The cards are beautiful quality. They were delivered quickly. Very satisfied

Father Lawrence Farley’s book Prayers in the Dark is a pastoral discussion of the Lamentations of Jeremiah and the different ways we experience suffering. After a brief introduction to remind the reader of the context of the Lamentations of Jeremiah, he begins his explanation of the text. In it, he takes each of the five poems and treats them the same way: translation, interpretation, and pastoral reflection. The translations are his own. He takes a few verses at a time, provides his translation and then explains the basic meaning behind the texts. After the whole poem is translated and explained, he takes a particular verse within that poem and provides a pastoral reflection about it in its relationship to suffering. The five pastoral reflections he gives based on the text regard betrayal, poverty, bereavement, sickness, and persecution. I think that each reader will find the pastoral reflections more or less effective depending on what they have experienced or what is most recent. As I read, betrayal, poverty, and sickness were more impactful than the other two based on what I have experienced in my life to this point. The book is not a heavy theological read, but more of a reminder that we have hope in God during suffering, something that is quite present throughout the Scriptures, in the life of Christ, and in the Church. For those who are suffering in some way, which Fr. Farley believes we all are, the book can help us reorient toward our suffering Savior, who not only suffered for us, but also suffers in and with us.

This short book is a very enjoyable read. It breaks down verses of the book of Lamentations and does an excellent job of explaining the historical significance of the passages to the Israelites. The author does a wonderful job of showing the similarity between mistakes that caused Israel's downfall to those that plague modern people. While the book showcases suffering, it also reminds us that suffering can be used to change us for the better.

I purchased this Bible originally for a friend’s son as he wanted a copy to take with him to boot camp, and got one for myself too. It’s beautiful and I’m enjoying the study notes and learning so much as I study Gods word. Highly recommend!!!

This beautifully produced akathist has proven well-worded, and helpful in my attempt to grow closer to my Guardian Angel.

"Prayers in the Dark" is a book I wish I would never need, but know I will.

Fr. Farley's reflections on the book of Lamentations, itself not a part of Scripture I've often dealt on, are concise but powerful. He begins by contextualizing the what (the setting of the sack of Jerusalem and the removal of many of her people) and the why (the prevalence of suffering as a part of the human experience).

From there, he gets into each of the five chapters/poems of Lamentations, going line by line and seizing on key words, elaborating on the context and drawing out nuances for us as readers.

He finishes each section with a reflection on a given topic: betrayal, poverty, bereavement, sickness, and persecution. While I enjoyed simply reading the whole book, where I believe it will shine is as a reference for those in those specific seasons and types of suffering.

Fr. Farley closes the book by identifying key takeaways: Lamentations is an unflinching and honest acceptance of suffering, a blunt reminder that we are sinners and have culpability in our suffering, an exhortation to remember that justice will ultimately come to wrongdoers, and a call to ultimately trust in God and new life in Christ.

In this season of Lent, these are valuable to keep in our hearts.

This is a wonderful, detailed life of St. Gregory by his first biographer, St. Philotheos Kokkinos, who is also a sain!. I especially enjoyed St Gregory’s dialogues with the Turkish Muslims, as well as the details about the saintly life of his father, St. Constantine (Constantius) Palamas. Glory to God for this beautiful work and the readable translation in English with thorough notes.

The egg is beautiful. The design is very intricate and perfect. The red has an orange undertone not seen in the photograph. The stand is a perfect match. This Ukrainian egg is worth every penny I spent.

I purchased several of these books, as I believe that this icon and its prayer have the power to transform lives, my own in particular. It has a lovely presentation, beautiful cover and and font, and is just the right size. Thank you for offering this treasure.

This short book is a very enjoyable read. It breaks down verses of the book of Lamentations and does an excellent job of explaining the historical significance of the passages to the Israelites. The author does a wonderful job of showing the similarity between mistakes that caused Israel's downfall to those that plague modern people. While the book showcases suffering, it also reminds us that suffering can be used to change us for the better.

An excellent account of a journey to Eastern Orthodoxy from Evangelical Protestantism.

I read this as I was travelling to Vilnius Lithuania. It reinforced everything I was reading in Museums and seeing in the Churches. It would have stood fine on its own, but was an incredible resource as a travel guide for me!

In a secular world filled with Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dog Man graphic novels, I’ve been searching for something more meaningful for my 9-year-old — and The Voyage of St. Brendan was a perfect fit.

With brightly colored illustrations and an action-packed storyline, the book follows Father Brendan as he searches for Paradise, accompanied by an unlikely crew and several helpful animals who protect and guide the cast along their journey.

The book even includes historical notes about Saint Brendan, Ireland, and his voyage, along with beautiful iconography and both the kontakion and troparion of this saintly voyager.

This is definitely a win for parents and for anyone who loves graphic novels but is looking for something with deeper meaning and wants to learn more about our Saints.

I received a copy of “The Voyage of St. Brendan” by Mike Stonelake to read with my daughters, ages 4–13. The book is marketed for ages 9 and up, and I would agree with that recommendation. While my older girls were completely captivated and eager to keep reading, a few of the illustrations—particularly the scene of a demon being cast out—were frightening for my 4-year-old.

The graphic novel format is engaging and beautifully illustrated, making the legendary adventures of St. Brendan accessible and entertaining. The story includes many fantastic elements which, as the book notes, may or may not be historically true. Some of these imaginative episodes also prompted thoughtful theological questions from my girls—especially the portrayal of Judas Iscariot being given “days off” from hell—which parents should be prepared to discuss.

Overall, this is a compelling and visually engaging addition to a home library, especially for children who enjoy graphic novels. It presents the life and legendary voyages of St. Brendan in a format that sparks imagination and invites meaningful conversation.

Here is a brief review you could use:

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I received a copy of *The Voyage of St. Brendan* by Mike Stonelake to read with my daughters, ages 4–13. The book is marketed for ages 9 and up, and I would agree with that recommendation. While my older girls were completely captivated and eager to keep reading, a few of the illustrations—particularly the scene of a demon being cast out—were frightening for my 4-year-old.

The graphic novel format is engaging and beautifully illustrated, making the legendary adventures of St. Brendan accessible and entertaining. The story includes many fantastic elements which, as the book notes, may or may not be historically true. Some of these imaginative episodes also prompted thoughtful theological questions from my girls—especially the portrayal of Judas Iscariot being given “days off” from hell—which parents should be prepared to discuss.

Overall, this is a compelling and visually engaging addition to a home library, especially for children who enjoy graphic novels. It presents the life and legendary voyages of St. Brendan in a format that sparks imagination and invites meaningful conversation.

I really enjoyed this book! It explained the Orthodox beliefs about death in a way that is easy to understand. It put a lot of things into perspective and provided comforting thoughts around dying and losing a loved one.

I have found what I have been looking for! Each day is about a paragraph of interesting/inspiring highlights from their holy lives. Well written and easy to understand.

Thank you for this fabulous work!

Now, what would make my life complete is to find a devotional that has a paragraph of a Saint, the Bible verses (written out) for the day, and a finishing prayer/question for the day relating to that Saint/Bible verse with a space to write an answer.
But we can't have everything, can we?

The Voyage of Saint Brendan is in line with the great graphic novel classics like Hergé's work, Tintin in particular. It is a book for all ages, as all can profit from different levels of the story. The illustrations are very professional and each character is carefully developed.
Mike Stonelake has brought St Brendan back to life and made his extraordinary voyage accessible for all to enjoy.
It is a new classic.

The storytelling strikes a beautiful balance between myth and spirituality. Sea monsters loom from the depths, volcanoes erupt in fiery spectacle, and the Isle of the Strong Men feels as mysterious as it is symbolic. One of the most unforgettable scenes, celebrating Pascha on the back of a whale, perfectly captures the book’s blend of awe, humor, and reverence. The episodic encounters, including the hauntingly serene community of silent monks and Brendan’s confrontation with evil spirits, give the narrative a timeless, almost parabolic quality.

Mike Stonelake’s artwork is absolutely stunning. The clean lines, expressive characters, and dramatic seascapes bring both intimacy and grandeur to the journey. Each panel feels carefully composed, immersing readers in both the physical voyage and the spiritual transformation at its heart.
What truly elevates this graphic novel is its depth. Beyond the thrilling encounters, Brendan’s pilgrimage becomes a profound meditation on faith, perseverance, and courage. His growth feels authentic and inspiring, making the legend resonate far beyond its sixth-century setting.

This was my second order of these cards. They are truly beautiful and high quality.