As a convert from Protestantism 25 years ago, I have always struggled with my "relationship" with Saints. I always felt that they were unapproachable and in a special corner of Heaven where the "cool kids" sit and if I offered a prayer to them, they would smile and wave, but .... This book completely shattered that lifelong wall that that I had built between myself and the Saints. These stories about strong women saints are personal, inspiring, but most importantly, relatable. In the story of St. Casilda, Melissa Naasko talks about how meeting saints is like a dinner party where we meet others --- sometimes it is because we want to get to know them, sometimes a friend introduces us, and other times they want to get to know us. This book IS that dinner party where we are introduced to Sts. Morwenna, Kassiani, Ia, Nino, Piama, Margaret, and Casilda by the authors as if they are friends. Friends who want to help us on our Christian journey and to whom we can pray, talk and ask for their help and guidance. They will welcome us with open arms and intercede to the Father for us. But these stories are not just about the seven saints, they are about the seven authors who share their struggles, vulnerabilities, but ultimately their Faith in God and how the lives and stories of the Saints lead us towards Christ. It is an interactive book with thought-provoking questions and prompts for journaling or contemplation, but as the title says, it truly is a conversation with Saints and Friends.

Sometimes when I have been struggling with something, I will talk to my wife's priest. While I am not Orthodox, that is not a problem with us as he's more than happy to help me with things. I also think wisdom can be found outside of one's own tradition (And even religion) and if we as Christians ever think it's only people of our theological heritage that have true wisdom worth gaining, that is a very sad state.

Right now with some present circumstances, I have been in normally a state of seasonal depression. When I mentioned the word depression to him, he turned it into despondency. At that moment, I remembered I ordered for my wife who is a catechumen in the Orthodox Church the book Time and Despondency. I decided to get it out and give it a try.

Let's start with one excellent thing about this book. The author does not come out as someone high and holy and thus you read the book and think 'I will never reach this level.' Nope. Roccas is a fellow traveler on the journey and she too would prefer at times to do something like binge watch Netflix.

She definitely writes from an Orthodox perspective, but that does not overwhelm the book so much that others won't benefit. As a Protestant, I found much of the advice helpful. The advice of great saints is found as there is wisdom to be found in many places.

She also writes of goals that are doable. She never tells you to go and pray for an hour or so. Instead, just work on matters bit by bit and learn and grow in them. There's even a place advocating quick prayers. Those are fine many times. When I am out in public and I hear sirens and see a first responder going by, I always pray for that situation. (Definitely not with eyes closed if driving.)

Her advice to deal with despondency is also not just purely spiritual matters. She talks about St. Antony who was scolded by someone for playing with his fellow monks when surely he should have been praying and how Antony responded to justify his actions. She talks about the use of humor, which at this point, I couldn't help but think of Harry Potter and the spell to deal with boggarts.

For those who don't know, boggarts are creatures that take on the image of your worst fear. The way to deal with them is to use a spell with the word 'Ridiculous!' and turn them into something you can laugh at. I think Rowling at this point hit on something with the nature of fear.

Roccas also shows that this is a problem that is not just modern in nature. Monks from well over a thousand years ago dealt with this. They had times they didn't want to pray either or work on the Scriptures. Apparently, some could have even committed suicide from sorrow. It was even called the noonday demon. The condition is the same, but today we probably have more means to encounter it.

There is also definitely good theology in here. Roccas brings out the reality of the resurrection and what it means. God being the God of all time is there to redeem every moment of time, including the moment that we are in. Again, just like before, none of this though is spoken in terminology that is over the layman's head.

If you're struggling with depression, or despondency if you prefer, this is a really good book to read. The advice is practical and doable and not over your head. Most of the chapters are short enough to read in one sitting and even the longest one can be broken down into manageable pieces. Give it a try. It beats living in despondency after all.

In Christ,
Nick Peters
(And I affirm the virgin birth)
Deeperwatersapologetics.com

My goddaughter and I have chrismation crosses made in Ukrainia. I loved being offered the ability to give my grand-goddaughters these ornaments. Thank you.

These cards are a terrific way to share the beauty of the Faith with your loved ones.

Very engaging stories but some are sad (as life is) about parishioners through the years and the toll this all takes on the family of the priest. Well worth reading.

Most instructive and most entertaining. I bought two copies to give to people I hoped would be drawn to the Orthodox faith.

Such beautiful illustrations. Thank you.

Couldn’t put it down... just captivating and so beautifully written... a new family favorite

I didn't really like the story. It felt strange.

I loved it. The boy underwent some very realistic struggles which were well written. I read it in one evening because I couldn't put it down.

I am so grateful for this book, and for being introduced to these Seven Holy Women, who are now new-found friends—Ss. Morwenna, Kassiane, Ia, Nino, Piama, Margaret, Casilda. Reading through the stories blessed and edified me more than I anticipated. Even though they lived during times very different from today, their stories of faith empower and encourage life in the present. Each of the contributing authors present the stories with beautiful and vivid imagery, along with relevant modern examples to contemplate. I thank each of you for contributing to this amazing book.

“Faith is the great gift, and it has been handed down to me by my mothers like a strong garment that does not wear out, woven with the whispered words of prayer. Seek what endures. Build faith.” —Summer Kinard, pp. 127-128

A special story so beautifully told. Perfect book for parents to read to their children. A perfect gift for the holidays to be enjoyed by the entire family.

It was awesome

Really like them. I ordered them for our church bookstore. I try to keep the price of items $20 or below, so this is the most expensive item I stock. (My husband, an Orthodox priest, uses his every morning when we are out on the walk with the dog.) Nevertheless, they usually sell quickly. We have many college students who are being introduced to Orthodoxy. With liturgy and inquirer's classes, combined with good books, icons, and prayer ropes, they are getting a good introduction to the life of the Church!

I've got all the editions back to 2006 and have been disappointed. I always purchase direct from AFR as our church bookstore sells out rather quickly.

This book is a precious addition to our book collection. The illustrations are beautiful, and the prayers are a wonderful reminder of God’s goodness and character. Megan Elizabeth Gilbert reflects the creative character of her Creator in her drawings and writing. This makes for a wonderful gift to any mother and equips her in being reminded of her own beloved identity as a daughter of God and for raising up a child to know their God as Father.

Lovely book for toddlers.

I love this book as well.

I love my Orthodox Study Blble, the hardcover is beautiful.

This is my third Orthodox Study Bible, second with the Old Testament. I bought this third one, because the second one was wearing out. It is a great resource, but I still would like to know if I have any questions, how do I respond to an outdated address shown within it?