I love how it follows the same pattern as “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See!!!”
Toddlers can really relate to the book!!!

The author wonderfully address sensitive topics without carrying an air of disrespect. As a recent convert to the Orthodox faith I am more clearly understand the various denominations that I grew up in through the church hopping of my wonderful parents.

Beautiful and good quality, I enjoy wearing it often.

Philip Mamalakis did a wonderful job with this book. It is easy to read (and easy to listen to the audio version).

Excellent book! I'd heard about Gerondissa from the monks at St. Anthony's monastery. Years ago, having read some of her sayings, I inquired if there would ever be a book about her life. Finally this beautiful book is available. Her inspirational words touch the soul with a desire to unceasingley pray the Jesus prayer and tor strive for repentance.

Bought this for my granddaughter, she loved it. It gave her menu ideas to make with her parents and sister during Lent.

Loving this book! Easy to read and approachable for all.

This is a must-read for raising Christian children!

Great book

This is an enjoyable book about a young boy and his spiritual awakening. The author artfully drops little spiritual thoughts and practices throughout the story and brings to life the closeness of the heavenly realm. I can’t wait to read it to my children.

What exactly happens in the Divine Liturgy, the most important form of worship in the Eastern Orthodox Church? Where did it come from? How was it formed? What are its roots, its history, its purpose, and most importantly, its relevance (particularly to me, an ordinary person trying to understand and participate in it in the 21st century)?

These were the questions I started with when I began Orthodox Worship. When Ancient Faith Publishing sent me a copy of this updated and revised edition in exchange for an honest review, I expected to learn about the historical, (and I’ll admit) academic side of Eastern Orthodox worship. I was curious about the Jewish roots in our services and wanted to understand the continuity between how early Christians developed worship over 2,000 years ago and how it’s continued today. However, I quickly realized this book was doing so much more than answering basic questions about the history of Orthodox worship: it was illuminating for me the “deep, personal, and spiritual worship experience before the very Throne of God” (9) – the very purpose of Orthodox liturgical worship.

In other words, it changed the way I approach the Divine Liturgy.

This book is divided into three parts, and I encourage any reader to take their time with all three. The information is accessible to a modern reader, but it is dense. What you will learn about Orthodox worship is that nothing happens in it without meaning. Everything that has developed in Orthodox worship practices, which grew directly out of “two elements of Jewish worship – synagogue and temple” (17), is linked to apostolic worship. From the prayers said during the service to the Scripture reading to the order of events of the Divine Liturgy itself is deeply steeped in an unchanging tradition. This information is heady, which is why I recommend that readers really give themselves time to really digest book. Sit down with this book with a cup of tea, a candle, or a calming view, and keep a pencil in your hand (I underlined and highlighted things constantly as I read). This is not a book that you want to rush through, but rather, enjoy slowly and really contemplate.

First, Part I covers understanding the Diving Liturgy: how Christian worship developed, what worship in the early church looked like, the importance of revelation and worship, what “the royal priesthood” means in an Orthodox context, and lastly, how all this connects to heavenly worship, which is a “present spiritual reality” (94). If this seems overwhelming, that’s okay. One of the things that was so beneficial about this section was that the authors explain how Orthodox worship is a universal, richly symbolic and meaningful experience that culminates in a real, living, and transformative moment of union with God. As a convert from Protestantism to Orthodoxy, I could have benefitted from Part I of this book 10 years ago. It would have helped me better understand the great continuity in Orthodox worship to apostolic tradition – the way the disciples and apostles worshipped and how Christian worship directly grew from that.

Williams & Anstall also did an remarkable job in Part I guiding the reader through the historical roots of Orthodox worship and how it directly grew out of Jewish worship practices at the time. Because I am someone who values context, this section really helped me understand how worshiping today directly relates not only to what was happening 2,000 years ago with the first early Christians, but more astoundingly, what is also happening at the same moment when one participates in the Divine Liturgy today. According to the authors, “Worship on earth, then, is … an extension, a reflection, of worship in the Kingdom” (93).

Part II of this book – A Journey through the Liturgy – is when my understanding of the Divine Liturgy really began to change. In this section, the authors explain how exactly an Orthodox Church is organized (which was fascinating to learn), the preparations that take place for the Divine Liturgy, and then what happens, step-by-step, during the Divine Liturgy itself. The authors break down each moment in the Divine Liturgy and explain the history, context, and living symbolism behind each action and prayer and the overall importance and effect each step has on the worshipper. All of this culminates in the Eucharist, “the most glorious, most joyous, and most elevating event permitted to humanity … where two worlds meet, this world and the world to come” (145).

This section impacted me deeply. As I read, I compared my former attitude, approach, and rational understanding of worship to what the authors explained was really happening on a deeply spiritual level, and I have to say, it transformed the way I participate in services. When you realize that you aren’t “just” attending church in your little corner of the world on a regular Sunday, but rather, that time and space are dissolving and you are literally at the throne of God, celebrating something that is happening throughout heaven at that very moment, well … that changes the way one might approach the Divine Liturgy. After reading this book, I find myself more present, more aware, and more observant at the Divine Liturgy.

Part II ties into the Conclusion, the final chapter, which includes “a call to worship” and reminds the reader how just “[l]ike any other relationship … [c]ommunion with God requires time and effort” (189). One of the most impactful reminders the authors give the reader is that “the sacramental life of the Church leads to a sacramental view of all of life: to view all things as having come from God and to offer all things back to God in thanksgiving and praise” (191). This is what the early apostles, disciplines, and early Christians did, and the authors remind the reader this is a modern calling, as well.

Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who (1) is unfamiliar with Orthodox worship and wants to know more about its history and development; (2) wants to learn about how modern day Orthodox worship relates to worship in the early church; and (3) might be an Orthodox Christian who wants to expand his or her understanding of what exactly the Divine Liturgy is and why it’s so important. You do not need to be an Orthodox Christian to find this book useful. I’ve recommended it to my non-Orthodox and Orthodox friends.

One day as a young boy named Spyro is tending to his family's fishing nets by the sea shore he meets a stranger who he comes to know as Abba. This man is kind, gentle and has a peaceful presence. Spyro is not sure exactly why, but he feels drawn to him. The two quickly develop a friendship and Abba begins to teach Spyro about life, prayer, and faith in God.

Spyridon's Shoes is a heart-warming story about a young boy named Spyro who must work in order to support himself and his family. Each day he travels to the beach to tend to his family's fishing nets. In his spare time, young Spyro hunts for squid in the rocks and reefs in order to sell at the local market so that he can save enough money to attend school. His encounter with this stranger, Abba, brings a depth to his life that he did not know was possible.

The author does an excellent job painting a vivid picture of the life of young Spyro and the deep bond created between him and his friend, Abba. Though the book is targeted towards adolescents, this story will by both the young and the young in heart!

(I was provided with a copy of this book in return for an honest review)

This new book by Kh. Christine Rogers was wonderful! I had so enjoyed her book, The Road to Golgotha, last year and was delighted to learn she had a new book being published.


The first thing I noticed when beginning this story was how easy it was to engage with the characters. They are wholly believable and real. Also, Khouria's descriptive writing does a lovely job of painting the setting so you can see it, and I felt as if I were living on the island of Corfu the farther I read.


I have read children's books which felt forced and a bit two-dimensional, but this was not one of them. I passed this along to a few of my children and they too enjoyed it. I asked my 12 year old son what he liked best about it and he said that it was good all the way through and very believable. I think younger children would enjoy having this read to them and older readers would enjoy reading it themselves. Nor do I think it is only for children: I'm 44 and enjoyed it very much myself!


I thought the ending was handled quite beautifully. While I'm itching to say more about it, I don't want to spoil your own enjoyment of watching it unfold naturally so I will refrain! If you're familiar with the story of St. Spyridon you probably have an idea of where it is headed, but that didn't ruin it at all for me.


It is rare that I finish a book this short with that feeling (so common to voracious readers) of emerging from one world into another. Spyridon's Shoes will definitely enter the roll of classic Orthodox children's books. Thank you, Kh. Christine, for sharing with us another treasure!


[This book was provided by Ancient Faith Publishing in exchange for my unbiased review.]


Very well put together

I love this book and it has had a profound impact on my life. It is written in a natural way and almost every word flows beautifully.

I think what I enjoy most, and why I can't get away from this book, is that it is written in modern vernacular that an modern American can relate to. Perhaps some of the majesty is lost with you and your vs. thy and thou, but for me the prayers have become part of my mind and heart. I love and and am grateful for it.

I love this book and it has had a profound impact on my life. It is written in a natural way and almost every word flows beautifully.

I think what I enjoy most, and why I can't get away from this book, is that it is written in modern vernacular that an modern American can relate to. Perhaps some of the majesty is lost with you and your vs. thy and thou, but for me the prayers have become part of my mind and heart. I love and and am grateful for it.

This book is one of the most thought provoking I have read in regards to time and the mind. The perspective of how time and despondency relate to one another is insightful. The author's stepping stones to address issues brought about by despondency are practical and necessary.

This little book is a gem! It is inspiring and sweet and authentic.  From the mention of the mystery of Spyridon's shoes I could kind of guess where the story was going but it was done with great storytelling. This would be a great read for during Lent, when we all should be tending to our prayer life. As a Librarian, I would recommend it for 2nd to 5th grade. A younger person could have it read to them and a middle schooler would breeze through it but still take away the inspiring message. Christine Rogers, I will be watching and waiting for your next book!

It's a book of golden rules on rising kids and disciplining yourself.

Surprised by Christ by Father James is amazing. I am a recent convert from Byzantine Catholicism which is close to Orthodoxy in so many ways but I have so much to learn. This book is so instrumental in helping anyone learn more about the faith. It's a little bit biography, history both of the Church and of the life and times in which he grew up and grew in Christ.
Full disclosure- I received the audio version for free in exchange for a review and I'm so thankful. It is a wonderful book but I would not have had the time to read the actual book. It is quite long and I'm a busy mama of 6. I love his voice and it was a pleasure to listen along in the car. The only problem with that is that I couldn't take notes. I will probably end up buying the hard copy to go back through and underline all the things that really spoke to m