This is an excellent book that wonderfully explains the Orthodox Liturgy...highly recommended for all - "cradle & converts" and those interested in learning more about Liturgy.

This is a very good book for both the Orthodoxy Faithful and the Orthodox inquirer. For those who are familiar with monasteries, it will be like 30 short visits to your favourite spiritual retreat. For those not familiar with Orthodoxy, this book will give you a bit of insight into the everyday life and people that go to and those that live in a Monastery. Nothing can capture the essence of a Monastery like a personal visit, however this book is like a virtualvisit. It was hard to put down. I turned each page waiting for the next adventure. Thank-you Matushka Constanina for writing this book.

Theron Mathis has written an excellent introduction to "all those other books" of the Bible. The Rest of the Bible is an introduction to the books found in the Greek Old Testament (and therefore used by Orthodox Christians), but not found in the Hebrew Scriptures--these are the books found in Eastern Orthodox Bibles, but not in Protestant Bibles. Mathis writes: "These books have gone by many names--Protestants call them the Apocrypha, Roman Catholics call them the Deuterocanonicals. But St. Athanasius, a fourth-century Church Father who was instrumental in establishing the Christian canon of Scripture, referred to them as the Anagignoskomena, or the Readables" (p. 7).

Best aspects of this book:
1. It is brief.
2. It is understandable.
3. Its application.

One caveat:
This book is written from an Eastern Orthodox perspective. Some Protestants might find Mathis' treatment of "the Readables" as Holy Scripture to be a bit off-putting. However, the title of the book IS "The Rest of the Bible," so it's hard not to see that coming. I (a Southern Baptist) did not have a problem with this aspect of the book. Mathis is open about writing as an Orthodox Christian. Even if one disagrees with Mathis about whether or not these books should be in the Bible, The Rest of the Bible really is an excellent work.

This book is very short. Mathis says just enough to give his readers a basic understanding of the background and content of each book, but he doesn't overload his readers with too much information. The longest chapter (The Wisdom of Solomon) is only 14 pages long. Additionally, Mathis writes in a very clear and understandable style. Both of these strengths make The Rest of the Bible ideal for use in a small group study.

Mathis writes: "Orthodox Christianity teaches that Scripture is only understood rightly within the context of the Church, through the lens of the Person of Christ and the events of His Passion. So for each book, we will look at comments from the Fathers and examine when and where these books are used in the Church's liturgy" (p. 10). This approach was very enjoyable. Not only does Mathis make frequent reference to early Church Fathers, he also shows how these books, interpreted "through the lens of the Person of Christ," demonstrate truths that are applicable and relevant for Christians today.

I gave this book five stars because it really is a great introduction to "the Readables." The style is clear, the chapters are brief, and yet, the reader will still walk away with a basic understanding of each book and an appreciation of how the Church has received and used it.

Wonderful book! Full of wisdom, mixed with a little humor. This is a great book for all women to read!

This book has inspired me on many levels. I recommend anyone greek orthodox or not...to read this book! May God bless us all!

Lynette's witness has been an incredible testimony to the people of Albania that faith in God is not only in good times but also in difficult and hard times. Lynette never doubted that God was good even in times when she was facing death. Lynette's example inspires people to become more Christ-focused.

Absolutely loved this book, and it was truly helpful in understanding this topic from an orthodox viewpoint. In this very readable, short volume, Fr. Tom listens closely to our church fathers and brings their voices in to the framework of this discussion. I appreciate the framework he lays out from the beginning of the book, which makes it impossible, from a truly Christian point of view, to advocate or espouse the notion that same-sex attraction is the highest calling and destiny of human persons in light God's grace in Jesus.

I am grateful this book was written. There is a deceptive simplicity about it. I love God and love people who love God and I loved this book. Thanks.

This book opens the reader to the Christian Orthodox Church and the original, undistorted belief of that God is definitely not "the Man upstairs." According to the author, Father Stephen Freeman, God is in us and in everything that He created. I think that Protestants, Catholics, agnostics, and atheists would find the book fascinating. It is a look into Christianity as it was taught from its infancy and how it is still practiced by Orthodox Christians everywhere.

Excellent resource for any Orthodox Christian recovering in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous . Father Meletios has experienced the literal 'hell' of slavery to alcohol and presents an affirming and cogent perspective to recovery through the original
12 Steps of AA. He explains how the steps are consistent with and dove tail perfectly with the teachings of the Orthodox Christian
faith. I highly recommend Steps of Transformation to anyone seeking a 'way out' but especially those who are also practicing Orthodox Christianity in their personal journey.

As incense comes in various fragrances (scents) so does Constantina, the author, use the imagery of the 33 knots of the Orthodox prayer rope to title her 33 Chapters. Located in a women's monastery in Thessaloniki, Greece, the author visits multiple times and becomes a close friend of the sisters.

Through short, concise and enlightening chapters, Constantina experiences the mystical spirituality of the sisters' experiences and spiritual fathers they have known. Highly recommended by the reviewer. Available on Kindle, a convenient way to read on the go.

First time I've been able to comprehend concepts like "nous" and others. Discussion on logismoi helpful in understanding how the mind works in relation to the heart.

First time I've been able to comprehend concepts like "nous" and others. Discussion on logismoi helpful in understanding how the mind works in relation to the heart.

Constantina brings the women's monastery to life by her simple questions and observations.
My own humility increased without effort, just reading about these amazing women who live their
lives hidden from the world, serving Christ in every move they make, every word they speak,
and of course all the prayers they pray without ceasing. I'm so grateful to Constantina - she may
have saved me a trip to Greece, which I really can't take anywhere in the near future. I love another reviewer's
comment about using it as a daily devotional...I'm doing that now, a chapter each day. I would recommend every
Orthodox believer, male or female, read it thoughtfully. There are deep spiritual lessons taught in the most
innocent ways. I LOVED IT!

One of a few books that doesn't make the reader feel judged but at the same time opens up opportunities to look into one's own life and strive for a more Orthodox, God centered life (for and with your family). I really felt inspired by this book!

This is a wonderful book about life as an Orthodox Christian in and out of a monastery. There were some old world superstitions that could have been left out

A layperson gives a rare look into the day-to-day activities and personalities that form a part of life in a Greek monastery.

This book is a diary of Fr Luke's life experiences as an American in Albania. Thoroughly engaging and inspiring if you're interested in any combination of Albania, Orthodoxy and evangelism. It also discusses Abp Anastasios of Albania with details not otherwise available online. Thanks to Fr Luke for writing this!

It is hard to believe that someone could spend time in so many different religious settings and maintain a healthy spiritual balance. The author is now basking in legalistic environment but he does not seem to be effected by the constraint of orthodox rules and rituals as they have effected others. The confusion he faced in the Protestant arena was what I have experienced over the years and checks with his past life in Judaism were refreshing. "I love it" for one reason - he reads as an authentic seeker of God. He is blessed!

Christ in the Psalms was originally published back in 2000 but has since been revised. If you own the original, like myself, you will first notice a more substantial introduction. In this edition, Fr. Reardon explains "The Unity of the Bible," "The Voices of the Psalter," and "The First Three Psalms." I never noticed this about the Psalms before, but the first three chapters form a theological outline for the whole book. The other major changes occurred in Fr. Reardon's commentary on Psalms 73, 75, 90, 94, and 106. Bear in mind this is the Septuagint numbering as the Septuagint Old Testament has 151 Psalms.

As the title suggests, this book is a devotion/commentary on the book of Psalms with Jesus as the light by which to read them. With a commentary for each chapter, this book is just over 300 pages. However, don't let the size of this book intimidate you. Each commentary is only 1 page front and back, making it both manageable and enjoyable to read at your own pace. I recommend reading a Psalm and commentary in the morning and one at night. Using this schedule, one can make it through the book in other 3 months, but one a day is also a good reading pace.

It is easy to read some Psalms and see how they relate to Jesus, like Psalm 23 (Psalm 22 in the Septuagint). However, don't think that this is just merely "The Good Shepherd Psalm." Fr. Reardon provides further insight that one may have never noticed before. In the 23rd Psalm, one can also see the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Chrismation/Confirmation). That explanation blew my mind, and I will never look at Psalm 23 the same way again.

This is a book you must have in your library. I simply wish I could give it more than 5 stars. The only hard decision to make, when it comes to owning this book, would be if you own the original edition. You will have to decide if the changes mentioned above are worth buying the revised edition. I personally would, but that's just me. Check out Fr. Reardon's complementary title Christ in His Saints also available from Conciliar Press.