Best Christian Orthodoxy Books of 2025

The Orthodox Study Bible, Hardcover: Ancient Christianity Speaks to Today's World is the first-ever study Bible that presents the Bible of the early church and the church of the early Bible. This resource Bible offers commentary from the ancient Christian perspective that speaks to those Christians who seek a deeper experience of the roots of their faith. It features the Old Testament newly translated from the Greek text of the Septuagint, including the Deuterocanon, and the New Testament from the New King James Version. The book also includes liturgical readings, book introductions, and outlines, subject index, full-color icons, full-color maps, and 9.5 point type size. Overall, it is an excellent resource for scholars and anyone interested in ancient Christianity.

The Prayer Book published by Holy Trinity Publications is one of the most popular Orthodox prayer books in the English language. It has been a consistent best seller since its first edition in 1979, selling thousands of copies each year. This book contains morning and evening prayers as well as much more, all written in traditional English. The book is beautifully bound in maroon with a gold embossed cover. The editor, Laurence Campbell, has done an excellent job compiling and presenting these prayers. Overall, this book is a must-have for those seeking to deepen their spiritual practice in the Christian Orthodox tradition.

The Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity, by Timothy Ware, is a comprehensive and authoritative book that has been widely recognized as the standard introduction to the Orthodox Church for the past fifty years. In this fully updated and revised third edition, the author explains the Orthodox views on various topics such as Ecumenical Councils, Sacraments, Free Will, Purgatory, the Papacy, and the relation between the different Orthodox Churches. The author believes that an understanding of Orthodoxy is necessary for the reunification of the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in Christian Church history and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future is a thought-provoking book that examines various religious phenomena of today and contrasts them with the Orthodox Patristic standard of spiritual life. The book provides a concise and unequivocal Orthodox statement on contemporary trends and offers a beacon of discernment in these times of widespread spiritual deception. The author, the late Fr. Seraphim, addresses the trends of pseudo-spirituality with sobriety and directness, and provides a foundation based on Patristic teachings. In a time where the "new religious consciousness" is becoming a household concept, this book is an important read for Christians seeking to avoid being caught up in the Apostasy.

The book "Rock and Sand: An Orthodox Appraisal of the Protestant Reformers and Their Teachings" provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Protestantism and its major traditions, while relying heavily on the Reformer's own words to avoid misrepresentation. The author also explores the historical relations between the Orthodox East and the Protestant West and offers a summary of Orthodox theological opinion on the tenets of Protestantism. This book is a valuable resource for both Orthodox and non-Orthodox readers seeking to understand the complex relationship between the two faiths.

On the Incarnation by Saint Athanasius is a classic of Christian theology that explains the theological vision defended at the councils of Nicaea and Constantinople. The book expounds with simplicity that the Son of God became fully human so that humans could become god. The author, V. Rev. Dr John Behr, is a renowned professor of patristics and editor of the Popular Patristics Series. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to know more about the Christian faith and its influence on Christian theology is visible in both the East and the West.

The Religion of the Apostles by Father Dr. Stephen De Young is a thought-provoking exploration of Orthodox Christianity and its roots in the first century. Using contemporary scholarship, the book traces the lineage of the Orthodox Church back to the apostles and their faith, which was deeply rooted in Jewish worldview. This work offers new insights into the Old and New Testaments and our liturgical worship, always pointing to the wider Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church. While challenging at times, this book is an excellent resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the faith once delivered to the saints.

Thinking Orthodox: Understanding and Acquiring the Orthodox Christian Mind by Dr. Jeannie Constantinou is a timely and highly recommended book that explains the Orthodox phronema, its acquisition, and its expression in true Orthodox theology. The author presents a patient and thorough account of what it means to inhabit the spiritual, theological, and sacramental world of Eastern Orthodoxy. This book argues that Orthodox thinking strives to acquire and maintain a disciplined, humble, and devout mind as a component of the life in Christ. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Christian spiritual growth books.

The Orthodox Christian Prayer Book is a beautifully printed and updated edition of the Newrome Press An Orthodox Prayer Book. It features full-color icons and gilded edges, making it a visually stunning addition to any collection. Additionally, the inclusion of two new sections by St. Nikodemos of the Holy Mountain adds even more value to this already comprehensive prayer book. The Prayers to our Lord Jesus Christ and Safeguard for the Soul sections are written in a style that encourages spiritual watchfulness and provides a thirty-day meditation. Overall, this book is a must-have for those interested in Christian Orthodoxy.

Praying in Time: The Hours & Days in Step with Orthodox Christian Tradition is a timely book that invites readers to rediscover the ancient Christian tradition of praying and commemorating every hour and day according to liturgical meaning. Sister Vassa Larin offers a practical and flexible way of living this prayer tradition, making it sustainable even amidst a busy schedule. The book combines engaging theological explanations with practical prayer tips, making it a step-by-step comprehensive guide to slowing down and finding purpose in our fast-paced world. The recommendation to pray with a book, not an app, is particularly noteworthy. Overall, this is an excellent resource for those seeking to deepen their faith and connect with tradition.