Book Recommendations for Catechumens?

[jackwmullins]

Would love some recommendations early on in my walk through Orthodoxy.

Currently reading:

-Orthodoxy & Heterodoxy by Fr. Andrew Damick
-The Faith by Clark Carlton
-Rock & Sand by Fr. Josiah Trenham
-Orthodox Study Bible


God Bless!

 

[Ivan the Terrible]

-The Orthodox Church by Bishop Kallistos (Timothy) Ware
-Welcome to the Orthodox Church by Frederica Mathewes-Green
-Dancing Alone by Frank Schaeffer
-The Orthodox Way by Kallistos Ware
-For the Life of the World by Alexander Schmemann
-Facing East by Frederica Mathewes-Green

 

[GodGiveMeStrength]

The priest at the church I've been attending says he has all catechumens read The Law of God by Father Daniel Sysoev.

 

[get2choppaaa]

This is a good one once you get a couple months down the road and want to better understand sin/confession and how to overcome it. Quick read and helps you a lot for making your first confession.

Defeating Sin, by Fr Joseph Huneycutt.

Defeating Sin: Overcoming Our Passions and Changing Forever: Joseph David Huneycutt: 9780881416091: Amazon.com: Books

Defeating Sin: Overcoming Our Passions and Changing Forever [Joseph David Huneycutt] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Defeating Sin: Overcoming Our Passions and Changing Forever

www.amazon.com

 

[Roosh]

The Law Of God

The Law Of God – Roosh Valizadeh

The Law Of God was one of the last books I read before getting baptized in the Church. It served as a catechism that taught me both the broad outline of the faith along with curious little details such as how to use a censer in the home or what days prostrations can't be done in church. It was writt

www.rooshv.com

Indication of the Way into the Kingdom of Heaven by St. Innocent of Alaska

 

[MichaelWitcoff]

Early Christian Writings: The Apostolic Fathers by Staniforth and Louth

 

[Eusebius Erasmus]

There are only two books you need: Holy Scripture and the Lives of the Saints. Everything else is superfluous and can even do damage if you’re not under the guidance of a good spiritual father.

You learn primarily by participating in divine services and the Church’s major feasts. And by praying.

I realize that this isn’t a Western way of thinking, since we like to intellectualize everything, but it is what it is. A simple faith is best.

 

[Lawrence87]

God's Revelation to the Human Heart by Fr Seraphim Rose is a good book for catechumens. It was derived from a lecture that he gave to spiritual seekers of all kinds, so he touches upon some of the problems with the modern spiritual mindset and also puts forth the Orthodox mindset as a counter to this. His discussion on the Western desire for a big experience in our spirituality is very important, he speaks about how easy it is to fall into deception when you are looking for something special to happen. It's a great book for those who are looking for a brief look into the Orthodox mindset.

 

[Mentun]

Nihilism: The Root of the Revolution of the Modern Age - Fr. Seraphim Rose

Only a little over 100 pages. Would highly recommend.

NIHILISM : The Root of the Revolution of the Modern Age

And also this small article by St Justin Popovich on how and why to read the Bible.

How to Read the Bible and Why

​

 

[Viktor Zeegelaar]

Nihilism and the soul after death by fr Rose are fantastic. Moreover on living sinply by st John Chrysostom. I liked C.S Lewis' screwtape letters too to get a perspective from the demon side. Lastly you can check out fr Spyridon Bailey's books all accessible via amazon.