A few weeks ago my 13 year old daughter and I read this book : Spyridon’s Shoes written by Christine Rogers. It is an absolutely delightful and captivating book. We were so drawn in with the story that we finished it the same day!!!

Spyridons Shoes is about a young boy named Spyro - who lives on the island of Corfu, Greece. He spends his days fishing and repairing his fathers fishing nets, making deliveries for his fathers shoemaking shop and octopus hunting so that he can save enough money to go to school. One day - after hanging out with his best friend Niko on the beach - he badly hurts his foot and can’t walk back home. Niko runs to get help and while Spyro is sitting alone on the beach - a very kind older man - who Spyro affectionately calls Abba - finds him. Abba helps to bind Spyros wound, and gives him his very own shoe so that he can make the journey home. This starts a wonderful friendship between the two.

Spyro is drawn to Abba and always looks forward to their meetings. Over time, Abba teaches Spyro how to pray and encourages him in his Faith. It is a heartwarming book - written for teenagers but draws in even an adult.

Ultimately the story is about the fullness of our Faith - the intercession of the Saints and the reality that we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses. Spyro learns many lessons in the book - one in particular is the joy of putting others needs before your own. I don’t want to spoil the ending ... so I won’t. Spyridon’s Shoes is an encouraging book for our youth. To be honest as I saw the end of the book was drawing near - I did not want it to end. So much had Christine’s descriptions transported us back to another time - and had both me and my daughter feeling as if we too were walking on the beaches of Corfu and talking with Abba. This book would make a wonderful addition to your child's library, as a gift for your godchildren or just reading for pleasure

The book was gifted to me for my honest review .

It was interesting to see all the different prayers relating to different situations. I also enjoyed seeing the prayers at the end of the book from saints I have no knowledge of. I intend to research and learn more about them. The section on fasting that listed the dates of various fasts also was interesting and informative. I have not seen the accumulation of this information in one source.
Overall the book was very worth getting and I intend to use it from time to time.

I liked this, but preferred Becoming Orthodox by Peter Gilquist

First, the Services of Holy Week and Pascha is a great looking and it's is put together very well: it should take many years of elegant use at the Altar and, still, maintain a fine appearance in the Library. Second, I must add that, It was well researched, noting the many variants of ritual usage, and it is orderly, the sequence of the Services is perfect and all in one place. I really should have found this Ritual sooner; it would have saved much time in preparation over the years. It should be a welcomed addition to any Clerics' Library and should be provided to each Cantor/Choir Director. Thanks, Ancient Faith Store for making this Text available to us! Fr. Deacon John

I like this prayer book and am using it even as a mature adult. I like the size, the binding, the ease of flow in the language. A great little addition to my collection of prayer books. They all complement each other.

It helped me more fully participate in the services

Every parish should host a workshop on this book.

Wonderful and encouraging

Very straightforward and extremely helpful

Excellent, helpful book! Should be in every household!

Fr. David Fontes hits the nail on the head: so much of what we do and think proceeds from our self-image, and a true self image is the one that comes from knowing who we are and how we are valued by Our Creator. I highly recommend this book as a healing remedy to so much that ails men and women in our times.

Too tight

A great little prayer book. I'll likely buy more for my nephews.

Great Christological commentary in a decent (medium) sized volume. Appears to be sewn unlike the Thomas Nelson version (at least that's what I recall from the TN version). Some flaws in the commentary however. The dating for Exodus uses the modern, late dating (13th century BC) when scripture and tradition alike put it in 15-16th century. This has huge implications, but I won't get into it here. The other little flaws in the commentary are minor. Such as Goliath's height not reflecting the actual Septuagint text that was translated. The bible text rightfully has the LXX height of "4 cubits" (6'9" range), but the commentator, apparently influenced by Masoretic readings, still uses the 6 cubit height (9 feet.. the VERY giant Goliath taught in Protestant children stories). So while I love this edition of the Bible, it could be better and I will give it 4 stars.

Absolutely wonderful. I purchased to read with my granddaughters (6 and 4). They loved it! I was even more delighted when I read the back cover and learned that the story was inspired by an account of Father Thomas Hopko. I recommend this book without reservation. Should be read to every child.

Very nice, and portable too. Perfect to tuck in my pocketbook or in my suitcase when I travel.

I am very pleased with this book. I think the stories are long enough to get an idea of the saint and short enough to be read to or by children. An improvement would be to put both Gregorian and Julian calendar dates in the book. For now I just pencil it in. The cover icon is beautiful.

Best one yet.

The Eastern Calendar of Saints gives me a daily look an time to reflect on GOD's grace through His Saints on our earth and in my life.

5 Stars! I love this prayer book! I am not a member of the Orthodox Church, but I find this Prayer Book an amazing source of help and encouragement. At present I attend a traditional Anglican Church, as our church broke away from the heretical Episcopal Church. This Prayer Book is a treasure! Thank you & may God Bless you.