HARC 2003 Book Reviews
Crowns of Honor and Glory
Your Marriage in the Greek Orthodox Church
Father George Nicozisin
This book was written because of the growing number of
divorces in the Orthodox Church. However, the main purpose was to
strengthen all marriages and to assist those contemplating marriage. The
meaning and symbolism of marriage, as well as contemporary moral issues such as
abortion, are illuminated. Interestingly, the author reveals that in the
later years of an Orthodox marriage, the husband and wife can say to one
another, "This is the best yet, because we have 'kept the good wine until
now.'"
Softbound, $7.00
The Treasured Traditions and Customs of the Orthodox Churches
Mary Paloumpis Hallick
The purpose of this book is to share different customs and
traditions within the various ethnic Orthodox churches in America. An
excellent, easy-to-read study of the Orthodox Church as it is seen in the
traditions of many Orthodox worshippers such as Russian, Serbian, Greek,
etc.. It includes a useful calendar with a month-by-month explanation of
feast days. The author embraces the diverse customs which should be
guarded and passed on to the next generation.
Softbound,
$15.00
Inner Way
Toward a
Rebirth of Eastern Christian Spiritual Direction
By Joseph
J. Allen
Many times
problems which may be labeled as psychological difficulties can be better
treated from the perspective of spiritual direction. The ministry of spiritual director or Father is very effective in
assisting a person by applying Biblical truths to the struggles of life and
which path a ‘directee’ should take. Inner Way is a valuable tool for
Christian laymen, as well as counselors, spiritual guides and pastors, providing
techniques for Christian empathetic, active listening.
Softbound, $15
The
Theology of Illness
By
Jean-Claude Larchet
Larchet
explains the origins of sin which commenced with Adam and Eve in the Garden of
Eden. He discusses how free will, sin,
and its resulting illness affect our spiritual, as well as, our physical
health. The crucial role of prayer is
offered as a means of healing and glorifying God. By understanding the ‘problem of sin’ from a theological
perspective, we can find the healing touch of Christ.
Coming Home
Why Protestant Clergy are Becoming Orthodox
Edited by Peter E. Gillquist
Enjoy eighteen heartwarming and inspiring stories written by Protestant pastors who tell why they have come home to Orthodoxy. Follow their personal journeys as they candidly give reasons why they changed. With great respect for their own heritage, all have a deep love for Christ and share a desire for authentic worship in spirit and truth.
Softbound $9.00
Islam Encounters Christ
By Nahed Mahmoud Metwalli
This is the true chronicle of Ms. Metwalli, who was a committed and devout Moslem. She was unilaterally suspicious of Christians at every turn. Metwalli felt they were polytheists, i.e., that we believe in three Gods: the Father, the Virgin Mary, and the Son Jesus. As God saw her earnestness in wanting to know Him, He revealed himself to her, and she started on the road to becoming a baptized Christian.
Softbound $14.00
Sacred Doorways
By Linette Martin
Sacred Doorways is a valuable resource handbook, if you will, to understanding iconography. It identifies the figures represented in sacred images, the meaning behind their gestures, the objects they hold, the settings and perspectives in which they are placed, and the colors which are used. Exposure to this knowledge only helps to expand your Orthodox Christian enrichment.
Softbound $24.00
Our Hearts’ True Home
Virginia Nieuwsma, Editor
This collection of fourteen warm-hearted stories chronicles the events, many very subtle, which led to conversions to Orthodoxy. These most inspiring journeys are very interesting to those of us who are cradle Orthodox and sometimes take for granted the essence and beauty of our Faith.
Softbound, $13.00
The Mind of the Orthodox Church
By Metropolitan of Nafpaktos Hierotheos
This is a theological treatise on the exegesis of the Orthodox Church. The analysis and definition of Christological and mystagogical aspects are fascinating, albeit profound, and difficult for this reviewer to relegate to memory. Definitely for the advanced, theological reader.
Softbound, $17.00
The Orthodox Church A to Z
By Father George Grube
This book is a wonderful handbook on a myriad of details regarding
Orthodoxy. It offers an extensive
glossary in addition to a calendar and the Liturgical cycle of the Church with
its readings; a synopsis of differences between Orthodoxy and Roman
Catholicism; information on the seven Ecumenical Councils; ranking of Saints;
meaning and coloration of Icons; the Church’s stance on various contemporary
moral issues; synopsis of the Gospels and Epistles. This practical handbook is a useful tool in examining beliefs,
sacraments, customs, theology, history and prayer for Orthodox Christians.
Softbound, $17.00
How Do I Choose the Right Partner for Life?
By Father Deacon Stephen Holley
In this comparatively short treatise, several worthy criteria to be
considered while searching for your soul mate, or prior to marrying the
man/woman of your dreams are discussed.
Father Deacon Holley gives scriptural references when examining areas
such as respectfulness; taking leave of father and mother and cleaving to your
spouse; never taking from your spouse to satisfy your needs, but putting them
first. This is truly a jumping off
point to many meaningful areas which should be examined prior to committing
oneself to marriage.
Softbound, $8.00
The Life of Saint Nina Equal to the Apostles
by Nina Seco
Illustrated by Ruth Duckworth
A young reader's illustrated story told in rhyme about Saint Nina who loved God
when others worshiped idols.
Throughout her spiritual life she brought many to Christ, including
royalty. A simple yet appealing story of a beloved saint.
Softbound, $7.00
Jacob's Gift
by Max Lucado
Illustrated by Robert Hunt
"When you give a gift to one of God's children, you give a gift to
God." What is Jacob's special gift? Find out how a carpenter's
young apprentice uses his talent. A beautifully written and illustrated
children's book with a surprise ending.
Hardcover,
$15.00
Sing Along With Thea Annie
By Jennifer Patselas, Dotty Vlamis, Annie Konidaris
A musical treasury for children. Introduce children to Greek language and culture in a way they love…through music. From the seashore, to the village, to the market, young children will feel the beat as they roll koulourakia, sing, clap and count their way through Greece. Set includes song CD and hardcover color illustrated songbook. All songs are translated into English with English phonetics.
Hardcover and CD, $24.00
The Hurt
By Teddi Doleski
Illustrated by William Hart McNichols
An enlightening story for children and adults due to its theme—the reality and importance of feelings and the need to express them appropriately. A child saved all his bad feelings and gave them to “The Hurt,” an imaginary rock with a face. Find out how “The Hurt” disappears. A simple yet powerful example of how to deal with feelings.
Softbound, $6.00
Christina Learns the Sacraments
By Maria C. Koury, Ed.D
Illustrated by Antonia Marshall
A well-written, practical, and informative story of a child’s introduction to the seven sacraments. Beautifully illustrated and easily understood, it helps young readers feel close to God and have a better understanding of the mysteries of the Orthodox faith.
Softbound, $10.00