Father John Strickland's 4-volume series on Paradise and Utopia makes sense of all of Western History by demonstrating how innovations in the Church of Rome led to all subsequent theological and intellectual developments.

Seeing the West in this distinction between Paradise and Utopia gives readers a longer view of what has caused the current crises the West is going through. Particularly for Orthodox converts in the West (and also for cradle Orthodox living in the West), this series helps to distinguish developments in the West from the true faith (and its paradisical outlook). As a convert myself who grew up in America, I want to understand Orthodoxy as much as possible, and this series has greatly helped me to understand.

There are many books on what Orthodoxy is - on the Church Fathers, on hesychasm, on the saints - but few demonstrate so well the conseqences of deviations from the true Church; on what Orthodoxy is not. Many Orthodox converts consider themselves Humanists, having no understanding of why Humanism developed. Many Orthodox converts identify with liberal democracy, but don't know how liberalism itself is a Utopian concept contrary to the ancient faith. Many Orthodox converts give praise to the Enlightenment, having no idea that said movement was a conscious turn away from God. This series helps us to understand the truth.

I must at also underline the fact that this series is not a Reactionary take either. Quite the contrary. Father Strickland throughout Paradise and Utopia even sheds light on where the Western tradition got things right. For instance, in the 6th chapter of the 4th volume (The Age of Nihilism) the author praises the Civil Rights movement and compares its vision to that of Paradise.

The series has helped me to better understand Western History in its proper framing and as an Orthodox convert it has helped me to become more Orthodox in my thinking. I recommend it to all who have an interest in history and Christianity.

Clear & concise. This little book very powerfully & effectively explains the history & etymology of “gospel“, and how this term/concept was appropriated (in the best sense of the word) by early Christianity. Much more than “good news“ it reshapes one’s understanding of the Christian faith, and inspires one to practice the faith with a sharper sense of urgency since what is that stake has been compellingly laid out.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. This book is written for the average layperson and they have done an excellent job in their writings making it easy to understand. I struggled in Part 1 at no fault to the authors. I have a hard time following some of the ancient history and different time periods unless someone is drawing it out on a whiteboard for me.

I really enjoyed Part 2 as it breaks down Divine Liturgy. It was very helpful explaining some of the things that happen in the altar area that you can only see parts of. I was able to learn a few things that I have not previously heard.

I do recommend this book to anyone looking into Orthodoxy, those researching church history or even the converts like myself that needs a refresher.

It is always a blessing to read a blessed life experience of the Christians. This is a good story for the young too.

I like the verses included in the card.

The mixed cards included some cards of the nativity of Jesus that were not ones I particularly liked. Yet 4 out of 5 sets of 3 were fine.

I would highly recommend this book to all catechumens. Porcu does an outstanding job of presenting how the early church understood the faith. In other words, how individuals in the east still think today, but was lost in western thought.

I'm new to Orthodoxy. I use this book to introduce my kids (10 and 8) to the Bible. We read a few stories every night. The artwork is beautiful. And the stories are written with a good balance of leaving the essence, while being simple enough for kids to understand. The kids love reading the stories together - and it provokes deep and thoughtful conversations.

I love my Guardian Angel icon. I keep it on my nightstand. Very nice.

Icon by Georgia Briggs is a powerful and haunting novel set in a dystopian future where Christianity is outlawed. The story follows Euphrosyne, a young girl forcibly renamed Hillary, as she is sent to a re-education camp aimed at erasing her faith and identity. Through vivid storytelling and poignant themes, Briggs explores resilience, the cost of conviction, and the enduring power of faith. Euphrosyne’s journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, making this book a moving read for anyone who values stories of spiritual courage and hope.

Such incredible quality and detail. Better than I ever expected.

I have always wanted to find a good selection of Christmas cards and finally found them. The cards quality and messages were exactly what I was looking for. I was proud to send them to my friends and family, several of whom told me they thought they were beautiful. These will be my go to cards for years to come.

We decided to purchase a large amount of these calendars for our prison ministry. The inmates love the images, but missed the inclusion of daily readings, as with the previous calendars we had purchased from St. Tikhon's. I hope AFP would consider including readings in next year's calendar.

Thanks for the quick delivery of this book. I highly recommend it to anyone searching for g for the true Christian Church.

This is a great supplement to the Prologue of Ohrid as well as the Orthodox Calendar and Synaxarion apps that I use for my daily reading of the Lives of the Saints. It is nice to have a physical calendar that helps me keep track of the Julian Calendar dates, fasting periods, and holidays.

These were very beautiful cards delivered in a timely manner.

I picked it as a gift for my husband as he was baptized into Orthodoxy at the end of the December. This nesting doll became very cherished in our household. It is beautiful and very elegant. I would buy it again as a gift for someone special.

amazingggg

Very beautiful ornament. I wasn't expecting this shape, but it fits into our tree very nicely.

Wonderful. Brilliant. Amazing. Flying