Bouteneff compassionately shares great practical, insights for us in todays' world wrestling with ancient truths, like St. Ephrem the Syrian's reality, “Enter into yourself, dwell within your heart, for God is there.” He helps us see a true sinner identity grows awareness that the “chamber of heaven” isn't far off somewhere but within the humbled soul.

This series was a budget stretch for me but I am so glad I purchased the entire series at once. This series is so helpful during my daily Bible readings. As a convert, I use the series daily to help me develop an Orthodox mindset. After doing my morning and evening readings I read the commentary in my Orthodox Study Bible (also purchased from Ancient Faith) and then I read the commentary in this series. It is definitely a godsend that I would especially recommend those who have completed Bible study under non-Orthodox teachers.

exactly as pictured, great quality.
very happy with it !

Full disclosure: I was fortunate enough to see some of the material for this book before it was published, and know Fr. Evan personally (he's my priest!), so this will be a bit biased in that direction. However, I do believe I can offer some helpful thoughts on the work and why it's worth buying.

First and foremost, like Part One, the beauty of Fr. Evan's work is its simplicity. He packs so much practical wisdom into so few pages that it makes one wonder why others have to write so many words -- it's clear a lot can happen in very few!

Fr. Evan has many gifts, but I think one of his most special attributes is his ability to simultaneously be blunt and kind. I have never met a person in my life who can at once tell me something that hits me in the gut and makes me realizes I should work on things, while doing so in a way that makes me appreciate them even more in the way Fr. Evan does.

This book is a continuation of that type of thought. It's at once personal and theologically deep -- but deep in a way that means something for your life NOW. Not to ponder; not to sit and drink coffee and think about for a few months, but something to put into practice today as a way of helping you draw closer to Christ.

My son recently asked me, "what's the meaning of life?" And I said, "Theosis." He looked at me strangely, as if that shouldn't have been such a simple answer. But when he asked how to do that, I told him, "just listen to Fr. Evan." This book is a continuation of thoughts on that answer; it's a way of actually DOING the "how" of Theosis.

That's what Fr. Evan does. He takes what we think of as complex questions and boils them down to straightforward answers that compel you to be better than you were the day before you heard them. And that is why I thank God for what he's done for me and my family.

May he do the same for you via the printed word. I can't recommend this highly enough.

In his previous books (particularly his first book, _The Religion of the Apostles_) Fr. Stephen's writing style would sometimes get bogged down in academic prose. The content of his books is always valuable for those willing navigate the labyrinth of his prose style, but I often felt myself longing for the more accessible style he uses while speaking his podcasts (_Whole Counsel of God_ and _Lord of Spirits_).

Enter _Saint Paul the Pharisee_. This is a wonderfully readable biography of St. Paul with a riveting narrative recounting the great saint's life woven together from both biblical and non-biblical sources.

The second half of the book is a modern translation of Paul's Epistles stripped of the terminology introduced by translators with an agenda and producing a readable translation properly placed within the context of Paul's life and missionary work.

Fr. Stephen doesn't acknowledge the editor for this book, but I certainly hope he will enlist the same editor for his future books.

As the Orthodox Christian faith, and Christianity as a whole, experiences a resurgence of openness, inquiry, and curiosity, this book (and its companion in Vol. I) offers sober and experienced guidance toward what are the essential foundations of a transfigured spiritual life.

Far from offering mere theological opinion concepts or data, this book draws on biblical insight, Patristic wisdom, and pastoral experiences in real community life spanning decades. It uncovers beauty buried beneath life’s very real challenges, the restorative power of confession, and a window into a life with God where time is no longer experienced as a thing to be killed but a gift to be redeemed and restored for us in the ever-unfolding Present.

If you find yourself longing for wise and sober spiritual guidance in a cacophony of virtual “experts”, newly inquiring into the riches of Orthodox Christianity in a local parish, or simply stalled out in your head and heart as a lifelong practicing Christian, sit with Fr. Evan a while and discover that new life is still possible and available for those willing to seek it.

I am a Catechumen and I bought the entire set when they were recently on sale. They are worth it. Currently I am in St. Mark.
The commentary lines up with my daily reading of The Orthodox Study Bible (I found a plan for a one year read through on line) nearly perfectly. If you are on the fence about getting one, I would recommend giving it a go. At least get one of the Gospel copies.
Each chapter is given in bite size sections, they are not overly complex nor are they over simplified. 10 minutes per section if your time is limited but you could really take each section as far as you see fit. At times I have been blown away at seeing the Holy Scripture with a new set of eyes.
I am learning much by using them.
Best to all and I hope this helped but a little.

A wonderful resource for the spiritual life, many prayers for many occasions both daily and otherwise. It's of quality construction and the color matches the Orthodox Study Bible.

The Art of Myrrhbearing by Elissa Bjeletich Davis is a deeply moving, grace-filled invitation to live as a healing presence in the world. Drawing on the lives of the Myrrhbearing Women of the Gospels and other saints throughout Orthodox Christian tradition, Davis gently calls readers into a life of love, forgiveness, and courageous presence in the face of suffering.

With a rare combination of theological insight, scriptural reflection, and personal narrative, Davis explores what it means to bear “myrrh”—to carry Christ’s love and compassion into places marked by grief, pain, and fear. Themes such as vulnerability, attentiveness, silence, and service form the structure of the book, offering both depth and accessibility. Davis doesn’t shy away from the raw complexity of suffering. Instead, she models a healing path that is slow, quiet, and real—rooted not in sentimentality but in the difficult, beautiful work of presence.

What stands out most is her call to “get our hands dirty.” Whether through caregiving, feeding the hungry, praying for the hurting, or simply walking alongside those who are broken, Davis reminds us that true healing is born in service. One particularly striking insight is the idea that we have the power to either bind others with the memory of their sins—or to help loosen those wrappings through love, by refusing to rehearse old hurts. In this way, myrrhbearing becomes an act of inner freedom and forgiveness as much as outward care.

Each chapter feels like sitting with a wise and compassionate friend—one who has suffered and still chooses grace. Davis’s writing invites not just reading, but reflection, prayer, and action. The stories of saints and ordinary people alike serve as beacons, encouraging us to bear our own small jar of myrrh in the everyday moments of life.

This book is a treasure for Orthodox Christian women, church groups, caregivers, and anyone longing to grow in mercy, resilience, and Christ-like love. Highly recommended for personal reflection, group study, or anyone seeking to become more fully present to the suffering of the world—without being overcome by it.

It is my practice to give the Wedding Diptych to the couples I marry or am involved in their wedding prep. I do this so that they can set it as the centerpiece of their Icon Corner, and see it as a daily reminder to develop the habit of praying together each day of their marriage. Father David

Excellent source material for the Church and more in one volume ——

Throughly enjoyed reading Dr. Jeannie’s book. Her writing challenges me to think beyond what I have simply accepted as Christian truth

Fr. Nicola will someday be glorified as a Saint by the Church!

Excellent companion to the Church’s Daily Lectionary. Pray for Translators!
Saint Theophan the Recluse, help us to abide in the Scriptures and pray….

102 Orthodox Saints is a beautiful book that offers a glimpse into the history and lives of the saints. It’s wonderful to read these truths to my children and see them come to love the “great cloud of witnesses.” Thank you for providing such a valuable resource for education and edification for the young and old alike. We are ever grateful for these vivid stories and bright illustrations to bring to life those who are more alive than we are. Thank you, again!

Simply beautiful

The prayer bracelets— ordered several-/ are great

A wonderful reminder of this Holy mystery. Why we need it.

My kids love the book. My 2 year old has asked me to read it once or sometimes twice a day.

I love the Jordanville. It is very helpful in having focused, meaningful prayer. I highly recommend it.