A well written and succinct little book. It covers the basics of the Orthodox faith in an easy to understand format. This book is good for any Orthodox wishing you know more about their faith, anyone who is inquiring about Orthodoxy, or to give to a friend or family member who wishes to understand the Orthodox faith.

A wonderful collection of prayers, with a wide range of topics, from the nature of repentance, prayers for the departed, thanksgiving for creation, and reflections on the nature of man.

They are constructed in beautiful and moving language. While this is not a book of theology in the strict sense, there are many profound insights worth dwelling on. One that I have turned over many times is the notion that "man had the potential of an archangel, and thus he bears the responsibility of one."

Well worth reading, but it is to be consumed slowly and thoughtfully, not rushed through.

Very well made, beautiful and most of all functional.

This is a beautifully crafted CD. I love to play it in the background as I read my Daily Readings!

Apart from an enlightening introduction to the saints, a field guide for personal soul pilgrimage.

Bearing God is a well-researched compendium not only about the life and works of St. Ignatius, but also gives invaluable insight into Christian life, faith, and worship of the early Orthodox Church. I must be honest that I was taken aback a little bit when I first started reading this book. It was so unlike many other books of the Church I had been reading, especially since I am not familiar with any work of the author, V. Rev. Andrew Stephen Damick. Reading the introduction is a must, so that you can have a better understanding of the author’s “great affection for this saint.” (pg. 17) and how it’s evident that this book truly a labor of love.

When I was only a few pages into the first chapter, l came to the realization there was much more to this book within its 156 pages; it is not to be taken lightly. As someone born and raised in the Greek Orthodox Church, I did become a bit frustrated while reading it, because at times, his interpretations and analyses appeared to be repetitive and redundant. Nonetheless, I was inspired by Fr. Damick’s evident enthusiasm within his writing to continue. However, after taking a break and then coming back to reread the sections with which I struggled, his message became increasingly clearer. I was not just learning about St. Ignatius and the Orthodox Christian Faith; I was becoming more aware of how complacent I had become in my own participation of the Church! I started noticing more benevolent and gentle nudges as reminders for today’s Orthodox Christians in which Fr. Damick interspersed between facts and discussions.

For example, on pg. 135 the chapter about the theme of the Eucharist, Fr. Damick points out “And if both flesh and spirit are in Christ (referencing the Eucharist, of course), then spiritual life is not just for the spirit but includes the flesh.” And on pg. 136, St. Ignatius is quoted as saying for those visiting him “in every respect refreshed me in flesh and spirit” (Trallians 12:1). It goes on to equate “their love for him connected him in both a fleshly and spiritual way. This says something about our ministry as the Church, not just to a visiting bishop who is about to martyred, but to anyone who comes to us. Are we refreshing them “in both flesh and spirit”? Some people want to do only one or the other. But we need to do both.” Part of my complacency is just that. I might want to only refresh someone in the flesh by giving that person something to eat or somehow making him/her feel comfortable, yet feel embarrassed or uncomfortable at making sure he/she is refreshed in the spirit with the fear of that person possibly thinking I’m a fanatic. However, isn’t that being a good Christian? Aren’t we supposed to be comfortable with the uncomfortable in doing God’s work? Thank Father Damick for waking me up and gently guiding me back on the correct path as an Orthodox Christian!

For full disclosure, I did receive an advanced copy for my honest review.

Very well written and easily understood. Love the pictures and copy documents too. Very informative. Look forward to Fr Josiah’s next book!

Gave this as a gift to four busy moms. They all LOVED it!!

Very insightful, a great Eastern Orthodox view, laid out easily to understand. It turns Protestant thinking/Western Christianity on its head. After reading this book, it has changed how I approach scripture and apostlestic tradition. I recommend it often.

I purchased this book this past fall. I had never heard of Fr. Nicola before, but by chance I saw this book in a catalog. Something sparked an interest to learn more, and I ordered the book. I absolutely loved it! I now love Fr. Nicola, and firmly believe in his intercessionss before the throne of God in our behalf, as well as in the love he has for us. I cannot put everything I would like to say about this book into words. However, I will say this, that upon finishing the book, my only disappointment and regret was that I had not learned of Fr. Nicola long ago! I thank God, and Fr. Nicola, for leading me to him through this book.

My daughter who is 8 loved it! It’s very soft and the back has a tan woven material with crosses on it. It appears to be well made. She sleeps with it every night and as the Theotokos is her patron saint, this was very special.

Beautiful icons, and wonderful to explore with your children!

Enjoyed very much by my granddaughter. My 13 year old grandson is having a harder time getting into it. Very well written and enjoyable. Not too preachy but has a wonderful message.

Nice selection!

This is easily THE best children's Bible. Coming from a protestant background, it was difficult for us to find any children's Bible for our preschooler which we were comfortable with - most of them we found too kiddy and watered down, whereas some were even irreverent! Perhaps also because we live in a country where orthodoxy is a newborn and resources are scarce.

This Bible has lovely illustrations that are more reverent and remind my child of the icons she sees in church. The language is accurate and simple, allowing even 4 year olds to sit back and enjoy the story told.

I find the way the stories are presented helpful to me as an adult as well. For instance, reading the creation story again and even the well known story of Noah, I was struck by the fact that God is extremely concerned about animals and plants (nature) - therefore we should be as well, since we are caretakers of the earth (not exploiters!).

All in all, a lovely way to point your child in the direction of Christ.

A lovely pocket-sized book that can be brought to church, since my child is still at the stage where she needs to read/ colour during the liturgy. Probably suitable for children around 4 onwards.

Lovely book. Meaningful short passages that my 4 year old could identify with as a lot of them are taken from our daily prayers. Helped with my understanding of confession too, as we are new orthodox.

So glad I bought this coloring book for my great nieces and nephews! They all enjoyed coloring in them and I thought the pictures were very age appropriate and easy to color for children. This is a perfect gift for kids! I highly recommend it.

My fiancé is reading this in preparation for his chrismation. I too am a convert, and this book is teaching me much.

Although I felt generally ambivalent about the topic of angels, my respect for Mother Alexandra provided the needed impetus for me to take and read The Holy Angels. Mother Alexandra is an engaging guide in this broad-sweeping survey. In just over 300 pages, we are introduced to angels in Old Testament and New Testament times, in the writings of the Holy Fathers, in the Divine Liturgy and in Orthodox prayer, and in Christian art. As Mother Alexandra explains, her purpose is “to bring the faithful to a greater knowledge and understanding of the heavenly hosts in the hope that their belief in the holy angels may stand on a firm foundation and reap a rich harvest of grace and all blessings in the heavenly ministrations of the blessed and angelic spirits.”

Until reading Mother Alexandra’s book, I never gave much thought to angels. Now, with my review copy of The Holy Angels colorfully festooned with post-it tags, I feel like a whole new world has opened up to me. References to angels pop out to me in my daily Scripture reading, in the Liturgy and other church services, in prayer, in art and iconography. I find myself thinking about and talking with the “holy angels of God” who “guard us, shepherd us, lead us, tending us when we fall, cheering us upon our way.”

Three things I particularly appreciate about this book include …
1) … the prolific references to and quotations from Scripture, from the Church Fathers, and from Orthodox Christian prayers and Liturgies accompanied by Mother Alexandra’s insightful commentary and reflections.
2) … the overview of angels in Christian art, which fascinated me. Frequent online searches for artists and works referenced punctuated my reading. Inclusion of reproductions of artworks referenced would be helpful, but I was able to locate most works referenced relatively easily.
3) … hearing Mother Alexandra’s compelling voice again. I first ‘met’ Mother Alexandra when visiting the Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania – the monastery of which she is the foundress. That visit prompted me to read two other Ancient Faith Publishing books, Royal Monastic by Bev. Cooke and I Live Again: A Memoir by Princess Ileana (Mother Alexandra). Once again, I am greatly inspired by the life, works, and words of this contemporary saint!

I heartily recommend that you take and read The Holy Angels!