Arise, O God by Father Andrew Stephen Damick brings to life the realities behind the events and people of the gospel, enlightening us to the purpose behind what we believe. He takes the time to break down what the gospel is, why we have it, who Jesus is, what He did, and what He expects of us. Things that I never even wondered “why” or “how” about are now clear. It's amazing how we can gloss over so many things.
This book is an important read for EVERY Christian. I would also suggest that especially Orthodox Christians should revisit it every once in a while as a refresher, a pep talk, and a reminder of the gift God has given us. We need to be sure that we are keeping the knowledge of Christ’s victory and our destiny fresh for ourselves as well as our families, neighbors, and communities.

Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick’s book, Arise O God, was an approachable, concise, and INTERESTING read. I had the privilege of listening to his audio book, read by him, which felt akin to one of his podcasts. I highly recommend this book, especially in audio book form. As a busy stay at home mother of three and homeschool teacher, I appreciated having a book to listen to as I went about my day that encouraged my faith and helped me make connections between ancient words that were familiar but without full contextual knowledge. Fr. Andrew helped to bridge the gap from knowledge to wonder, and give an appreciation for Christ and the work of his apostles. I highly recommend this book for those inquiring, those who want to strengthen their faith, or those wanting to know more about church history. I also recommend this book in audiobook form for those who may be busy and want to tackle a book in a few hours time. I left this book encouraged and I wasn’t ready for it to end.

We loved it, and anything by Theophan the Recluse

Like a shout of joy coming from the weary troops as they see their enemy flee, like a trumpet blast announcing the glory of the king, like a song rising up from a people rescued from their captives, comes this book and its summary of the Gospel. Short like the examples just given, similarly clear with its message, and in the same way, exactly what the recipients know, need, and recognize, this book presents the whole picture of the Gospel — who God is, what He has done for us, and how we can participate in this Greatest of all Good News.

That being said, this book is not a market-driven mega-church sales-pitch presentation. “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” “Jesus died so you don’t have to.” “God’s wrath will be poured out on all the unrepentant sinners.” Yes, yes, and yes, but how do those statements actually relate and support each other? With a simplistic understanding of the Gospel — taking any one of those statements as the core “problem” and building one’s theory of salvation upon it — the resulting “gospel message” is incoherent, liable to factious divisions, and ultimately not like the true Water of Life that can slake the soul’s everlasting thirst.

This book takes the full picture of the Gospel and presents it, fully rounded out and complete, in a way that anyone and everyone can understand it and respond to it. The Enemies of mankind — death, sins, devils — have been utterly defeated, you are invited to join God’s victory — routing out the final vestiges of their effects, and the eternal plan for mankind is more glorious than you can imagine — ruling on a throne only angelic bodies are fit to withstand.

Highly recommended for new students, old students, groups or individuals, Christians or not, basically anyone who speaks English and wants to hear the music of the Good Spell and harness its power

We love this beautiful encyclopedia of saints! My boys love NatGeo books, they want the facts; so this book has some real pull for them. Each page has a map of where the Saint served, a cartoony illustration, and a photo of something associated with the that individual. The format is really consistent, and its been lovingly edited together. I love the quick reference tab along the edge with an icon, the saints name and quick biographical information. There are extras at the front and back. This is an investment, and not one that my kids (8-3) will outgrow anytime soon.

Excellent book. We love it!

I was hooked! It says for young adults, but really it’s for adults too.

Great!

I was given my copy in exchange for a review, and I went into this thinking "I have to be completely honest, if it's not something I love, I need to say that." I'm being honest in saying this is exactly what I was hoping it was. The book itself feels good quality, I think the binding and paper will stand up to children's use (as well as anything can). The artwork was just what I was hoping - I worry we overuse iconography on paper where it can be destroyed and 'tossed out' nonchalantly but the artwork depicting the saints is a more modern style which my children love and is not really iconographic. It's beautiful. The variety of saints covered is perfect for American Orthodox children, not emphasizing Russian or Greek or British but a good blend, including Biblical figures, and exactly the most common saints our children encounter (the only patron not included from our family was St. Joseph the Betrothed, my own patron - but maybe in the sequel!)

My children love it, they can look up saints they encounter in their schoolwork or Bible readings or at Church School and a lot of info is packed in about each saint, but broken up into break-out boxes, snippets, etc. so the kids are reading more than they realize. Then the timeline in the back is so helpful for looking at Church History and history in general; we can point out that St. Sebastian Dabovich lived during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, for example, and see that very clearly (timelines work well with our homeschool curriculum too and I think this is a great resource for homeschoolers). If you're a convert family wanting to get familiar with many of the saints you'll hear about, this book is excellent.

So yes, honestly, if I was putting this book together myself, this is the book I would have wanted at the end.

This is a beautiful censer, and its open design allows thorough burning of the charcoal and incense. It doesn’t get too hot to hold, unlike metallic designs. Very happy with it!

When a book is able to speak into the lives and hearts of its readers, it is a good one. When it simultaneously teaches compassion and the importance of living grace to others who are different or inexplicable, it is a great one. This story does both.

I read this book with my 7 year old daughter, who found herself identifying with some of the actions of the protagonist. It allowed us to revisit a tender spot - one where she had removed something from a friend’s house - and to offer opportunity for more healing and peace. My daughter smiled brightly at the ending (while I was in tears).

For me, the simplicity of the descriptions of Tabby’s life were perfectly written for an adult to fill in the blanks of her hardships while my daughter was able to ask questions and we could talk on her level about Tabby’s life, and how many children experience similar conditions. I appreciated the sensitivity and nuance, and loved watching my daughter grow in compassion.

I am sure this will be re-read multiple times over the years by all of my children and it isn’t one that I will not mind reading aloud over and over. This may be my favorite book by Melinda Johnson to date.

Beautiful and a comfort in troubling times.

Beautiful book—my goddaughter is already using it in prayer with her family. :)

This is a favorite prayer book for me and several of my friends. It is wonderful for adults as well as young people, and fits easily in a pocket or purse.

A fresh approach to prayer. I especially like the fact that this is not a book designed for theologians or would-be theologians/ There's not a lot of big word and thesis/dissertation worthy paragraphs. The average person can appreciate it. Very light reading but enlightening at the same time. Very simple and relatable to everyday life.. Makes the idea of prayer seem less intimidating for those who are not accustomed to the practice. I recommend it highly.

This is no ordinary dry book of saints. I am thoroughly loving this most illuminating and colorful book. It is truly a work of art, and it's obviously it was created with much love and respect. I especially appreciate the larger font used so it makes for easy ready for those of us who have vision issues. The book would make a delightful present for Christmas, a Name Day or birthday, or for a Baptism/Chrismation.

I have been Fr. Stephen's blog posts for about a year now. I am not Orthodox, but am hungering for more serious study, and worship.
I am about 80% thru the book and it is very good. I re-affirms what I have always felt: that the life in Christ is lived today, that he is truly Every Where Present. One of my favorite hymns is "Kingdom of Peace" :Tis a kingdom of peace, it is reigning within,
It shall ever increase in my soul;
We possess it right here when He saves from all sin,
And ’twill last while the ages shall roll.

Wonderful book with AMAZING stories...!!! Gives me a wish to visit the monastery.

This is such a comforting & helpful prayer service for those who have lost a loved one! The prayers brought me great peace. I now give this book as a gift of comfort to others & they’ve all come back saying how much they appreciate how helpful it was at such a difficult time. I wish a parish would record the service so that we could also have an audio version available to us. I recorded myself reading it so that I could listen in the car or other times when I’m unable to read it, but I’d much rather hear it in the proper version & tones!

Very well put together!! Love the icon !!