Most of us (myself included) could stand to think more about our own mortality, and this book is a good place to start. The reflections in this book cover a wide array of topics, with general Orthodox teachings on death, pastoral advice, and personal anecdotes included throughout. As Fr. Stavros makes clear throughout the book, it isn’t meant to be a theoretical treatise about death, but a collection of reflections, and it should be read with that in mind. I found the personal anecdotes to be very powerful and the best part of the book. As someone who’s still young and hasn’t experienced many deaths yet, the pastoral insights present in this book from someone who’s helped many dying people pass from this life to the next were invaluable.

I love this book! It is an Orthodox Christian reflection on death, dying and eternal life written by an amazing man, Father Stavros Akrotirianakis. His style of writing is warm, comforting and encouraging. His years of being a priest and sharing the experiences he had are enlightening. I felt like he was talking to me as he explained things so well. I couldn't put down this book because it is so good! Understanding death and dying is actually something every one of us need to do. The end of life process is not sad, but meaningful. Our short life on earth is to prepare for another life. I've learned that life is being with God. We die spiritually when we sin, when we estrange ourselves from God.The book explains death, tragedy, preparation,decisions regarding end of life, our roles and what happens at the moment of death. The last section explains the Orthodox funeral service and having hope in the resurrection.

Excellent format - a wealth of Holy Scripture & Church Fathers & Orthodox Tradition!

Lots of useful information

I love this book! It is an Orthodox Christian reflection on death, dying and eternal life written by an amazing man, Father Stavros Akrotirianakis. His style of writing is warm, comforting and encouraging. His years of being a priest and sharing the experiences he had are enlightening. I felt like he was talking to me as he explained things so well. I couldn't put down this book because it is so good! Understanding death and dying is actually something every one of us need to do. The end of life process is not sad, but meaningful. Our short life on earth is to prepare for another life. I've learned that life is being with God. We die spiritually when we sin, when we estrange ourselves from God.The book explains death, tragedy, preparation,decisions regarding end of life, our roles and what happens at the moment of death. The last section explains the Orthodox funeral service and having hope in the resurrection.

These are the perfect thank you card!

I am in my 30s. I am not old. I am not sick. I am not dying. So I was not prepared for how meaningful this book would be for me.

Father Stavros, in these beautiful reflections, blends together a mix of theology, practical advice, and inspirational stories. He opens up a topic that many people don't want to think about, much less talk about, with honesty and compassion. Finishing this book, I felt that I "know more and fear less" exactly as Father Stavros hopes in the conclusion.

I really enjoyed the tone of this book. I left it feeling encouraged and inspired, as well as empowered. My favorite chapters were the ones recounting "good deaths" that Father has witnessed during his ministry.

As an Orthodox Christian, we are supposed to be always preparing for our deaths, and this book taught me how to do that in a practical and positive way. Don't wait until you are walking "the valley of the shadow of death" to read it. Read it now. You need it now.

As a recent convert to the Orthodox faith, I jumped at the chance to read Painless, Blameless, & Peaceful by Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis. This book did not disappoint!
The overall subject of the book is reflections on death and eternal life, but it dives into areas of the faith that you may not have known about, whether you are new to the faith or have grown up in it. Not only did it cover issues such as the fall of humanity, Christ's resurrection, and what it means to us, but it also provided deeper explanations of the Orthodox faith and the services.
Through his beautiful stories and observations, he has given me a new way to look not only at death, but also this gift of life and the value of today.
There are many treasures in this book, but I will list just a few I found helpful. Being a priest, the author has witnessed many people at the end of their lives and gave different stories of how people approached it and the lessons he gathered from them. The book also gives practical tips, such as dealing with tragic death, end-of-life care, support and encouragement when a person is dying or ill, and tips for the funeral.
This book was an enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Fr. David Smith's book "Mary, Worthy of all praise" is a small yet deep book on the reflections of the Paraklesis, a hymn dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Theotokos). It is an especially good book for potential Protestant converts, who are extremely skeptical of any veneration of the Virgin Mary; as they see it, at best, a distraction from worshipping God, or at worst, idolatry. This book clears up those misconceptions by showing how veneration of the Virgin Mary points the Christian towards Jesus Christ and gives a fuller appreciation for Him and His Church.

I found this book to help immensely with understanding Orthodoxy and obtaining the right mind. Journey to Reality is a perfect supplemental read.

This book was wonderful, reassuring and hopeful! Handles some tough moments with grace and optimism. You will gain a lot of spiritual ground by reading this!

Excellent; a truly beautiful book

We gave these books to our 9 year old for her birthday this month. She already has her “favorite” icons and loves to read them to us.

My priest recommended this for catechumens. Great for a daily devotional!

This cross is beautiful and this is my second purchase for my newest Beautiful Goddaughter for her Chrismation Day!

I listened to the audiobook. Fr. Andrew does an excellent job narrating his work. Not all authors are the best choice to be audiobook readers, but Fr. Andrew definitely is!

I have had many occasions to offer resources to skeptical western Christians who want to understand what their family member sees in the Orthodox Church. I frequently recommend the Lord of Spirits podcast which Fr. Andrew co-hosts, but I know hours and hours of podcast can be a deal breaker for many.

I don’t know why it took me so long to read this book. It wasn’t really on my radar. Perhaps I overlooked it because I didn’t realize it is actually just what I have been looking for for such seeking friends.

What a beautiful and concise presentation of the gospel! Without too many direct comparisons, Fr. Andrew lays out the gospel the apostles proclaimed from the beginning and the gospel the Orthodox Church shares to this day.

I highly recommend this to anyone who isn’t quite sure what is unique about the way the Orthodox Church views the work of Christ. For those who might say, “why the Orthodox Church instead of my current church? I don’t need/want the smells, bells, and icons. I’m fine where I’m at.” The answer isn’t what you might notice is different about the church building, the music, or anything else you might perceive with your senses. It’s the gospel!

I particularly liked the section on Christ’s bodily flesh and blood resurrection. Forgive any formatting mistakes, but what my ears heard in the middle of chapter 4 made me skip back several times so I could listen again.

“When Jesus rose from the dead it wasn't some ethereal, spiritual experience. We mean that the heart that had stopped beating began pumping blood again. That the soul that had descended into hades was put back in his body. That the lungs that had stopped breathing air suddenly inhaled once again.

The God-Man who had nails stuck through his hands and feet, and a spear stuck into his side, who cried out with a loud voice, bowed his head, and then gave up his spirit. That God-man, who had been crucified like a thief, walked out of his tomb on the two legs that had formed when he was growing in the womb of his mother, the Virgin Mary.

His resurrected body functioned differently than before, for sure, but it was still his own body, and he was still the same Jesus. And the tomb is empty.”

The two legs that had formed when he was growing in the womb of his mother. That struck me as so unexpected, so real, so earthy. It made me think of my own children’s little legs and how they have grown.

Of course, the true, in-the-flesh resurrection of Jesus isn’t an unfamiliar concept to small-‘o’ orthodox Christians. But the Orthodox reason for his death and the work accomplished by it probably is.

I recommend this for all Christians, but especially those with a reason to wonder about the Orthodox Church. If you happen to pick up the audiobook, the passage in chapter 4 and the way Fr. Andrew reads it is very powerful.

What a peaceful book to read about a topic that generally doesn’t engender peace. Fr. Stavros did an excellent job of offering an encouraging look into end of life for the Christian. He struck a good balance between “it’s going to be ok” and “prepare!”

This book is timely for me as both my father and father-in-law are nearing the end of their lives. One is an Orthodox Christian and the other a faithful evangelical. This book gave insight and encouragement both from the Orthodox perspective, but also for those outside of Orthodoxy since he bases his information on the scriptures only.

As Fr. Stavros closed this collection of reflections he reminds us of God’s goodness. He IS the good Lord. He desires all to be saved.

Fr. Stavros encourages viewing death as a graduation and as the most important event of our life. I think in our day to day, it can be difficult to keep in mind that we are preparing for the resurrection and our judgement.

I really enjoyed the beautiful stories of good deaths he had been present for. Eva’s was my favorite.

There were many good nuggets of advice, both for living in a preparatory manner, as well as for how to approach others as they near their end. Here is one I hope to keep in mind:

“When tragedy happens to you, focus on being a survivor, not a victim. When tragedy happens to someone else, be present, and don’t try to have any answers.”

He offered some very practical advice for families as they walk through the last days with loved ones. Some which most struck me were singing or playing music for those with dementia or those who have lost speech or even who seem to be unconscious of their surroundings. Touch your loved ones! So easy to forget when they can seem fragile. And make memories while you can! Goodness yes. When you know you have a short time, say what needs to be said. The time for waiting is over.

One last bit that really struck me was his warning that one last ritual before death will not make up for a life not lived for Christ Jesus. This is a hard truth.

My take away is that, indeed, God is good and loves us. Today is the day you have. Live it well as preparation for what is to come, and rejoice that Jesus defeated death.

Excellent resource for Orthodox families!

I bought it to give as a gift and I think it's wonderful! Mom and dad will have to read it to Freddy - but hopefully he will enjoy it as much when he is old enough to read.
Loved all the colorful pictures.

Wonderful