This book entered my life at just the right time. In the foreword, His Eminence, Bishop John, Antiochian Bishop of Worcester and New England, summed the experience of reading this book perfectly. “This little book needs to be read the way the finest of delicacies are tasted.” This was a difficult task, as I am normally rushing around each day in my mind, body, and soul. Nonetheless, I took him up on his suggestion literally reading it “slowly, deliberately, honestly and reflectively”.

Dr. Rossi’s simple yet descriptive accounts of relating his personal history to the wisdom of Orthodox Church Fathers and the 55 Maxims of Fr. Thomas Hopko, of blessed memory, are so applicable to everyone’s daily life without being preachy at all. This also made it difficult to read it slowly and deliberately, because I found myself wanting to dive into it more while exclaiming in solidarity “Yes! I totally get what you’re saying!” This advice was invaluable! Almost immediately, I found myself connecting my experiences to what I had just read. It eased my anxiety to be able to recognize these correlations and apply the tools that which Dr. Rossi recommended. What a wonderful addition to my collection to further my inspiration and encouragement to live more fully in Christ.

I bought the calendar late in the year, so we haven’t “used” it much, but I love the artwork and the overall look of it. We appreciate the work that has gone into it and being able to see all the saints’ days and feast days. Thank you!

This is a practical, deeply spiritual, yet simply written book that can be helpful to laity and clergy alike. It touches on issues that are intrapsychic, relational and family related dynamics which easily stunt movement toward theosis. Fr Joshua has offered the Church an excellent resource.

Fun read that also blessed and encouraged me. Each time I sat to read a few chapters, I felt as if I was on the Holy Mountain with the author enjoying the hike and the visits with monks.

Just now starting chapter 8. Great book, excellently well written. Probably one if the most under-rated Christian books on the market.

Torn from home and country and from a hospital birthed through her vision, determination, and the Lord’s favor, Princess Ileana of Romania returns to the Hospital of the Queen’s Heart in this inspiring, heartfelt, evocative memoir written five years after her forced exile.

Founded in 1944, Spitalul Inima Reginei – the Hospital of the Queen’s Heart, was born out of Princess Ileana’s passionate heart. Ileana loved her country, Romania. She loved Castle Bran, inherited from her beloved mother, Queen Marie, and the village of Bran nestled in a narrow mountain valley. She loved people and nursing was a way to “worship God in the service of human beings” by “caring for the sick.” Because she cared deeply, when the local village hospital refused to house wounded soldiers awaiting evacuation from a much-bombed town and regional hospital nearby, Ileana determined to build her own hospital on her own land, a hospital in honor of her mother whose heart lay in a niche in the mountain behind Bran’s village church.

This is the fourth book I’ve read either by or about Princess Ileana (later Mother Alexandra, foundress of the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Pennsylvania). While the broad strokes of this story are recounted in Princess Ileana’s earlier memoir, I Live Again, within the pages of Hospital of the Queen’s Heart her reminiscences turn to the years 1944 to 1948 and focus more intimately on the hospital, on the village of Bran and the peasants of the surrounding area, on lives saved and lives lost, on her persistent, tireless work and those who labored with her. Ileana’s stories captivate me, drawing me into her world with sincerity, eloquence, and humor. I was teary-eyed reading of her final evening visit to the hospital, bidding a personal farewell to each member of the staff and to each patient in the hospital. When all had been said, Ileana and her staff fell to their knees before an icon and prayed the Lord’s Prayer.

It was the Lord’s Prayer, the exiled Princess Ileana came to understand, that united her past and her present. These words she prayed every day and she knew that those left behind “said the same words, prayed the same prayer.” And each day as I pray this prayer, I’m aware of unseen yet palpable connections. In Ileana’s words, “For I have come to understand that we all belong to each other, and, that even if we are not conscious of it, we share one life since God is life and there is only one God.”

I commend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Princess Ileana’s life, about life in war-torn Romania in the mid-1940’s, about recognizing God’s presence in every situation, or just interested in an enjoyable, meaningful story. I am grateful to Ancient Faith Publishing for making this out-of-print book available in an ebook format – it is a treasure.

As far as I am aware, Big in Heaven is the first collection of short stories written by and for an American Orthodox audience. And what a fantastic collection of short stories it is.

This is realistic Christian fiction at its best. It is about people that are down in the muck and dirt of life, with all the tragedy, hypocrisy, and small cruelties that abound in the day to day. But it is shot through with grace, real grace. Nothing here feels cheap or shoehorned, or overly convenient or tied up with a ribbon. Its a book written by a religious man that I would recommend to an atheist in a heartbeat. It is a book that tells the truth, showing the darkness and simply allowing the light to illuminate it.

It is heartbreaking, convicting, and inspiring. Beyond all that it is a book I hope is read for the sheer quality of the writing. Its characters are vibrant and memorable, and frequently feel like they are people you have met before. The structure of the stories slowly builds a cohesive sense of place and theme, all while remaining distinctly short stories.

I hope this book is a bright start to a long tradition of American Orthodox fiction, and that Steven Siniari will be widely read for a long time to come.

Magnificent. While I am a little more attached to traditional language, this prayer book “passes the test.” As I stand before my icons, it “feels” like a prayer book. I have not used the paperback version, so I cannot say anything about that one, but this version was exactly what I was looking for a prayer book. It is short, to the point, and yet it contains all that I wanted. And in my hands, it feels great.

There are many “Extra” prayers. For me in my life, some of them are more useful than others. There are some that I still cling to my other versions of the prayer in traditional language, but on the whole, I would rate this prayer book as the best prayer book I have ever held in my hands, after the Psalms.

My background is Roman Catholic. I prayed the Liturgy of the Hours for years. I love the Psalms. This is my “standard.” It’s in my heart. And yet, and now, this is a prayer book I always use every day.

“Matter matters.” Fr. Evan’s mantra used throughout these pages will stick with me forever! Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are offered as tangible and transformative practices, accessible to the beginner and anyone who desires to practice repentance. This Toolkit for Spiritual Growth is so profound in its simplicity. I plan to get extra copies for godchildren and use it in book studies with students and young adults, women’s groups, and parish leaders. Simple and straightforward, readers of this book will not be encumbered by highfalutin, complicated theology to excuse them from exercising prayer, fasting, and almsgiving – habits as important as sitting down to a meal each day. His book is biblically sound, and my favorite line is “Reading Scripture is the same as prayer because we pray the Scripture.” Indeed, our daily bread!

Bought 2 copies for our children's catechism class with St Raphael Orthodox online school. May St John intercede for them.

Excellent read!

This is a fantastic book on how to cultivate a spirit of gratitude, joy, and resilience no matter what life throws at you. It draws on everything from ancient Christian wisdom to the latest research in psychology and neuroscience to give practical tips and challenge how the reader sees themselves and the world around them.

I am absolutely impressed by the depth and variety of research that went into making this book. It synthesizes a plethora of Christian expressions, scientific research, time periods, and experiences into one easy-to-understand book that is 100% accessible to any Christian reader regardless of denomination or background (I've never before seen quotes by St. Paisios, Mother Theresa, John Piper, and Dr. John Gottman all together in one place. Talk about variety, here it is!).

The writing is very good. It has a gentle, non-judgmental tone that does not come off as sales-pitchy. It uses a good mix of literary devices to demonstrate its points (as well as including engaging reflection questions before each chapter), and is careful to use gender-inclusive language, which is strikingly rare in many Christian self-help books (bonus points there!). It has cutting edge research to back it up, but does not neglect the timeless truths and lessons learned from history. It all connects together beautifully and leaves the reader feeling encouraged and inspired.

I've struggled a lot with staying present and being content, and I feel like this book has helped me hone in on where these issues are coming from and ways to train my brain and spirit to see things differently. It's an easy read but deep. I could only read one chapter a day, because I needed to give myself time to really chew on what he was saying and try to incorporate it into my thinking. I have a feeling I'll be going back to reference it a lot! I feel like this book has given me solid steps and tools to begin the process of being mindful and present and engaging with my pain. I wish I'd known all these things years ago!

I hugely recommend this to any and every Christian who is struggling with gratitude, contentment, and seeing God even in the worst times (and even those not struggling because you'll struggle eventually). This book gives real help that isn't cliche, pithy, or beyond anyone's ability. It's based on spiritual wisdom and the best science can give, presenting us with a holistic approach to truly experiencing "the good life" now, even in the midst of tragedy. Given that it's currently 2020, a more timely book cannot yet be found. Go read it.

I love it. When coming into the Orthodox Church, I took the name Anna and it is the name I gave my first child. I am planning on giving it to my daughter as she recently purchased her first home and I don’t believe she has an icon of her saint.

A Christmas gift for our grandson who particularly loves this icon. It is beautifully made.

Perfect reading for the times we are living in now. Dr. Rossi is a favorite in our house.

I recently purchased and read, in short order, "Big in Heaven" by Fr. Stephen Siniari. The compilation of short stories is fascinating and spans the full range of emotions, from funny to poignant and heart wrenching, often within the same story. The stories are human and humane. Everyone and anyone can relate to them, although being Orthodox helps, especially with certain stories. They are well written and grab and keep the readers attention. They utilize the familiar; the cares, worries, joys and sorrows of everyday life, and introduce, at least to those not familiar with Orthodoxy and/or Albanian immigrant life in the US, the unfamiliar and arcane. They show the beauty of Christ/Orthodoxy (love, prayer, forgiveness, selflessness, humility, meekness, care for the least of the brethren) and the ugliness of fallen human nature (pride, self-righteousness, clericalism, the love of money, self-importance.) As with all books that include numerous short stories, some stories are better than others, and some may have a little too much of the arcane to be fully relatable/understandable, but overall it is a very good book that may challenge the way the reader views life, the church, priests, others and themselves.

We are the youth group advisors at our parish and chose this book as a farewell gift for our seniors. We love how easy it is to flip to answers as questions arise. Wonderful resource!

It is a wonderful read. I have learned a lot from Fr. Reardon. I will buy another copy for a Deacon in much Church. Thank You very much.

Thank you Fr. Evan for this beautiful book on how to put into practice the very things that aid us on the road to salvation! This tool kit is so timely and welcome as we navigate our lives in messy world, that needs the healing of our precious Church. It is readable and practical as we continually try to grow in these 3 areas of our lives: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. I appreciate your pragmatic approach to growing in our faith and encourage all Orthodox Christians to read this book. It will bolster those who need a reminder of the teachings of our faith and intrigue those who are exploring and seeking true faith!

Really bright book, with proper orthodox pictures. My children enjoyed reading it! Thank you! It gives you overall basic knowledge, short( but just enough for young children, mine are age 7 and 9), so kids stay focused