I bought this book for my son's 7th birthday. He was immediately drawn to the beautiful pictures. The story is one he's familiar with & he loved to see it in this form. My older daughters (11 & 9) and my younger son (4) also loved reading it. Please write & illustrate many many more!

I was recently graced with an advanced copy of Apostle to the Plains: The Life of Father Nicolas Yanney, written by The Saint Raphael Clergy Brotherhood, in order that I might provide a review of this remarkable and inspiring book. I can’t express enough what a blessing it has been to learn about the life of this most dedicated and pious servant of God. Although I’d previously heard of Father Nicola Yanney, I knew little of his life prior to encountering him in this publication. What immediately struck me (to my delight!) was that this book did not read as a mere biographical sketch or a dry retelling of history- to the contrary! From the get-go, the characters were brought to life through a very personal and unique narrative style. We’re initially treated to the inner workings of the minds and emotions of Father Nicola and his wife Martha, and then later to various other key figures involved in their story. I felt that as a reader I was invited to journey alongside the Yanneys as they left their troubled homeland behind and embarked toward the unknown struggles, poverty, and tragedy awaiting them in America. Later, I felt as though I was personally traveling alongside Father Nicola as he tirelessly traversed the entire Great Plains and Midwest region as a circuit-riding priest entrusted with the spiritual care of thousands.

Apostle to the Plains is a story of a life set ablaze by the Holy Spirit- that of Father Nicolas Yanney. Although a simple, humble man of little means, his self-sacrificial dedication to Christ and to his fellow man served to plant the seeds of Orthodox Christianity here in the United States (many of which continue to bloom today, over a century later). Without a doubt, my absolute favorite part of this book is when the Yanneys are awakened in the middle of the night by the loud noisemaking and rejoicing of their friends announcing the arrival of a certain traveling Orthodox priest (who would later come to be known as Saint Raphael of Brooklyn) to minister to the family, who for years had been cut off from the life of the church due to the extreme isolation in which they lived in 19th century rural Nebraska. The sheer joy of this providential and God ordained meeting (as it sets the stage for Nicola’s eventual ordination and ministry) is absolutely palpable to the reader. At that moment, you can actually see and feel how their prayers had been answered after years of suffering, hardship, and isolation- so incredibly moving! Later, after the death of his wife and his subsequent ordination to the priesthood, we travel tirelessly alongside Father Nicola, whose faithfulness to his duties and calling seems almost superhuman at times as he literally lays aside almost all earthly cares for the spiritual care of his widespread flock. I found such inspiration in witnessing Father Nicola’s bearing of his many heavy and involuntary crosses in life and in his essential “martyrdom” to this world. By the end of his earthly ministry, Father Nicola’s deep and genuine faith is truly made manifest. To me, this book is proof that his message and legacy lives on today. There is power in Father Nicola’s story and this publication conveys that dynamic effectively. It’s a testament to both undying faith and personal integrity, as well as an inspiring witness to Christ’s love through the dedicated life of one man who affected the lives of so many. I truly enjoyed this read and found Father Nicola’s strength so inspiring. The fact that it is so well written made it even more enjoyable. It’s a relatively quick read, but I also felt compelled to really take my time and relish the story. The depth of the characters really drew me in! I highly recommend this work to all who seek to know God, to those interested in learning more about the history of American Orthodoxy and, perhaps above all, to the struggling. May blessed Father Nicola pray to God for us all!

This is an excellent book ! My first child was a breeze so when my son started having issues I was at a complete loss :( this book was an essay read with sound advice coming from both a biblical Christian perspective as well as sound psychological science. I highly recommend this book to any parent regardless of faith background. I was able to put things into practice right away and have seen amazing results with my children and an improvement in our relationship :) A truly invaluable work, accessible and a joy to read!

The "Age Of Paradise" was very well written with very understandable language discussing the hings that are valuable and important for those of the Orthodox Faith in better understanding our place in GOD's Kingdom.

Nice bracelet, but kind of small for a man's wrist, at least for mine.

This is a book that I would say belongs on every Christian's shelf. The Psalms are a part of us. As Orthodox Christians they are a part of every service, and for many of us a part of our daily lives. Still, sometimes they can be challenging. My spiritual father has told me more than once to see Christ in the Psalms, that our view of the Old Testament should be seen through the eyes of the New, as Christ explained the scriptures to the disciples in Emmaus, but having this volume that goes into each Psalm and speaks on what it means in light of Christ makes this challenge something I can actively learn.

The book itself is simply formatted - a beautiful introduction, then a two page segment for each Psalm in order. As I was reading through it I knew I would keep this book on hand even after finishing it, returning to it as different Psalms become a deeper part of my life, or questions arise. His words illuminate the beauty of the Psalms with the light of Christ thoroughly and beautifully, going into enough detail to draw the words closer and bring a new view of these ancient words.

If you love the Psalms, or are challenged by them and want to love them more, this is an excellent book to put on your shelf and work through bit by bit or read through all at once. I am no very curious about his other works on other Old Testament books, and will likely add those to my collection as well!

I love it. I've had one since 1993. I ordered these to give as gifts. My brother's house burned and they lost everything. I gave him one.

This is an excellent book ! My first child was a breeze so when my son started having issues I was at a complete loss :( this book was an essay read with sound advice coming from both a biblical Christian perspective as well as sound psychological science. I highly recommend this book to any parent regardless of faith background. I was able to put things into practice right away and have seen amazing results with my children and an improvement in our relationship :) A truly invaluable work, accessible and a joy to read!

This is a beautifully psalter that looks great, is extremely readable and well-organized to use throughout the week.

This is a book that I would say belongs on every Christian's shelf. The Psalms are a part of us. As Orthodox Christians they are a part of every service, and for many of us a part of our daily lives. Still, sometimes they can be challenging. My spiritual father has told me more than once to see Christ in the Psalms, that our view of the Old Testament should be seen through the eyes of the New, as Christ explained the scriptures to the disciples in Emmaus, but having this volume that goes into each Psalm and speaks on what it means in light of Christ makes this challenge something I can actively learn.

The book itself is simply formatted - a beautiful introduction, then a two page segment for each Psalm in order. As I was reading through it I knew I would keep this book on hand even after finishing it, returning to it as different Psalms become a deeper part of my life, or questions arise. His words illuminate the beauty of the Psalms with the light of Christ thoroughly and beautifully, going into enough detail to draw the words closer and bring a new view of these ancient words.

If you love the Psalms, or are challenged by them and want to love them more, this is an excellent book to put on your shelf and work through bit by bit or read through all at once. I am no very curious about his other works on other Old Testament books, and will likely add those to my collection as well!

I have other Orthodox hard cover prayer books. This paperback has a good selection of traditional prayers. I like the layout and it's a good sized font. Being paperback, it fits in my purse nicely.

Awesome and very self revealing.

I have other Orthodox hard cover prayer books. This paperback has a good selection of traditional prayers. I like the layout and it's a good sized font. Being paperback, it fits in my purse nicely.

Excellent read! I encountered a bit of theological terminology that I had to look up......but that is fantastic because I am a life-long learner!

What a wonderful resource for Orthodox families! I was received into Orthodoxy earlier this year, drawn in large part by how seriously Orthodoxy asks us to take our faith. There is no arbitrary separation of a Sunday morning spirituality versus the rest of the secular week. While I very much want to consciously focus my everyday life around Christ and our faith, it can be overwhelming and challenging to prioritize the changes ' especially with children who are not used to them.

I was grateful to be able to review BLUEPRINTS FOR THE LITTLE CHURCH because it addressed all sorts of practical considerations that swirl around the mind of a new convert like me. Of course I can and do ask my priest about things, but it's also nice to have other voices of experience to turn to as well. When you've never prayed as a family and fasting has just been something you've done before an annual physical, where do you start? The authors acknowledge how overwhelming - albeit, of course, fruitful - it can be to begin to build one's little church at home and wisely distill your first steps down to two simple ones: pray and go to church. That basic start suddenly seems much more manageable. The book even suggests an initial prayer and encourages you to stop what you are doing and pray with your family to get over the initial hurdle.

Another thing I appreciate is that they also address basic questions that converts may have that others simply take for granted. For example, I know that the Orthodox typically have a prayer corner, but I'm always interested in how they've chosen to set it up and if there are any rules or practices I'm unintentionally breaking. Similarly, the section on how to prepare for and what to expect of a house blessing was very helpful.

Finally, I really appreciated how the book addressed the presence of children in church. I struggle with some anxiety over what standards to set for my own children during Divine Liturgy, so it was helpful to be reminded that they have a right to participate as well as to be given some specific ideas to make the time more meaningful to them as they grow up. As one page states, "If we can remember we are weak, like the children placed in our care, then we can pass along to them the mercy and forgiveness God has generously poured down upon us." It can be so easy to think of our children as distractions that prevent us from experiencing the services as we would like, but truly, they are also creations of God whom it is my privilege to bring with me. To be honest, I do sometimes need that reminder.

There is a wealth of information here, from fasting to observing the liturgical year, that both encouraged and taught me so much. This would be a great gift from a sponsor to a newly-received family or even to a newly married couple. I also think this would make a great tool in a discussion group for parents.

What a wonderful resource for Orthodox families! I was received into Orthodoxy earlier this year, drawn in large part by how seriously Orthodoxy asks us to take our faith. There is no arbitrary separation of a Sunday morning spirituality versus the rest of the secular week. While I very much want to consciously focus my everyday life around Christ and our faith, it can be overwhelming and challenging to prioritize the changes — especially with children who are not used to them.

I was grateful to be able to review BLUEPRINTS FOR THE LITTLE CHURCH because it addressed all sorts of practical considerations that swirl around the mind of a new convert like me. Of course I can and do ask my priest about things, but it’s also nice to have other voices of experience to turn to as well. When you’ve never prayed as a family and fasting has just been something you’ve done before an annual physical, where do you start? The authors acknowledge how overwhelming - albeit, of course, fruitful - it can be to begin to build one’s little church at home and wisely distill your first steps down to two simple ones: pray and go to church. That basic start suddenly seems much more manageable. The book even suggests an initial prayer and encourages you to stop what you are doing and pray with your family to get over the initial hurdle.

Another thing I appreciate is that they also address basic questions that converts may have that others simply take for granted. For example, I know that the Orthodox typically have a prayer corner, but I’m always interested in how they’ve chosen to set it up and if there are any rules or practices I’m unintentionally breaking. Similarly, the section on how to prepare for and what to expect of a house blessing was very helpful.

Finally, I really appreciated how the book addressed the presence of children in church. I struggle with some anxiety over what standards to set for my own children during Divine Liturgy, so it was helpful to be reminded that they have a right to participate as well as to be given some specific ideas to make the time more meaningful to them as they grow up. As one page states, "If we can remember we are weak, like the children placed in our care, then we can pass along to them the mercy and forgiveness God has generously poured down upon us." It can be so easy to think of our children as distractions that prevent us from experiencing the services as we would like, but truly, they are also creations of God whom it is my privilege to bring with me. To be honest, I do sometimes need that reminder.

There is a wealth of information here, from fasting to observing the liturgical year, that both encouraged and taught me so much. This would be a great gift from a sponsor to a newly-received family or even to a newly married couple. I also think this would make a great tool in a discussion group for parents.

Words for Our Lives
The spiritual Words of Matthew The Poor
Volume two
This book was given to me to listen to on audible in exchange for a review. Matthew the poor comes from a time very near to ours and while a monk, he gives practical advice anyone can take away. Some of his teachings was dry for me but I must admit my spiritual life is not like those of a monk or that of a pious layperson. Alas, I am working to grow and this book helped show me some of the plank in my eye, if you will.
Matthew the Poor speaks of how important the reading of the psalms and the bible in its entirety, are to your spiritual life. This has really encouraged me to work on picking up my bible and finding more time for God. Definitely more than I had been giving to him, shame on me.
I think this book is perfect for the person looking to go deeper into their faith and relationship with God. He pushes the monks, as that is who he is speaking to mostly, to live their life the very best by following God closely. Achieving this mostly by loving the scriptures and reading them constantly.
So, in conclusion, if you are looking to grow closer to God and are looking for wisdom from someone much wiser than I, than this is your book!

I recently received a review copy of Apostle to the Plains: The Life of Father Nicola Yanney. This book is published by Ancient Faith Publishing and was authored by a group calling themselves The Saint Raphael Clergy Brotherhood. I was delighted to receive this lovely book, as Father Nicola is near and dear to my heart. I strongly believe that he is indeed standing in the presence of God, in the choir of the Saints. Any effort that aids in Father Nicola being better known and loved is an endeavor that will always have my fullest support.
You see, about a decade ago, a young facebook friend told me the story of Father Nicola Yanney’s life. My young friend was strongly convinced that Father Nicola was a Saint, with a Capital S. The more he spoke to me about Father Nicola’s life, the more I came to admit that there was a decided probability that Father Nicola was indeed a Saint. His was a life of sorrow and devotion to God. Father Nicola’s later life was a constant oblation of himself in the service of his small parish in Kearney Nebraska and to the Orthodox communities throughout the American Midwest and Plains States as he made long journeys to minister the Mysteries to scattered pockets of Orthodox believers from Minnesota to Southern Illinois and Southern Missouri and from Colorado to Indiana, crisscrossing a wide swath of the country baptizing babies, marrying people, burying people, witnessing confessions, and celebrating the Divine Liturgy and communing people, often providing the Mysteries in the homes of the faithful. Father Nicola reposed during the 1918 Influenza pandemic, likely becoming ill as he went from house to house taking communion and unction to his sick and dying parishioners in Nebraska.
In October 2018, Father Nicola’s former parish in Kearney Nebraska, Saint George, hosted a Pilgrimage to Father Nicola’s grave on the occasion of the centenary of Father Nicola’s repose. Even though it was a long drive there and a three-day event spanning Friday to Sunday, I booked tickets for the event and made hotel reservations. It was a truly awesome weekend, spent with people who also loved Father Nicola.
This book, The Apostle to the Plains, did an excellent job of telling the life of Father Nicola and of the struggle for the establishment of Orthodox Churches in the Midwest and the Plains states, and in a far larger sense told of the struggle that has been the history of Orthodoxy in America. I strongly recommend this book to everyone. Then again, I’m biased, always, on Father Nicola’s behalf. Holy Father Nicola, pray for us.

Very good quality.

We Came, We Saw, We Converted: The Lighter Side of Orthodoxy in America

The author got the title of this book just right, especially the byline. It definitely presents the lighter side of Orthodoxy here in America. When I offered to read and review this book in exchange for a copy from the publisher, I was expecting some very humorous anecdotes, and images of the everyday life of converts - thats what I get for having never listened to Father Joseph Huneycutts blog before this book. Had I listened, I might have better known what to expect.

At first, I read with all seriousness. Then I realized that it sometimes (often) went over the hyperbolic top. Many of the characters could never be real. Nor could some of the situations. Yet there was always a ring of truth to each of the stand-alone chapters; while presented in a light manner, these truths often resonated longer and more deeply than some of the more overtly deep books that I will occasionally trudge through.

This book offered truth through story, allegory, and reflection. I am grateful to own it, and can see myself reading it more than once - its likely to rest in a location where I may read a quick chapter every once in a while. It is a book that anyone could read (whether Orthodox or not) and enjoy. The persistent theme that I took away from it was that the surface is not as important as what is underneath. For instance, the chapter titled, An Empty Church is a Peaceful Church reminds us that we are meant to worship together, and that the goal is Christ, not always a quiet and peaceful church. Fr. Huneycutt writes on page 164, The Good News is: God never changes. Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And when seeking peace in our churches, it must be His peace, the peace that passes all understanding, which we seek. He reminds us all that at the core of our faith, it is ultimately not about us, but about God.

I was often caught off guard, even once I sort of knew what to expect. Fr. Huneycutt does a great job catching readers off guard, taking us on adventures, allowing us to listen in on conversations that may or may not be real, and then confronting us with Truth. And its a beautiful process. Ive also listened a few times to the Orthodixie podcast on Ancient Faith Radio, and found that it, too, helps listeners to learn and to grow in their faith in a fun and down to earth manner. Reading, and now listening, I must agree with him and what he said on page 93: I realized, even more so, the work I had yet to do on my own heart.