandrite Irenei first prepares the ground by helping us to count the cost (Luke 14:28) of our lives as Christians, to take stock of the spiritual struggle we must undertake if we are to ascend toward God in prayer. Then, based on a sober appraisal of our lowly condition and of the worldly and demonic influences that assail us, he helps us to adorn our inward beings as temples of prayer.
Great Lent
This revised edition of Father Alexander Schmemann's Lenten classic examines the meaning of Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, the Prayer of St Ephraim the Syrian, the Canon of St Andrew of Crete and other neglected or misunderstood treasures of Lenten worship. Schmemann draws on the Church's sacramental and liturgical tradition to suggest the meaning of Lent in our life.
Indication of the Way into the Kingdom
So begins this direct and heart-warming introduction to the Christian life that was first composed for the Aleut people of Alaska in the early nineteenth century. This book offers a classic Christian response to questions that we all must address at some point in our life: Why are we here and where can we truly find happiness and prosperity? In a time when the futility of the never-ending pursuit of material gain is being recognised more widely this work is more relevant then ever.
The Faith We Hold
This unpretentious little book was written “to describe Orthodoxy from the inside to those outside.” At the same time, as its author suggests, it may serve as “an Episcopal pastoral letter” for the Orthodox themselves, for it deals with Orthodox faith in its most basic elements, revealing with remarkable simplicity and directness its messages of salvation for all mankind.
The Way of the Ascetics
Way of the Ascetics is a rich, compact introduction for modern readers to the Eastern Christian spiritual tradition that has been an inspiration to millions for centuries. These compassionate and insightful reflections on self-control and inner peace are meant to lead the readers to fuller union with God. The author makes a generous selection of succinct yet profound extracts from the spiritual Fathers and provides an illuminating commentary and practical applications for daily devotion. He tempers austerity with common sense, warmth, and even humor, as he urges us on our journey toward God.
The Way of the Pilgrim
This enduring work of Russian spirituality has charmed countless people with its tale of a nineteenth-century peasant's quest for the secret of prayer. Readers follow this anonymous pilgrim as he treks over the Steppes in search of the answer to the one compelling question: How does one pray constantly? Through his journeys, and under the tutelage of a spiritual father, he becomes gradually more open to the promptings of God, and sees joy and plenty wherever he goes. Ultimately, he discovers the different meanings and methods of prayer as he travels to his ultimate destination, Jerusalem.
St. Alexis Toth on the Papacy
St. Alexis Toth answer questions regarding the infallibility of the Pope, the authority of the Papal Office, indulgences, purgatory, the authority of the Ecumenical Councils, and more…
St. Alexis Toth of Wilkes-barre on “What is the Church?”
This a reading from the writings of St. Alexis Toth on what is the Church. In here he shares his thoughts on the Pope, Protestants, St. Peter as the head, the binding and loosing of Peter, and more…
St. Ignatius the God-bearer of Antioch
Here is a reading of the life of St. Ignatius of Antioch the 1st century martyr and Apostolic Father of the Church.