On the Orthodox Faith, in General
The Faith of the Saints (A Catechism)
by St. Nikolaj Velimirovic
An exposition of the original Christian faith in an easy-to-read question and answer format. An excellent starting place for those who do not know much about what Orthodox Christians believe and why.
Orthodoxy: Courage to be Different; Strength to Remain the Same
by Fr. Mateja Matejic
Explains, with Scriptural support, why the Orthodox Church is the true Church of Christ. Discusses the major differences between Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Thoroughly justifies the Orthodox practices that Western Christians, particularly Protestants, frequently misunderstand and criticize.
The Rush to Embrace
by Fr. Alexey Young
Written by a former Roman Catholic, this book warns about the dangers of thinking that the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches are more similar than different. Discusses, with Scriptural support, some of the Vatican's theological errors, and the spiritual and moral consequences that are happening as a result. Invites discontented Western Christians to learn the truth about Orthodoxy.
Living an Orthodox Life
The Forgotten Medicine
by Archimandrite Seraphim Aleksiev
Shows us how to find true inner peace through the Holy Mystery of Repentance. Addresses the many reasons we are reluctant to confess our sins to God in the presence of a priest, but why such confession is both helpful to our well-being and necessary for salvation.
The Ladder of Divine Ascent
by St. John Climacus
The steps toward spiritual transformation. A book originally written for monks, but its ideals are relevant to everyone, and its advice is applicable to anyone serious about living a life pleasing to God.
Letters from the Desert
by Barsanuphius and John
Hundreds of questions and answers on holy living. Roughly 2/3 of the questions were asked by monastics, and 1/3 by laypeople. Practical advice on everyday topics such as medicine, diets, jobs, money, legal issues, and dreams.
Manual: Confession/Communion
by Fr. Jovan Todorovic
Explains the sacred mysteries of Confession and Holy Communion. Includes prayers for God's forgiveness and advice on how to have a meaningful, healing Confession.
On the Upbringing of Children
by Bishop Irenaius of Ekaterinburg
A very short must-read for parents. Written a century ago, but could not be more relevant today. Ten sermons on raising spiritually healthy, emotionally secure children in a non-Christian world.
The Path to Salvation
by St. Theophan the Recluse
Teaches when and how Christian life truly begins and guides the reader toward spiritual transformation. Contains thorough insight on raising children, including a treatise on Christian parenthood by St. John Chrysostom.
The Way Everlasting
by Amelia Bacic Tulevski
A pocked-sized book of 25 prayerful reflections that guide readers toward repentance, holy thinking, and freedom from worldly cares.
Healing and Care for the Soul within the Orthodox Tradition
The Illness and Cure of the Soul in the Orthodox Tradition
by Metropolitan Hierotheos
A discussion of how the soul can become sick and its relationship with God compromised, and how the Church is the only true hospital for ill souls.
The Meaning of Suffering
by Archimandrite Seraphim Aleksiev
Explains why we so often suffer meaninglessly, and why/how to replace this empty sort of suffering with hope in God.
Orthodox Psychotherapy
by Metropolitan Hierotheos
A thorough, theological explanation of what makes a soul healthy or sick, as well as a justification of prayer (hesychia) for healing. Explains the original Christian understanding of intelligence, thoughts, feelings and passions.
A Psychologist's Ventures in Faith
by Ratibor-Ray M. Jurjevich
A humble and honest account of one psychologist's journey from heresy to Christianity. Provides strong insight into the contra-Christian basis of psychology.
Secularism in Church, Theology and Pastoral Care
by Metropolitan Hierotheos
Explains the dangers of incorporating secular psychology into Christian counseling and care. Also advises against other secularizations of Christianity.
The Triads
by St. Gregory Palamas
A thorough, theologically technical defense of prayer. Encourages prayer (hesychasm) rather than reliance on secular ideas based on classical philosophy. Refutes the incorporation of secularism into theology/Christianity.
