Welcome to Our Orthodox Christian Bookshelf! If you've managed to discover us in this hidden little part of the web, it's very likely that you've already explored the various websites for Orthodox Christian home educators with curriculum resources.  We note that our purpose is not to create another list with links to these various websites, nor are we an Orthodox Christian curriculum provider.  Our purpose is merely to provide a non-exhaustive list of living books and other resources which we have found invaluable in "Orthodox-Christianizing" a literature-rich (non-Orthodox) "Christian world-view" homeschool curriculum.  Furthermore, our list is limited to those resources which are generally accepted as being Orthodox Christian.  We have therefore intentionally not included any non-Orthodox Christian living books or resources which might still be considered "ok" ... but for us as Orthodox Christians, C.S Lewis and JRR Tolkein novels are not ok for children.  Nor is "classical education" ok for the immature mind, including studying Shakespeare, Ancient Greek Mythology or philosophical writings including those of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and the like (all of which greatly increase the risk of ultimately leading the immature mind away from Orthodox Christianity and toward heresy, secularisation and atheism, as witnessed during the dark period of church history of Scholasticism and the later period of "Enlightenment"). "Orthodox-Christianizing" a literature-rich home-school curriculum has been particularly challenging with respect to the study of world history.  This is because most English-language school-age "Christian biblical world-view" history living books are written from Reformed Protestant, Evangelical or Papal Protestant (Catholic) viewpoints, and are therefore peppered with heretical content.  This is the case even in many instances where resources are marketed as "Orthodox Christian" resources.   Categories of Resources We have split the resources into the following four categories (although there is overlap and many of the living books could fit into multiple categories - and all of them could fit into the first!): 1. Family Spiritual & Devotional Resources 2. Orthodox Christian World-View History & Politics Resources (Economics, Geography & Nature Study also flagged where relevant)  3. Orthodox Christian World-View Historical Fiction  4. Byzantine Chanting & Iconography Appreciation We are yet to find science living book resources (such as astronomy, anatomy, biology, etc) written by an Orthodox Christian writer (there are resources written from a "Christian world-view", but are not Orthodox Christian world-view).  We would love to hear from you if you are able to recommend any - please contact us at info@orthodoxhomeschool.au.    To see inside many of our recommended resources, to find out about why we recommend them, and how we have used them, FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: @orthodoxiseyourhomeschool.   Some Final Comments We note that we receive no financial benefit from listing resources or stockists on our page.  Our apologies to any Orthodox Christian authors who have produced beautiful and invaluable books, whom we are yet to discover or use and therefore have not included here.  As we discover more relevant Orthodox Christian resources, we will update our page.    If you have any queries or comments, please email us at: info@orthodoxhomeschool.au. Lastly, please pray for us as we pray that through the intercessions of Saint Kosmas Aitolos and of the Holy Three Hierarchs - Saints Basil the Great, John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian, our Holy Triune God blesses our Orthodox Christian homeschools, and that you find these resources as valuable as we have in home-educating and raising children, immersed in our Orthodox Christian faith.      PS:  As Orthodox Christian home educators, we may sometimes worry (or have outsiders casting doubts in our minds) that our children might be "missing out" on socialisation as a result of not attending mainstream school.  Below is a link to a youtube clip with wise words on the topic, "Will Homeschooling Hinder My Child's Socialization?", by an Orthodox Christian Priest, Fr Peter Heers, who, together with his wife, have homeschooled their five children:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cO8NMGzeXw           RETURN TO TOP   Starting the Day with  Spiritual/Devotional Reading ...     Photo by Samantha Sophia on unsplash.com   THOUGHTS FOR EACH DAY OF THE YEAR Author: Saint Theophan the Recluse Publisher: St Herman of Alaska Brotherhood St. Theophan takes us through the yearly cycle of Gospel and Epistle readings, humbly and reverently offering us brief but powerful daily meditations on the word of God. He also addresses the problems of his day—lack of faith, coldness of heart, trust in the rational mind rather than in the revealed Truth of God—which are problems of our day as well.           APOLITIKIA FOR EACH DAY OF THE YEAR  Watch/listen daily on Youtube:  www.youtube.com/@Apolitikia/playlists      HOLY ELDER ATHANASIOS MITILINAIOS AUDIO CATECHETICAL CLASSES [IN GREEK]   Invaluable for Greek-speaking families:  Discover the priceless audio Orthodox Christian catechetical classes by the revered Archimandrite Holy Elder Athanasios Mitilinaios (reposed 2006) at www.arnion.gr.  Called the "New Chrysostom" in Greek spiritual circles, Holy Elder Athanasios Mitilinaios conducted thousands of catechetical classes in Greece, covering a plethora of Orthodox Christian topics.  A very small sample of topics include:  Sunday Gospel Sermons www.arnion.gr/index.php/p-thanasios-mytilina-os/milies-p-thanasiou/diafora-uemata/omiliai-kyriakvn About Passions www.arnion.gr/index.php/p-thanasios-mytilina-os/milies-p-thanasiou/diafora-uemata/peri-pauvn About Virtues www.arnion.gr/index.php/p-thanasios-mytilina-os/milies-p-thanasiou/diafora-uemata/peri-aretvn Explaining the Divine Liturgy Service www.arnion.gr/index.php/p-thanasios-mytilina-os/milies-p-thanasiou/diafora-uemata/theia-leitourgia Question & Answer from teenage catechism classes www.arnion.gr/index.php/p-thanasios-mytilina-os/milies-p-thanasiou/diafora-uemata/pantiseis-pori-n-katixitiko   NOTE:  A number of Elder Athanasios' talks have been translated into ENGLISH by Constantine Zalalas.  See Saint Nikodemos Publications:  www.saintnicodemos.com     ONLINE GREEK ORTHODOX SYNAXARISTIS [IN GREEK]: www.saint.gr   For Greek-speaking families:  The online Greek Orthodox Synaxaristis at saint.gr includes biographies of the lives of saints, their apolitikia and icons for each day of the year and daily Scripture readings (including interpretations).     TODAY'S SAINT IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH [ALSO GEOGRAPHY] Presented by Fr Peter Heers www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCFiE3qfVkDhbWwrT5p38YkZf0CGxyTDK  Seventeen short video presentations of the Life of the Saint of the Day given to the children and teachers of the Three Hierarchs Academy in Florence, Arizona, in the Fall of 2019.  Relevant also for studying Geography.     FROM I-VILLE TO YOU-VILLE   Author:  Mersine Vigopoulou Publisher: Saint Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery I-ville - a Kingdom where pride and selfishness dwell, and where people live by the motto "Me first!" You-ville - a Kingdom where humility and kindness have their home, and where people put the good of others before their own. This is a story of a young boy named Stubborn, as he strives to become the first person of I-ville to make the difficult journey to the beautiful, joy-filled Kingdom of You-ville, and to become a citizen there.  Drawn from the teachings of Elder Paisios of Mount Athos, Greece, these lessons can be of tremendous spiritual benefit for young and old alike. The journey of young Stubborn is one that all of us must take, and which all of us can accomplish--if only we shrink our "I" and put "You" first! [127 pages]     THE PATH TO CONFESSION: A BOOK FOR FAMILY READING Author:  Fr Artemy Vladmirov Publisher: Unexpected Joy Press Father Artemy Vladmirov, pastor of All Saints Church in Moscow, Russia offers a way to prepare our children (and ourselves) for the sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion. Tens of thousands of books have been sold in the original Russian version, and now English-speakers can benefit from Fr. Artemy's gentle, wise, and sober counsel. With exquisite, full-color original illustrations on every page, The Path to Confession is a feast for the eye as well as the soul. [128 pages]         PROLOGUE OF OHRID (2 VOLUME SET) Author:  St Nikolai Velimirovich  Publisher:  St Sebastian Press Lives of Saints, Hymns, Reflections, and Homilies for every day of the year (Complete, Amplified, Revised and Expanded)  [Volume 1 - 784 pages; Volume 2 - 840 pages] TO SEE INSIDE BOOK GO TO: www.sebastianpress.org/the-prologue-of-ohrid-lives-of-saints-hymns-reflections-and-homilies-for-every-day-of-the-year/         THE WAY OF A PILGRIM  [UPPER HIGH SCHOOL] Author: Anon - ORTHODOX EDITION Publisher: Saint Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery Press The SAGOM Press Orthodox edition with previously omitted text restored from the original Russian manuscript. This wonderful story about how a humble pilgrim found the gift of noetic prayer while living amongst the distractions of the world is a favourite and timeless classic.  Many people read it in a single sitting and return to it again and again over the years.  There is boundless wealth in these simple, unassuming words.  [126 pages]     THE WAY OF A PILGRIM AND THE PILGRIM CONTINUES HIS WAY [UPPER HIGH SCHOOL] Author: Anon - Translated by Anna Skoubourdis - ORTHODOX EDITION Publisher:  St George Monastery, Jerusalem This enduring work of Russian spirituality has charmed countless people with its tale of a 19th century peasant's quest for the secret of prayer.  Readers follow this anonymous pilgrim as he treks over the Steppes in search of the answer to the one compelling question: How does one pray constantly?  Through his journeys, and under the tutelage of a spiritual father, he becomes gradually more open to the promptings of God, and sees joy and plenty wherever he goes.  Ultimately, he discovers the different meanings and methods of prayer as he travels to his ultimate destination, Jerusalem. [200 pages]     ST SERAPHIM'S BEATITUDES [PICTURE BOOK] Author:  Priest Daniel Marshall Publisher:  St Innocent Press This full-colour life of St. Seraphim of Sarov delights with lavish, historically-accurate illustrations and inspiring stories. Short sayings patterned after the Lord's Beatitudes present St. Seraphim's wisdom in clear, memorable phrases. Children will learn St. Seraphim's advice to those who visited him, the most interesting events in his life, virtues toward which all Christians can struggle and a window to an era of great piety in Russia.  [32 pages]              RETURN TO TOP                       Studying World History & Politics  from an Orthodox Christian Viewpoint ...       For Lessons   A SACRED HISTORY FOR CHILDREN [FOR MIDDLE/UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOL] Author: Fr P. Vozdvizhensky, Translated by Tatiana Marr Publisher: Saint John of Kronstadt Press  Commencing from Creation through to Pentecost,  Old and New Testament highlights are presented in 2-4 page narrative style chapters with full page line illusrations.  Twenty-one Old Testament chapters and twenty-nine New Testament chapters.  For students aged approx. 8 - 12 years.  [151 pages]       ORTHODOX CHURCH HISTORY - TEACHER'S MANUAL [FOR UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL] Author:  Eleni Ganouri  Publisher: Apostoliki Diakonia of the Church of Greece This invaluable manual of the history of the Orthodox Church consists of 35 lessons which cover the period of history from the ancient world until today.  Chapters include:  The ancient world; The Israelites, the chosen People of God; The fullness of time; The Church is established; The Holy Apostles; Christianity spreads to the world; St Paul's missionary journey; The Church develops; Christianity spreads in spite of conflicts; Apostolic Fathers of the Church; The persecutions (External Conflicts); The Church grew and expanded; The triumph of the Church; New controversies in the Church; The Creed of Faith (I); The Creed of Faith (II); Sixth and seventh Councils - The iconoclastic period; Development of the Orthodox Monasticism; Christianity spreads to the Slavonic Nations; The separation of East and West; The Great Schism; Other differences between the Churches; Period of Crusaders; The Orthodox Church and Scholasticism; Pillars of Orthodoxy (I) Monasticism; Protestant Reformation; The Reformation continues; English Reformation; General conclusion on Protestantism; The Byzantine Empire collapsed, but Orthodoxy prevailed; Patristic Period (I) Athansius, St Basil the Great; Patristic Period (II) St Gregory the Theologian, St John Chrysostom; Christian Art during the Golden Age; Development of the divine Liturgy. It is not a Church History in detail, but only a brief representation of the major events of Church life through the centuries, and can be used for teaching young people. It includes discussion questions to aid the teacher.  [208 pages]   MY SYNAXARION - A SAINT FOR EVERY DAY (12 VOLUME SET) [FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL - HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY]  Author: Egle-Ekaterine Potamitis Publisher:  Potamitis Publishing This resource includes maps and timelines and can be used to combine history and geography lessons. TO SEE INSIDE THESE BOOKS GO TO: www.drawneardesigns.com/books/september-synaxarion-potamitis-publishing         THE LIVES OF SAINTS (30 VOLUME SET) Publisher:  Holy Dormition Sisterhood (New South Wales, Australia) This series of Lives of Saints contains a cross-section of saints - ancient and modern, apostles, ascetics, martyrs, confessors, royalty, married saints, those who were holy from birth, sinners who repented, saints from all parts of the world (Greece, Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, America, Georgia, Romania, Egypt, etc),and saints who were involved in the various Ecumenical Councils.  The Lives of Saints in this series are illustrated with icons, clip art and photographs.  Selections of divine services to the saints are sometimes included.  The saints of our Church serve as an inspiration, example and strength for all Christians. [44-80 pages each volume]     CHRISTINA GOES TO THE HOLY LAND [HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY] Author:  Maria C Khoury Publisher:  Canaan David Khoury Publications / CDK Publications Take the journey of a life-time with Christina that every believer hopes to undertake.  This is a unique book created to help children love and appreciate the sacred and precious land of our Lord's birth, life, death and resurrection by walking the footsteps of Christ our Saviour as a pilgrim.  [31 pages]         ANTICHRIST: THE FULFILLMENT OF GLOBALIZATION [HIGH SCHOOL WORLD HISTORY, GLOBAL POLITICS & GLOBAL ECONOMICS] Author:  G.M. Davis PhD Publisher:  Uncut Mountain Press From economics, to politics, to religion, globalization has shown itself the most significant historical phenomenon of our time. No area of life or culture has gone untouched by the seemingly relentless global centralization of power. Globalization promises an "end" to history when all of the peoples of the world will be united in a single civilization of global reach. But what is the ultimate meaning of globalization? What would an "end" to history look like? Where does the process ultimately lead? Contrary to much contemporary thought, the answer is not to be found in social science text books or political editorials. It is only from a perspective outside of history that the ultimate meaning of history may be found. In this book, G. M. Davis, PhD, provides a powerful analysis of the most significant events of our time from the only perspective capable of making sense of them: the eternal perspective, the timeless wisdom of the Orthodox Christian Church, in which the Alpha and Omega of history have been revealed and received. For twenty centuries, the Church has forewarned her children of the end of history, when the world will be united by a great deception, of a time when mankind will follow a world leader of unprecedented powers and charisma, a man of apparent superhuman abilities who will fulfill all of the world's most profound, but misguided, hopes and desires: it will be the reign of Antichrist, the fulfillment of globalization.  [379 pages]       TO SEE BOOK PREVIEW GO TO:  https://uncutmountainpress.com/shop/product/antichrist-the-fulfillment-of-globalization/     PARADISE AND UTOPIA: THE RISE AND FALL OF WHAT THE WEST ONCE WAS [HIGH SCHOOL WORLD HISTORY & GLOBAL POLITICS] Author:  Fr. John Strickland Publisher:  Ancient Faith Publishing VOLUME 1: THE AGE OF PARADISE  Christendom from Pentecost to the First Millennium  [302 pages] VOLUME 2: THE AGE OF DIVISION  Christendom from the Great Schism to the Protestant Reformation  [358 pages] VOLUME 3: THE AGE OF UTOPIA  Christendom from the Renaissance to the Russian Revolution [413 pages]   Biographies   KEEPER OF THE LIGHT, ST MACRINA THE ELDER, GRANDMOTHER OF SAINTS   [4TH CENTURY]  Author:  Bev Cooke  Publisher:  Ancient Faith Publishing Late in the 4th century, Christians are labelled enemies of the Roman Empire - hounded, arrested, tortured, and executed. Macrina and her husband Basil, once-wealthy Christians, flee with their small son to the mountainous forests south of the Black Sea. There, Macrina embarks on a seven-year journey of unexpected tests and trials that will take her through a harsh and hungry wilderness pilgrimage, only to plunge her into poverty and danger on the streets of Neocaesarea. So begins Macrina's adventure in faith, as she undertakes the process of becoming one of the most influential women in sacred history, the mother and grandmother of saints.  St. Macrina the Elder had a profound influence on her grandchildren, St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St Macrina the Younger. [200 pages]    THE LIFE OF SAINT BRIGID: ABBESS OF KILDARE [PICTURE BOOK - 6TH CENTURY - CELTIC ORTHODOX]  Author:  Jane G Meyer  Publisher:  Conciliar Press Ministries In the green hills of Ireland long ago, when the Christian faith was yet young in the land, lived a girl whose simple faith and bounless kindness would change her homeland forever. Born a slave in the houe of a chieftain, Brigid grew to be abbess over thousands of monastics in monasteries covering every facet of the Emerald Isle. Her love and care for all the people earned her a place as one fo the two most beloved saints of Irish history, and one of the great female saints of all Christendom.      TO PLANT A CROSS:  THE STORY OF SAINT KOSMAS AITOLOS WHO FOUGHT A WAR WITH WORDS  [GREEK HISTORY]  Author: Angeline Eliakopoulos  Publisher:  Destro Publishers This book describes the life of St Kosmas Aitolos, a monk who, after 18 years of preparation, left the Holy Mountain of Athos with a blessing to spread the message of hope in Epirus and Greece.  Preaching from 1760 to 1779, he founded Orthodox schools everywhere he went and taught the Jesus Prayer as a way to light the Faith back into the hearts of a people who were suffering under the long Turkish occupation.  This book is an excellent source describing the historical background of the people.  [59 pages]      1000 HEROES OF 1821 GREEK REVOLUTION  Author:  Fr Anthony Krinas Printed by: OMIDESIGN - Omiros Tsorbatzoglou Historical collection of the lives and involvement of different heroes of the Greek Revolution of 1821. The author has collated the lives and achievements of these heroes into a 256 page summary. Some of the more significant heroes have a few pages dedicated to them while others are mentioned in a paragraph, and others in a few sentences. The book attempts to provide readers with an appreciation of the key figures in the famous revolution of the Hellenic people which ensured the return of democracy to the cradle of civilization. [256 pages]     SAINT INNOCENT OF ALASKA [19TH CENTURY MISSIONARY HISTORY/ GEOGRAPHY]   Author:  Sarah Elizabeth Cowie   Publisher:  Conciliar Press If you close your eyes and think about Alaska, what do you see? Eskimos and igloos? Mountains of snow? Polar bears and icebergs? Do you know that not all Alaskan natives are Eskimos? There are many different tribes of native peoples. Each has its own language and way of life. Many of these native peoples have been Orthodox Christians for over two hundred years. This is largely due to the missionary efforts of one man, St. Innocent of Alaska. He converted and baptized thousands of people into the Christian faith. He was a wonderful and godly man who lived a missionary life full of adventures that you would never dream of! Many people think that he is the greatest Christian missionary of all time!  [102 pages]     TESTAMENT OF MEMORY: A SIBERIAN LIFE [19TH CENTURY MISSION HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY & BOTANY] Author:  Mikhail Vasilievich Chevalkov Publisher:  Holy Trinity Publications, Jordanville, New York  A remarkably simple and yet profoundly deep narrative, this translation is an introduction to the remote world of the 19th-century Altai: a mountainous region of southern Siberia possessing unique flora and fauna and peaks rising to nearly 15,000 feet. Native Altai tribesman, Mikhail Chelvalkov, vividly describes the physical beauty of the region while chronicling many of the encounters that took place throughout his life as the population transformed from competing nomadic pagan tribes to a settled and harmonious Orthodox Christian culture. One of the first native disciples of the Russian Orthodox missionary priest Makarii Glukharev - who was glorified as a saint in AD 2000 - Mikhail Chelvalkov's testament provides invaluable insights for students of Christian mission, ethnography, geography, and botany. [146 pages]   THE ROMANOVS: FAMILY OF FAITH AND CHARITY  [20TH CENTURY RUSSIAN REVOLUTION/SOVIET BOLSHEVIKS]  Author: Maria Maximova  Publisher:  Holy Trinity Monastery This book shares the story of the last Russian emperor and his family. their life was not necessarily what one would expect; there was much more than fancy clothes and delicious food. They shared happy memories but also great hardships. They nursed the sick, ate porridge, kayaked along the Finnish coastline, and cared for chickens. today we know them as the Royal Martyrs - deeply pious Orthodox Christians who laid down their lives for the Faith, and as role models of Christian virtue who showed kindness even to the guards who taunted them. This beautifully illustrated book is appropriate for children aged 7-12, and for parents to read to younger children.  [56 pages]    THE ROMANOV ROYAL MARTYRS: WHAT SILENCE COULD NOT CONCEAL  [20TH CENTURY HISTORY BOLSHEVIKS/COMMUNISM]     Publisher:  St John the Forerunner Monastery of Mesa Potamos This book draws on letters, testimonies, diaries, memoirs, and other texts never before published in English to present a unique biography of Tsar Nicolas II and his family. It brings to light a multitude of unknown and unrevealed facts, aspects and elements of history, which evince that many truths in regard to the life and martyrdom of the Royal Martyrs remain silenced or distorted to this day. It presents unvarnished factually sourced events, deriving all its material stringently from primary sources, which allow no grounds for questioning their legitimacy, gravity, and validity. Thus, many major historical events, such as the 1905 revolution and Bloody Sunday, Russia's involvement in World War I, the February coup d'etat of 1917 and the events relating to Nicolas' II abdication, are set in their true proportions and are presented through a proper perspective. Readers may be surprised by the facts surrounding these historical events since up to now these events have generally been presented inaccurately.  [512 pages]  VISIT THE SPECIAL WEBSITE OF THIS PROJECT AT: www.romanvos.eu  BENEATH THE MAGNIFICENT DOME [20TH CENTURY - CONSTANTINOPLE] Author:  Anna Iakovou  Publisher:  Newrome Press Beneath the Magnificent Dome tells the story of Fr. Eleftherios Noufrakis, a Cretan military chaplain, who dared to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the Great Church--Agia Sophia--465 years after the city of Constantinople fell to the Turks on May 29, 1453.  [38 pages]         CHOSEN FOR HIS PEOPLE:  A BIOGRAPHY OF PATRIARCH TIKHON  [20TH CENTURY SOVIET/BOLSHEVIKS HISTORY]  Author: Jane Swan  Publisher:  Holy Trinity Seminary Press St Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow (Vasily Ivanovich Bellavin, 1865-1925) is one of the most important figures of both Russian and Orthodox Church history in the twentieth century. Yet, ninety years after his death this remains the only complete biography ever published in the English language. It has now been updated and revised with a new preface and bibliography, together with revised and additional endnotes, by Scott M. Kenworthy.  All together these reveal a picture of a man whom no one expected to be chosen as Patriarch. Nevertheless he humbly accepted the call of God and the people to guide the Church during the most turbulent of times as it faced both internal upheavals and external persecution. [162 pages]   THE BLESSED SURGEON: THE LIFE OF SAINT LUKE OF SIMFEROPOL [20TH CENTURY SOVIET RUSSIA/BOSHEVIKS/COMMUNISM]  Author:  Archdeaon Vasiliy Marushchak  Publisher: Divine Ascent Press World-famous pioneering surgeon, tortured confessor, archbishop and miracle-worker - St. Luke is one of the most intriguing saints who suffered under the Soviets. Outspoken regarding his faith, he was exiled and tortured multiple times. Yet the authorities could not deny his exceptional medical skills: he was appointed as a chief surgeon overseeing the treatment of injured soldiers during WWII and received the Stalin award for his pioneering surgical work.  This book documents his personal struggles, self-sacrifice and love for patients, miacles, and bold spiritual guidance during the Church's most difficult period in Russia.  [191 pages]   SILENT AS A STONE: MOTHER MARIA OF PARIS AND THE TRASH CAN RESCUE [WORLD WAR II]  Author:  Jim Forest Publisher:  St Vladimir's Seminary Press  Memorializes the life of Mother Maria Skobtsova, an unconventional nun who aided Jewish people in occupied France during WWII. Confronting the horror of Nazi brutality, Mother Maria devised an ingenious plan to save Jewish children destined for extermination camps: upon her urging, Paris garbage collectors hid children in trash cans and whisked them to safe havens outside the city.  For her courageous rescue activities, Mother Maria perished in a gas chamber in Ravensbrock concentration camp in Germany in 1945. Today, she is a canonized saint in the Orthodox Church.         RETURN TO TOP       Orthodox Christian Historical Fiction Read Alouds...       Photo by Mark Zamora on unsplash.com      WHEN NERO COMMANDS [1ST CENTURY AD]  Author:  Aliki Kafetzopoulou Publisher:  Epignosis Publishing Non Licet Esse Christiani ... "Christians are not permitted to exist!"  In the year 68AD it is a dangerous time to be a Christian. The Apostles Peter and Paul have recently been brutally executed as martyrs for their faith, and now the bloodthirsty Emperor Nero is determined to rid his dominion permanently of all the followers of Christ.  Christians are being hunted down in droves, and are being tortured and executed for their faith.  But where the raging maw of the beast roars, the silent love of God prevails and gives strength.  It is a story that testifies about how those who are called to be witnesses to the awesome power of God can inspire others by their shining example. [241 pages]       BEYOND THE DESERT GATE [1ST CENTURY AD] Author: Mary Ray Publisher:  Ignatius Press Palestine in the 1st century AD.  The Jews have revolted against Roman occupation and as they grow more restive, Rome clamps down harder. The ten Greek cities of Palestine - the Decapolis - want only to continue their peaceful trading existence, but they find themselves caught in the middle of the uprisings.  Apollodorus, a merchant of Philadelphia, takes a risk and rescues a man whom a Roman patrol has left to die in the desert. When Apollodorus is killed by robbers, his 3 sons are left almost penniless. Conan, Nicanor and Philo must each find a way for themselves. Philo, the youngest, is befriended by Xenos, the man saved from the desert, the man who has lost his memory. From him the boy learns the art of the scribe and together they try to find their identity - one from the past and the other for the future. [167 pages]      A TRACE IN THE SAND: A TALE OF THE EARLY MARTYRS [3RD CENTURY AD] Author: Efrosyni Zisimou Robinson (English Translation) Publisher: St Herman Press It is A.D. 274. Emperor Lucius Domitus Aurelianus rules the Roman Empire with the belief that no one is mightier than he and his gods. The "Roman Peace" means prosperity, security and happiness to the noble families of Rome. All should be content in their lives of luxury and ease. But not everyone is ... Alexamenos, the teenage son of the powerful Senator Poplius, wants to know what the purpose of his perfect life is.  Alexamenos fears nothing and respects no one - until the day his life is saved by the slave boy Milvius. Finally, Alexamenos has met someone who possesses something that he cannot attain: an other-worldly peace. Soon the slave's secret to happiness is revealed with a simple trace in the sand: Milvius is a Christian. The power of his Christian Faith wakens the Senator's household to the call of God, but little do they know that the eyes of the Imperial Palace are on them. Before long the former pagans are facing danger, persecution, and even martyrdom.   THE PURPLE MANTLE  [4TH CENTURY AD] Author:  Aliki Kafetzopoulou Publisher: St Herman of Alaska Brotherhood Set in the Roman Empire during the reign of the notorious persecutor of Christians, Emperor Diocletian (A.D. 303), The Purple Mantle is a moving story of faith and heroism amidst a society plagued by confusion and fear. Greek Orthodox author Aliki Kafetzopoulou (reposed on February 24, 2005) has skillfully woven a rich historical tapestry full of spiritual depth, presenting a vivid picture of the intense circumstances in which the ancient Christians lived, and a close-up, immediate view of the exploits and contests of the early martyrs, through which the Faith of Christ triumphed. [192 pages]          DIAMONDS ON THE BOSPHORUS [5TH CENTURY AD]     Author:  Aliki Kafetzopoulou Publisher: St Herman Press Constantinople in AD 400 is the greatest city of its era: the throne of the Roman Empire with marble streets and gold adorned churches. But not all is right in the imperial capital: the empress Eudoxia has begun a persecution of the city's great pastor and preacher, St. John Chrysostom.  This is a story of the choice made by Christians throughout the centuries: to follow the path of Christ or the path of worldly glory. Nicephorus and his twin sister, Juliana, have dwelt their entire lives in the shadow of Constantinople on the shores of the Bosphorus. As children of a pious fisherman, they have been raised in Christian virtues, devoting themselves to serving others. Their greatest joy is to hear the divine words of the righteous bishop St. John Chrysostom. Nicephorus and Juliana have their lives turned upside-down with the revelation of their true identities. Suddenly, the paths of these simple fishers have become intertwined with intrigue in the imperial court and the persecutions raised against St. John.       BEARING THE SAINT [9TH CENTURY AD]   [UPPER HIGH SCHOOL/YOUNG ADULT]  Author:  Donna Farley  Publisher:  Conciliar Press [NOTE: WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS NOVEL FOR HOME-SCHOOLING CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS.  SEVERAL ADULT/MATURE THEMES WEAVED THROUGH THE STORYLINE.  WE FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO FILTER PASSAGES USING IT AS A FAMILY  READ ALOUD] Edmund is just an ordinary fisherman's son from the island of Lindisfarne, whose one great talent and joy is running as a messanger for his bishop.  But when Viking invadors threaten the holy island and its great treasure, the relics of St Cuthbert, Edmund's life changes forever.  Along with his whole village, he must accompany their beloved saint on a perilous pilgrimage that will carry him across England, through adventure, heartbreak, miraculous deliverance, and love, all the way to manhood.  Bearing the Saint brings to life the late 9th century in Northumbria, a turbulent period of invasion and conquest that concluded with an uneasy peace between Saxon and Dane.  [264 pages]            RETURN TO TOP     Appreciating Byzantine Iconography & Chanting ... Photo by Raimond Klavins on unsplash.com     IKONOGRAPHICS BYZANTINE ICONOGRAPHY By the talented iconographer Julia Bridget Hayes, Byzantine Iconography, free and fee-paying online video tutorials and courses:  - www.youtube.com/@ikonographics/videos www.ikonographics.net/free-iconography-videos-840800.html www.ikonographics.net/iconography-tutorials-on-udemy.html www.patreon.com/ikonographics   GUIDE TO BYZANTINE ICONOGRAPHY [HIGH SCHOOL] Author:  Constantine Cavarnos (Two Volumes)  Volume 2 Publisher: Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Boston VOLUME 1: Detailed explanation of the distinctive characteristics of Byzantine iconography, of the traditional pattern of decorating Eastern Orthodox churches with panel icons, wall paintings, and mosaics, and of the chief Doctrinal, Liturgical, and Festal icons; together with a concise systematic exposition of Saint John Damascene’s defense of holy icons.  Excellent didactic book for the general reading public and specialists, and as a handy guide for the icon painter.  [264 pages]  VOLUME 2: Detailed, illustrated explanation of 10 major icons of the Festal cycle and of the iconography of God (the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), the Theotokos, Saint John the Baptist and the Angels, followed by illuminating remarks of Saint Nektarios of Aegina and Photios Kontoglou on iconographic "Types" and "Archetypes".  [161 pages]   TILESXOLIO PSALTIKIS TV4E [IN GREEK] Online Byzantine chanting video tutorials for Greek-speaking students on Youtube by tilesxolio@tv4e.gr : www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm5vI-k8ounzOPiZaDSGP3nCDKUCf5ZTG     PATRIARCHAL PSALTOPHILES [ENGLISH] Free online Byzantine chanting video tutorials with students taught in English to chant in Koine Greek.  Includes free downloadable PDF lesson book:  www.patriarchalpsaltophiles.org/ www.youtube.com/@patriarchalpsaltophiles4505/videos   VIRTUAL TOUR - MUSEUM AT ST CATHERINES MONASTERY MT SINAI [ART, HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY] Explore the collection of priceless treasures contained in the museum at Holy Monastery of St Catherine, Mount Sinai:   https://stcatherines.mused.org/en/tours/ For further invaluable art, history and geography study, explore the Mt Sinai Monastery website:    http://sinaimonastery.com/index.php/en/     PICTURES OF GOD -  A CHILD'S GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING ICONS [PRIMARY SCHOOL - PICTURE BOOK - ICONOGRAPHY]  Author:  John Kosmas Skinas  Publisher: Ancient Faith Publishing When the Son of God came down from heaven to become a man like us, He made it possible for us to see him, touch Him and make pictures (icons) of Him. This book brings God and His saints vividly into children's lives through icons, explaining in simple terms what each icon means and what the role of these holy pictures and the holy stories and people they depict can be in our lives. [32 pages]    FROM GOD TO YOU - AN ICON'S JOURNEY TO YOUR HEART [PRIMARY SCHOOL - PICTURE BOOK - ICONOGRAPHY]  Author:  John Kosmas Skinas  Publisher:  Ancient Faith Publishing John Skinas introduces children to some of the ancient icon archetypes most treasured by Orthodox Christians - from the Icon Not Made by Hands to the Pantocrator of Sinai. From God to You follows the path of the icon through history and encourages children to consider icons and their stories as windows of inspiration and doorways to prayer.    [32 pages]     A GIFT FOR MATTHEW [PRIMARY SCHOOL - PICTURE BOOK - ICONOGRAPHY] Author:  Nick Muzekari  Publisher:  Ancient Faith Publishing Matthew is excited to visit a monastery.  A monk there is teaching him to paint icons.  Matthew learns about sketching images, mixing pigments, and painting all the layers of the sacred images. And when he gets home, he finds a surprise gift just for him.  Includes iconographer's prayer.  [28 pages]           SWEET SONG: A STORY OF SAINT ROMANOS THE MELODIST  [PRIMARY SCHOOL - PICTURE BOOK - CHANTING] Author:  Jane G Meyer  Publisher:  Ancient Faith Publishing Young Romanos is devoted to Christ and His Mother and longs to be able to sing his praises to them. But when he tries, his voice croaks and the words won't come. The other cantors make fun of him, until one miraculous Christmas Eve.              RETURN TO TOP