This is a beautiful book with an inspiring story.

Since I received this book I have had two people close to me pass away and I have found great comfort in praying this Akathist for them.

GREAT

Simple. Beautiful. Hopeful. Medicine that is greatly needed in these times we live in. All is well.

Beautiful text, clear to read. Includes history of the Wonderwirkung icon. Size makes it easily portable.

The books changed my thought on AA and alcoholics in general. The author draws incredible parallel lines between anyone struggling with addiction and each one of us being a dinner. And shows how essential it is for us to help from the outside to pull this person out. I really enjoyed reading how Alcohol (or anything that causes sin) is not the disease or the cause itself, but the agent. The disease itself is the struggling spiritual life.

This books allowed me to view anyone that is suffering from addiction, as I view myself, no difference. We are both struggling in our spiritual lives and need help from the outside, we need the humanity in each other and the growth that comes from mutual vulnerability. This book is for addicts and non addicts alike, as a non addict, I benefited greatly viewing myself through the light of this book.

Amazing informative book on the tenets of Christianity! Very unbiased and simply speaks the truth of church history and doctrine boldly ! Amazing resource to go back to, gives both scriptural and historic evidence for each claim in every chapter !

In his book, Healing Your Wounded Soul, Fr. Joshua Makoul addresses the needs of many Christians living in the world today. As an Orthodox priest and as a licensed practicing counselor, Fr. Joshua discusses in a way that is entirely accessible to readers the psychological wounds that many of us have been carrying throughout our lives, the effect they have on our lives today, our relationships with those around us and with God. Most importantly, he addresses the remedy for these wounds in prayer, silence, and gratitude. Quoting from Church Fathers such as St. Isaac the Syrian, St. Sophrony of Essex , as well as from Holy Scripture, Fr. Joshua gently directs the reader to seek the peace the Lord offers us at all times and all places, if only we will but take time to listen.

In his introduction to ALL IS WELL, Dr. Rossi noted his intention to write conversationally and asked his audience to read it slowly and patiently. Obligingly, I encountered it in multiple short snippets of free time I was able to devote between homeschooling and parenting struggles, calls to loved ones battling health concerns, and various other stressors of 2020. In short, I read it in the midst of many moments that have often left me feeling all is anything but well.

This slow read-through proved beneficial, though, and my daily reads were a comfort to me. Thanks to his own openness and candor about his struggles, reading the book felt like encountering a kindred spirit in Dr. Rossi: someone who understood the tension between reconciling the very real problems we face with our faith in the very real presence of Christ through it all. I particularly appreciated his writings about intrusive thoughts and anxiety. As Dr. Rossi says, “Without denying the ugliness, we are to keep our mind on the beauty, as best we can.” I am thankful for this book for not only reminding me to keep my eyes on the beauty of the truth in Christ, but for also giving me specific ways of doing so.

Easy-to-read and encouraging, this book is a balm for those who prefer paradox to platitudes but still want to look for the light in the darkness.

Yet again, Melinda Johnson gives us a wonderful story with an engaging narration in the audio recording of Painting Angels. Her narration gives such charm to the list of characters we have come to know and love in the series. Somehow, she manages to make even the animals’ noises charming. The children, nuns, and animals in the story are all familiar by this third book of the series, and this allows for deeper character development, and what I feel to be even deeper topics than what were explored previously. The struggles that the characters work through are relevant to the target audience, and I am so grateful to be able to share this story with my children. I recommend that anyone with elementary and middle grade children seek out this book, and the series, and add it to their home library.

A couple of years ago the women of my parish, St. John Orthodox Church in Memphis, were blessed to have Dr. Al Rossi as a retreat speaker. Dr. Rossi is a practicing Orthodox Christian who has studied Eastern and Western spirituality and modern psychology. He is currently Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, as well as a practicing clinical psychologist in the state of New York. When he spoke at the retreat, he mentioned that he was writing a book, and thankfully it is now published.

All is well in the here and now. This is what is so strikingly different about Dr. Rossi’s response to the chaos and suffering the world. Although he does quote Julian of Norwich’s well-known saying, “All shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well,” he also quotes St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who says, “Whatever be the character of life or its unexpected events—to the heart that loves, all is well.”

Is all really well now? Are we living in apocalyptic times?

Dr. Rossi quotes St. Anthony the Great as saying, “A time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, ‘You are mad; you are not like us.’”

I have recently had brief interactions with a couple of friends about the current state of chaos in the world. One friend—who had to evacuate her home in California due to the fires just as multiple hurricanes are headed to the gulf coast and we are all suffering an international pandemic—actually said to me, “the end is feeling near.” The extreme political and cultural polarization today certainly feels apocalyptic. Almost everyone posting their political views on Facebook seem to believe that their party’s opposing party will destroy the country. They seem to believe, as St. Anthony said, that if others are not like them, they are mad.

How does Dr. Rossi address our present situation? Here’s an excerpt from the first chapter of his book:

“I love our culture and love our world. . . . We are to be fully invested in our family, neighborhood, national and international politics, and the planet, but with the mind of Christ—a mind that is alert, joy-filled, and loving. We are not to be obsessed with the anxiety that’s also inside all of us as children of Adam and Eve. The world consists in ugliness and the world consists in beauty. Without denying the ugliness, we are to keep our mind on the beauty, as best we can.”

How can we overcome our anxiety and keep our mind on the beauty during these times? How can we be “full vested” in “national and international politics” with the mind of Christ? We need to find the view from above. Rossi says “we need to see reality from God’s point of view.” What is God’s point of view? As Christians we believe that God is love. And we believe that Christ is within us. So, again as Rossi says, “We need to see reality from the light side of ourselves, the side of Christ within us.”

Rossi’s book addresses many issues that I won’t explore in this blog post. Important topics like ambiguity, purity, addiction, weakness and strength, and living in the present. I hope you will get the book and read about all of these aspects of spiritual life and mental health yourself. But I will close by sharing what I feel to be one of the most important tenets of the book. As Rossi says:

“One implication of all is well is that we don’t have to judge others. Recently I passed an Asian Christian Church that had a small signboard in front. The sign said, ‘Don’t judge others because they sin differently than we do.’”

The view from above is not judgmental. Without denying the ugliness, it sees and embraces the beauty in the world, and in each other.

As a life-long or "cradle" Orthodox, I was sure I had "heard it all." I can assure you that there is much to be gleaned from this well-written and approachable book. It was hard to put down. It has much depth in addition to practical guidance for those on their journey into understanding, but more importantly, living, a Christian Orthodox life. I can't imagine the benefit for those early in their exploration of Orthodoxy, or those newly chrismated into the faith. Very useful and highly recommended.

Fr Evan has provided a very accessible introduction to the historic disciplines of Christian life, prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. The presentation is scriptural and patristic, reflecting the mind of the Orthodox Church. Simultaneously, he is practical and pastoral, reflecting his many years of service and experience as a clergyman. An individual approaching the topic for the first time will find this book quite helpful. Small groups in a parish setting will also be able to use the book to generate conversation. Most importantly, his presentation should help any Christian begin to engage in these practices.

Required reading.

By writing this book, Fr. Joshua has done a great service to both those suffering from painful past experiences in their lives, and those who strive to help them. He skillfully blends his expertise as a counselor, with his passion as an Orthodox priest to bring a loving and compassionate approach to this serious problem. In the book, he takes us on a journey from the causes of emotional and spiritual pain, to the recognition of the problems, to the eventual healing through our faith in God. I highly recommend this book to all who have been hurt in their past who are now seeking healing.

I would like to thank Father Joshua for compiling this book; I personally experienced how this book can benefit one who is trying to heal and also see it benefiting those who are wanting to understand and support another that, is in need of healing.

In the first part of the book the reader comes to understand the basics of our psychological minds and how they work with processing and dealing with various struggles in life to include: abuse, addiction, trauma, and/or grief.

Towards the middle and ending of the book the reader starts to put the psychology that has been reviewed in the correct perspective to deal with their struggle in a balanced way, all the while striving to make Christ the center of their life. Through the writings you experience the intertwining of psychology with the teachings embodied in the Holy Orthodox church. Father Joshua beautifully ties together the teachings found in the parables of holy Scripture as well teachings from the holy fathers and saints to help us truly heal.

The writings also aid one in becoming more compassionate, empathetic, and understanding to those that are in need of healing. In addition, the book provides guidance for one to foster a state of gratitude and to be able to fully share the love of Christ.

I think this book could be of value to any person who is wanting to make Christ the center of their life when trying to heal and simply deal with the challenges, life imposes. In addition, I see it benefiting many in the field that are trying to counsel people utilizing the ancient Christian teachings as their guide.

This book came to my attention at a moment in life when such introspection, and the necessary ‘work’ Fr. Joshua describes was sorely needed, and resonated profoundly. He provides this valuable, frank yet gentle means for self-examination within the context of the spiritual ethos of Orthodox Christianity, but it is by no means exclusive to that experience. His humble, highly relatable examples and references provide insightful support for exploring one’s past history and connecting it to present behavior and struggles, with a judgement -free tone. For those struggling with personal obstacles that compete with our desire to be nearer to and more like Christ, this book is a gift. I would also recommend this book to anyone seeking to have greater self-awareness, the hope of healing, and as a practical tool for becoming a healthier, more present, loving and forgiving person.

Fr. Joshua’s book provides introspective insights about ourselves and our mental and spiritual health. Although written primarily for those healing from painful or traumatic experiences, I would recommend to anyone wanting to develop their self-knowledge within the Orthodox phronema or a greater compassion for their neighbor, who suffer and struggle with their past experiences.
For those who have heard Fr. Joshua speak either at the Antiochian Village or elsewhere – you hear his peaceful, meditative and inspiring words speak to you through the pages. He has a knack for explaining concepts and situations simply and bringing relevance of his message to daily life. This is a short and very easy read.

Excellent book! This book is one of the most clear, concise and truly practical books I have ever read. As our emotions, especially painful emotions, can create so much of the world that we live in, Fr. Joshua succinctly explains what they are, how they happen, how we can get stuck, and how we can move on in a spiritually and emotionally healthy way. He bravely and unapologetically shares how to approach these wounds because we have Hope. “The size of our heart determines the size of our world.” Amidst a time of so much chaos and polarity, he reminds us that we have the capacity of great love through Jesus Christ. I will continue to refer back to this book as a guide through different aspects of life.

Written in a beautifully simple and conversational style, this book blends the science of psychology with the wisdom and spirit of faith. Fr. Joshua Makoul has a wealth of educational and experiential background, yet tackles this challenging topic in a humble and unassuming manner, making this a book with something for everyone.

For those with past trauma this book provides a framework to understand the complexity of how past experiences impact the present, and explores ways to approach and make peace with these experiences. For those with less past trauma, the comfortable flow of the writing makes this an easy read, and the sections that don’t apply directly to an individual reader will assuredly be worthwhile as they enlighten the reader to others’ experiences and perspectives.

This is not the type of book I normally choose, but this is truly an exceptional work, and I whole-heartedly recommend this to anyone willing to commit a small amount of time and an open mind to better understanding themselves and those around them.