Smaller than I thought, but absolutely beautiful.

Wonderful!

No matter how long you have been Orthodox, it is almost certain that when you read Thinking Orthodox: Understanding and Acquiring the Orthodox Christian Mind by Dr. Eugenia Constantinou, you will lower the book and say, “Really? I had no idea!” at least once. I certainly did, and not just once but a number of times. For this reason, I strongly recommend this new work from Ancient Faith Publishing: it brings to light the essential components of Orthodoxy, which can enrich the reader’s understanding of the Church, its relationship with Tradition, and the nature of its theology.

Dr. Eugenia Constantinou has taken on a formidable challenge in writing about the process of “thinking Orthodox.” Some readers may approach the book unaware that thinking Orthodox is even a thing, but others may have realized that the Orthodox faith stamps its adherents with a distinctive mindset or approach. This realization is the starting point of Dr. Constantinou’s 380-page book in which she explains, to converts and cradle Orthodox alike, the elements that characterize the particular nature of Orthodox thinking.

Given the scope of the task, there might be the danger of a reader becoming lost; however, the book is laid out in a highly structured fashion to guide the reader through the book’s argument. Part 1 of the book discusses the Orthodox Phronema (more about that in a bit), Part 2, Orthodox Theology and the Shaping of Phronema, and Part 3, the Application of Orthodox Theology. In brief, phronema is a Greek word which can be translated as “mentality,” “stance,” or “approach.” The Orthodox phronema, according to Dr. Constantinou, is “the foundation of Orthodox Christianity.” Moreover, “[i]t is usually unexpressed and unexamined, and rarely discussed, but it affects not simply what we believe and why but—above all else—how we think” (15).

Besides this central concept of phronema, the other fundamental ideas in this book are Tradition and theology. They are intertwined and complex, and Dr. Constantinou carefully examines many aspects of each. The value of the book lies not only in its ideas, but also in the erudition the author brings to the topic and her clear, forceful writing style. Still, the book is not a quick read. The academic in Dr. Constantinou requires in-text footnotes and, as the book progresses, increasingly more and lengthy quotations from Church Fathers and other theologians. These will reward the patient reader but may frustrate the reader looking for a quick dose of theology. Nevertheless, for those who are willing to dedicate themselves to the task, Dr. Constantinou fills the book’s chapters with so many thought-provoking ideas that they will surely wish to read the book again, to gain even more insights from it.

The first two-thirds of the book will be of great interest for its treatment of Orthodox phronema and Tradition. The last third of the book, devoted to the topic of theology, may be more relevant to a person who wishes to practice theology or make theological pronouncements. In this last section, Dr. Constantinou rebukes armchair theologians and “dabblers,” particularly those who show off their theological acumen (or lack of it) online. To an extent, she is taking on Internet culture, in which “everyone’s an expert” (p. 250). She brings the Church Fathers to bear on the topic of the theological dangers and responsibilities of those who claim to be theologians, and treats this topic at length. No wonder she opens her book with a quote from St. Gregory: “I think it is dangerous either to accept the responsibility for other souls or to take up theology.” The book issues a warning to those who would confuse theology with democracy, and in a larger sense rebukes our Internet age, where a little knowledge is easily gained and anyone who wants a platform for their knowledge can readily procure one.

Dr. Constantinou’s book is a valuable resource for those wishing to come to a deeper understanding of the faith and the Church. It is staunchly, unapologetically Orthodox, and as such will probably be more influential to readers who are already on the path to Orthodoxy rather than to loyal Catholics or Protestants, whose beliefs come in for some sharp criticism. (Speaking of Anselm of Canterbury, the author states, “And yet Anselm’s theology is crude, faulty, shallow, simplistic, and manifestly inferior to the understanding of salvation among the Church Fathers” (71).) But for Orthodox-leaning readers, Thinking Orthodox should be a richly rewarding work that they will turn to time and again.

Beautiful Christmas cards that reflect our faith in Christ and honor His birth!

This is a gem of a prayer book, rich in blessings. I bought it to draw closer to the Theotokos by prayers used by the Saints. It stirs my heart and enlightens my spirit. Have purchased 3 more to give to friends. Highly recommend it!

Simple, strong design well crafted with good detail. Becoming one of my wife’s favorites.

This bible is awesome! 100% buy it! God bless!

The Sweetness of Grace: Stories of Christian Trial and Victory is by far one my favorite of books read in 2020. I had the pleasure of listening to it on Audible and I truly enjoyed hearing Matushka Constantina tell her stories aloud and it made it feel as if you were sitting with her surrounded by Holy Icons as she read. She and her husband have been blessed with being able to travel and have many encounters with monastics over the years during their time in Greece, Korea, and North America. She is a masterful storyteller and relays the experiences, teachings, miracles, and other encounters with holiness and weaves them into a beautiful tapestry and colors them with Scripture and the writings of the church Fathers. The stories are grouped into eight chapters, one for each Beatitude.

These vignettes make one long for holiness and a more intimate knowledge and relationship with Christ. While many of us, especially in North America, do not have easy access to monastics (especially in these most recent days), Constantina gives us a window to look and see that Christ is real and a life of devotion to him is possible both in and outside of a monastery. Her stories also made me realize that we often are to busy to seek the blessings that Christ has to offer us – whether it be the blessing from our own parish priest, visiting clergy or a pilgrimage to a nearby monastery. Miracles, blessings and answers to prayers abound if we are open to acknowledge them and receive them. As I listened to this book, I would very often be reminded of Isaiah 55:6, “Seek the Lord while he may be found..”

This book is written in a very conversational style, which makes it completely approachable for a nice long listen, but I also wound up purchasing the written copy so that I could keep it on my nightstand to read and ponder a specific story or miracle that she relayed.

I cannot recommend this book enough. It beautifully depicts the teachings of the Orthodox Church and offers inspiration to continue the journey toward (and I paraphrase): “attaining holiness, tasting the sweetness of Grace, and living a life of blessedness.”

This book should be the first one read by anyone inquiring into the Orthodox faith. I have been interested in Orthodoxy for several years. I have not read a book on Orthodoxy that was as comprehensive, through or well organized. Even though it is over 300 pages I read and absorbed it quickly. I has given me a very positive view of Orthodoxy.

Loved it as soon as I opened the box. Very happy!

Excellent as was dr. Ross’s last book!

The most thorough, down to earth, easy to understand yet at the same time deep book that for the enquirer or catechumen will embrace them with our Faith and for cradle Orthodox and those that have been Orthodox for some time will aid them in their ability to share their Faith with others with understanding, reverence and respect. I absolutely love this book! You will truly be blessed!

I found written in words what my heart has desired for so long.

Lovely cross, super value, was able to buy several for godchildren for Christmas.

A beautiful reminder of the Theotokis pointing the way to Christ.

This book on the theology of disability enlightens the reader in the many way that God enriches our lives and the lives of people with disabilities. We are all seen as less than perfect, and this book points our how we can reflect God in our lives and the way we treat others.

My children practically fought over this! We got it for our 13 yr old daughter for St. Nikolas Day and her younger brothers loved it just as much as she did. Beautiful illustrations and inspiring story of a beloved Saint.

Beautifully done-I was pleased with the quality.

Perfect Christmas present for my mum!

Simple and profound, just like the prayer.