How to choose books for an Orthodox Christian
The Internet is filled with various information; the choice of Orthodox books in stores and church shops is varied. The trouble is that on the Internet you can buy a book by an unverified author, which will do harm instead of benefit. In a church store, there is a risk of buying professional literature for theologians, which is completely incomprehensible to the average parishioner.
Orthodox literature covers many topics
For such cases, there is a list of books that must be in the library of an Orthodox Christian. When choosing books for your home Christian library, it is important not to make mistakes. Even the stamp “Published with the blessing of...” is not a guarantee that the book is not a fake. Many unscrupulous publishers refer to church censorship, in the hope that no one will check it.
"Father Arseny"
This Orthodox book does not have one author, and it is not known for sure whether there is one real, and not a fictional or composite hero - the mysterious Father Arseny. But these facts do not affect the holistic perception of the collection of stories.
Father Arseny is a Soviet priest who went through the darkness of the camps, but did not lose the main Christian virtues - faith and love. His main message is his own example. Even the most bitter prisoners see him as a special person. In a non-human system, he does not lose his human appearance.
Father Arseniy shares the last cracker, takes care of a hopelessly ill person, does not bend under the system, and protects a young student from the “prisoners.” In a cold punishment cell at -40, he is warmed by faith and prayer.
This Orthodox book is suitable for those who, in the bustle of the world, have lost spiritual guidance, lost faith in people and become bitter. Read and think.
The main book of all Christians
The main book to which the believer should give the greatest influence remains the Holy Scripture. This will sound strange, but many people who sincerely consider themselves believers have a vague idea of the content of the Gospel. To consider yourself a Christian and not read the Bible is, at a minimum, wrong.
It is better to start reading with the New Testament. For an unprepared person, the Bible will be a rather specific book. It contains many metaphors, allusions, and images. The works of the Holy Fathers help us understand what Christ wanted to convey to us.
The Old and New Testaments are two components of the Bible
The New Testament is more accessible to understanding; there are many good comments and explanations about it from famous ministers of the Church, so even a novice believer will not have difficulties in perceiving the information. After understanding it, you can begin to get acquainted with the Old Testament, but even here you definitely won’t be able to do without interpretations.
Important! The best book for understanding the Holy Scriptures is considered to be the work of Alexander Men “How to Read the Bible.”
Works of the Holy Fathers
One should become familiar with patristic literature in order to better understand the essence of spiritual life. Such works help to understand that church life is not only external piety, but also many years of spiritual experience of ascetics and ordinary Christians.
Interpretations of St. John Chrysostom
The works of John Chrysostom are a kind of primer on spiritual life. His interpretation of the Holy Scriptures has been a guiding light for all Christians for many years. The book helps to understand all the complexities of the New and Old Testaments.
Works of Theophan the Recluse
The Gospel Story by Theophan the Recluse occupies a special place in Christian literature.
Theophan the Recluse “Gospel Story”
In his book, the Saint outlined in detail the entire earthly journey of the Savior, arranging the events in chronological order. The work “How to Learn to Pray” helps to avoid mistakes during the prayer rule.
Books by Tikhon Zadonsky
Tikhon of Zadonsk is a major Orthodox theologian. It is not for nothing that he is considered one of the best Christian authors. His books, written in simple, accessible language, are invaluable answers to eternal questions about God and man, which do not lose relevance to this day.
"Red Easter"
This is the story about the life of three Optina new martyrs - Hieromonk Vasily, monks Trofim and Ferapont. On Easter 1993 they were killed by a half-crazed Satanist. 666 was engraved on the knife. No, this is not at all a bright flash of imagination of an Orthodox writer. That's exactly how it was.
The Orthodox book was not written by some unknown Christian woman who lived near the Optina Hermitage. The author of the story, Nina Pavlova, is an experienced writer and playwright. It was her book “Red Easter” that received universal recognition among readers.
Nina Pavlova showed in many ways the life of three Soviet boys who at a certain time came from unbelief to God.
Hieromonk Vasily - in the world Igor Roslyakov - a journalist with a Moscow State University education and an international master of sports, at one time a member of the Soviet Union water polo team. They predicted an excellent career for him, but he left everything and went to a monastery.
Leonid Tatarnikov (monk Trofim) could not find a place for himself in the world. Not because he was lazy to work or only dreamed of a monastery. God gradually prepared him for monasticism, tempering him with sorrows and misunderstanding on the part of others. But the monk had his main weapon for everything - love, genuine joy and a sincere smile.
Vladimir Pushkarev (monk Ferapont) came to God after meeting a certain woman who experienced clinical death. On her recommendation, I read some Orthodox books: a volume of works by Ignatius Brianchaninov, the biography of Job of Pochaev and the teachings of Silouan of Athos. With this start, naive faith, humility and meekness, he came to Optina.
Everyone has their own amazing destiny and path towards God. And Nina Pavlova introduces us to this.
Lives of the Saints
Nothing strengthens a novice Christian in faith more than a description of the deeds of great ascetics. For every believer, the Saints become an example of patience, wisdom and kindness.
Life of Seraphim of Sarov
Believers need examples of ascetics so that through this prism they evaluate their path and strive for a pious lifestyle. One of the most famous Orthodox ascetics is St. Seraphim of Sarov. Metropolitan Veniamin Fedchenkov’s book about Holy Father Seraphim is one of the best descriptions of the life path of the righteous man.
Book about the life of Seraphim of Sarov
Life path of Sergius of Radonezh
The Monk Sergius of Radonezh did not leave behind books or theological works. The life of the Saint was described in detail by his disciple, Epiphanius the Wise. Thanks to his book “The Chosen One of the Holy Trinity,” believers managed to carry the bright image of the Saint through the centuries. St. Sergius is revered as a miracle worker and spiritual collector of the Russian people.
Life of Matrona of Moscow
Zinaida Zhdanova’s book about Holy Mother Matrona is a living testimony to the ascetic feat of the nation’s comforter. Matronushka’s life is an example of boundless kindness and mercy; her memory fills the hearts of Christians with the spirit of faith and piety.
Books of the fundamentals of Orthodox doctrine
For a better understanding of the organization of church life, a Christian should read the “Law of God” and the catechism.
Catechism. Saint Philaret Drozdov
Among the works that explain the structure of the Church and the meaning of divine services, it is better to choose the works of the following authors:
- Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskoy;
- Archimandrite Job Gumerov;
- Priest Daniil Sysoev;
- Saint Philaret Drozdov.
Priests' Instructions
Archpriest Andrey Tkachev
Many priests recommend that parishioners starting the journey of becoming a church member read books and listen to the sermons of Archpriest Andrei Tkachev. The priest answers complex questions in simple language and passionately defends the truth of the Orthodox faith. The books are presented in the form of a fascinating conversation. A person discovering the world of Orthodoxy will be interested in reading them.
Archimandrite John Krestyankin
“Soulful instructions” by Archimandrite John Krestyankin contain that simple life wisdom that is sometimes so necessary for all people, regardless of their religion.
Book of Archimandrite John Krestyankin
Father John is one of the most revered elders in Orthodoxy.
Hegumen Nikon Vorobyov
Hegumen Nikon is often compared to such outstanding ascetics as Theophan the Recluse and Ignatius Brianchaninov. In the patristic instruction “Letters to Spiritual Children,” the Saint gives advice to believers about spiritual life and the salvation of the soul.
Tips for Beginners
It’s good if you have a priest you know who can help you decide on the range of Orthodox literature and the extent of your reading. Nikon Optinsky generally advised taking a separate blessing for each book, but you can also take one general blessing for the selected literature.
What to do if you don’t have such a mentor? In this case, you can use several tips:
- The volume of spiritual reading must be measured against one’s own strengths and circumstances. It is better to read a little, but constantly.
- The choice of literature should correspond to the lifestyle you lead and your spiritual inclinations. The lesson will be idle if you cannot apply what you read to your life.
- You can select readings on the topic of the sinful inclination that torments you most: read about it or about the virtue opposite to it. This will make it easier to overcome the passion that is fighting you.
- You should not immediately take on spiritual heights and read the classics of ascetic literature, as beginners in the Orthodox faith often do. It's better to start with something simpler. For example, take modern authors who can speak clearly and accessible to any audience. Alexander Torik, Andrey Tkachev, Tikhon (Shevkunov) - their books today can be easily found both on the Internet and on bookshelves.
- If something in the books of the Holy Fathers or Scripture seems incomprehensible to you, you should ask someone who knows. Since trying to understand on your own, from your own mind and without knowledge of the context, can have harmful consequences, it is useful to turn to qualitative interpretations. If you read a chapter from the Gospel every day, then you can turn to the explanations of John Chrysostom, Theophylact of Bulgaria or Bishop Michael (Luzin). If the issue still remains unresolved, then it is better to leave it until time, then it will become clearer.
- You should apply everything you read only to yourself, compare it with your life, and not with someone else’s. Otherwise, we will begin to condemn and lecture our neighbors, thereby only causing ourselves harm.
- Before reading spiritual literature and Holy Scripture, we must ask the Lord with humility to enlighten our minds and grant us a correct understanding of what is written. You can pray in your own words; there is also a special prayer before reading spiritual books:
Lord Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart, so that when I hear Your Word, I understand it and fulfill Your will. Hide not Your commandments from me, but open my eyes, that I may understand the wonders of Your law. Tell me the unknown and secret of Your wisdom! I trust in You, my God, and I believe that You will enlighten my mind and meaning with the light of Your mind, and that then I will not only read what is written, but also fulfill it. Make it so that I do not read the Lives of the Saints and Your Word as a sin, but for renewal and enlightenment, and for holiness, and for the salvation of the soul, and for the inheritance of eternal life. For You, Lord, are the illumination of those who lie in darkness, and from You is every good gift and every perfect gift. Amen
Professor A.I. Osipov talks about what books are useful for lay people to read:
