I always enjoy your occasion cards. They are unique, meaningful, and powerful. Thank you for these wonderful cards. They keep Christ at the center of the message. Praise the Lord. God Bless all of you.

This book was a great read. Archpriest Soucek (May his memory be eternal) presents the essential bits of everything from Church history, to the Sacraments, and gives the reader a how and why for everything in terms that are easy to read and understand. As a bonus, the layout of the book makes it easy to go back and reference later. It is a smaller book so it is easy to carry in a courier bag, and keep on you.

Great size for my wrist (about average size male). Durable and the knots don’t over tighten and separate. Highly recommend!

Simple. Attractive. Does the job.

There are some books that inform the mind—and then there are those rare works that quietly illumine the soul. The Essentials: An Orthodox Christian Catechism by Archpriest Pavel Soucek belongs firmly in the latter category.
From the very first pages, this catechism reveals itself not merely as a manual of doctrine, but as a pastoral offering—something written by a priest who deeply loved Christ, His Church, and the people entrusted to his care. Fr. Pavel does not overwhelm the reader with abstraction or academic density. Instead, he guides gently, clearly, and faithfully into the heart of Orthodox Christian life.
At its core, this book accomplishes what every true catechism is meant to do: it teaches the faith in a way that is both accessible and transformative. Covering foundational elements such as the Nicene Creed, the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments), and the interplay of Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition, it provides a concise yet complete framework for understanding what it means to live as an Orthodox Christian.
But what makes this work truly shine is its tone. There is a warmth here—a spiritual fatherhood—that cannot be manufactured. You sense throughout that this is not merely information being transmitted, but life being shared. The explanations are clear without being shallow, and profound without ever becoming inaccessible. It is, in many ways, a conversation rather than a lecture.
For the catechumen, this book is a lantern lighting the path into the Church. It removes confusion without stripping away mystery. It answers questions while awakening deeper ones. It invites participation—not just intellectual assent, but full immersion in the sacramental life of the Church.
For the longtime Orthodox Christian, it serves as something equally valuable: a return. A return to first principles. A reminder of why we believe what we believe—and more importantly, why we live as we do. In an age of distraction and spiritual fragmentation, The Essentials calls the reader back to simplicity, to clarity, and ultimately to Christ Himself.
Fr. Pavel’s background as a pastor, iconographer, and musician subtly permeates the text. There is a sense of harmony in how the teachings are presented, each part of the faith fitting together into a coherent and beautiful whole. This is Orthodoxy not as a collection of doctrines, but as a living, breathing reality.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this book is its humility. It does not attempt to be exhaustive. It does not claim to replace the richness of the Church’s lived tradition. Instead, it acts as a doorway—one that opens into the fullness of Orthodox life. And in doing so, it fulfills its purpose perfectly.
In the end, The Essentials: An Orthodox Christian Catechism is exactly what its title promises—and yet far more. It is not just a summary of the faith; it is an invitation into it. It is a small book with a vast heart.
For anyone standing at the threshold of Orthodoxy—or even those who have walked within her walls for years—this book is a gift. A steady guide. A quiet companion.
And above all, a reminder that the Christian life is not simply something to be learned, but something to be lived.
Subdeacon Constantine (Charlie) Stayton
March 31st 2026

There are explanations in this book that I needed and didn’t even know!!

As a newly baptized Christian coming from a Protestant background, I had no framework with praying, fasting, and almsgiving in an Orthodox way. This little book helped me make a start and gave me a lot of relief. I loved it so much that I’m giving it away to new catechumens at my church!

Excellent material, very helpful explanations! I love the beautiful, sturdy cover.

This book takes young children along on a hard-hats-only view of building a church building. In the course of twelve page spreads, they are invited to engage with the whole process: from the decision to build; to the excavating; to the painting; to the first “Blessed is the Kingdom!”
While they follow the building process (from a safe distance!), Bethany Marr simultaneously encourages her readers to build the “church” that is their life. She shows parallels between building a church building and building up holiness in one’s life. Fans of Nicholas Malara’s art will delight in the humorous style he has adopted for illustrating this board book.
This book is sure to be a favorite of young readers who are interested in construction; those who enjoy observing details; anyone who loves humor; and all who love the Church. Because of its easy language and colorful details, young readers will want to read it again and again. While not every reader will be given the opportunity to see their own parish build a church building in their lifetime, they all are building their holy life in the Church, so this book applies to everyone!

Let’s Build Our Church is a thoughtfully crafted children’s book that successfully weaves together spiritual concepts with the familiar process of constructing a physical building. One of its greatest strengths lies in the clear and engaging parallels it draws between faith and structure, helping young readers begin to understand abstract ideas through concrete imagery.
The illustrations are particularly noteworthy—rich in detail, inclusive in representation, and reminiscent of the lively, exploratory style found in classic Richard Scarry books. Each page offers something new to discover, making the reading experience both interactive and enduring. The inclusion of lighthearted, humorous elements within the artwork provides a welcome balance to the book’s more serious themes, keeping young audiences engaged without diminishing the message.
Overall, Let’s Build Our Church is a warm, engaging, and thoughtfully illustrated book that blends faith-based lessons with playful, inclusive visuals. It is a valuable addition to any child’s library, particularly for families seeking meaningful stories that represent the Orthodox life and grow with their children over time.

Fits perfectly in our hanging vigil lamps. Thanks!

Let’s Build Our Church is funny, adorable, and great to pull out for restless kiddos during church. The concept is that a new parish is being built and consecrated. It covers things like planning (parish council meetings), construction, and beginning the first service in the church. This little book is such a gem for a wide range of little kids—littlest ones can have the labels read to them, and bigger ones can appreciate the analogies (like St. John the Forerunner preparing the way for Jesus like the roller prepares the ground for construction, and the Theotokos lifting our prayers carefully like the beams are raised carefully).

The vibe is Richard Scarry, with a good mix of real and hilarious labels (realistic - priest’s vestments. Hilarious - a psalti truck and potluck truck to go along with the lumber and cement trucks, with the chanters hanging on for dear life). Every page has some good chuckles on it for adults (a perpetually tired presbytera, the panicking treasurer, a gnome-like bishop).

The parish is visually Eastern-rite, only reference to a jurisdiction is one matushka label, so should be pretty universally appreciated. Notable for children's books--there is DIVERSITY. There's not just one token person of color, there are many in different roles, and with different shades of skin instead of just one apricot shade and one brown shade. There are women with head coverings and those without. People have different hair, faces, and noses (noses that I specifically recognize from people I know).

As for critiques, these are a little nit-picky, but when you make a great book, those are the sort of critiques that are left to mention!
 I'd love to see even MORE word labels in the later part of the book. Also, the back cover specifies that book is for 1-5, but while it’s good for those ages, the actual plot-related text is appropriate for older kids, especially the more symbolic talk like the Theotokos’s arms lifting up our prayers to heaven and St. John preparing the way for Christ like how the roller prepares the ground for building. The comparisons are fine to read to littles, but elementary school kids will get way more out of that aspect of it! I’d LOVE to see a paperback version without that age recommendation that’s big enough to be seen during read-alouds in Sunday School (but don't get rid of this purse-sized edition)!

I got a free copy to review, but liked it enough that I'm buying more for gifts. I take reviews and books seriously--honesty about pros and cons is the only way to be able to trust a review!

The large print and layout is great, but I thought of a way to improve it:

Could this be a spiral bound book so that it can sit open in our prayer corner?

with love in Christ, Fr Dave

I would have liked more in the package for the same price. Thanks.

I can always find the perfect gift for everyone at the Ancient Faith Store! Ordering is easy and delivery is fast. I’ve taken advantage of the many half price books this March. I’m ready for gift giving for many occasions this spring.

Our church will be building a new church soon, hopefully. We are bursting at the seams!!!!

I have been reading the book for more than three years, though sometimes, I’m not persistent reading it every single days of a year.
I gave one to my daughter-in-law, and long time friend who is not yet an Orthodox. I have given it because I thought about it for a long time if I should do it or not. Final analysis is I just do, and the rest God will have to do whatever I could not do anything about it.

It's so hard to find good Christian cards out there. These are great quality with excellent messages inside. This Lutheran will definitely be back for more!

Excellent prayer book, easy to read and follow , I highly recommend this book.

Nice and compact. Has just enough to pray at all times.