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Dear Friends,

I searched for this topic for a little bit on this site and couldn't find anything, so I thought I'd ask it and see what happens.

I'm interested in doing some reading over the summer, since I think I shall have some time on my hands. I'd like to read about Eastern Christianity. Specifically I'm looking for books that aren't completely watered down, and at the same time not completely theo-technical, in the realms of doctrine and teaching, theology (with all that that entails, for example ecclesiology, sacramental theology, etc.), spirituality (including liturgy, if it doesn't come under theology), morality, etc.

Basically, give me a summer reading list.

Since a lot of these books aren't in my local library, and since I probably will want to add them to my library at home since I don't have much Eastern stuff (mostly Latin), I'm also looking for things that are affordable and probably in paperback. Just to be more specific.

Thanks for the help!

I'm no expert, but I think that here are a few books that may be good (you may have already read them):

1. The Way of the Pilgrim -- a good one to start with.
2. The Art of Prayer: An Orthodox Anthology
3. Books by Fr. Alexander Schmemann (his son writes for the New York Times)

Pardon me if this list is too basic for you -- I don't really read much.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but White Plains is very close to Crestwood/Scarsdale/etc. (St. Vladimisr's Seminary), so if you don't have them, or can't find them at your local library, you can certainly find them at St. Vlad's -- or even buy them there.

Daniil

Dear Catholicos,

Daniil has given an excellent list for starters.

It would depend on what areas you would like to concentrate on.

St Vladimir's Seminary has an excellent paperback series on the Fathers, On the Incarnation, on the Divine Images etc.

God bless,

Alex

Mor Ephrem - I have an excellant primer for you!

The Eastern Catholic Bishops Association has worked together to create an Eastern Catholic Catechism series for adults. It is a three volume set:

Light for Life
Part I: The Mystery Believed
Part II: The Mystery Celebrated
Part III: The Mystery Lived

ISBN (three part set)1-887158-06-5

I have read the first part and half of the third. It is the finest work the Eastern Catholic Church has ever put out (personal opinion). It is not watered down. It is very "eastern", drawing reference from Scripture, Liturgy, and Tradition. As an adult Catechisis, it is written in an understandable and common parlance, without being too simplistic or "watering down" high concepts.

Some Orthodox peers have reviewed the series and rate it among the best sources for learing about the Eastern Churches.

This is a "must have" series for anyone seriously interested in learing about the Eastern Churches.

In Christ,
Ality

This is the website of the publisher of light for life.

http://www.rainc.com/ecp/index.htm

In Christ,
ALity

ROBERT TAFT! You must read him. He's been acclaimed (by the John Meyendorff--memory eternal!--among others) as the finest Byzantine liturgist alive today. I have his *The Liturgy of the Hours in East and West*(Collegville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1993) which I'm just about to start. It's a serious, lengthy scholarly book on the topic.

His other book which I have enjoyed immensely is his *Beyond East and West: Problems in Liturgical Understanding* (Rome: Pontifical Oriental Institute, 2001). His style is very winsome and his arguments consistently cogent--and perforce often pungent!

In thinking about matters marital, I've found Paul Evdokimov's *The Sacrament of Love* quite splendid in many ways.

Finally, I have been ordering copies of Fr. Schmemann's *Great Lent* to give away, since it was so rich and delightful. I've also just finishing his personal journals: they were powerful reading and provided many insights into his thoughts on, inter alia, what it means to be Orthodox in (North) America today.

If you read, or have read, any of these and want to discuss them, I'm game!

I hope this helps.


Adam

Thanks for all the replies so far, and for the private message someone sent to me (one of those books is in the library here at school, I'm gonna see about taking it out).

It would depend on what areas you would like to concentrate on.

There's not really one particular area I'd like to concentrate on just yet. Basically, and I'll probably sound like I'm rambling now, it's like this.

I'd like to read up on Eastern theology...systematic theology. Also liturgy/liturgical theology. Other topics in theology too. Because I'm not sure what the names for these different topics (and there are more I have in mind besides these couple of examples), I'm not sure what to ask for.

Basically, I want a few books which will form something like a course in Eastern theology, a few books which cover all the major bases, a few books which, after I read them, I will have a better idea of things, and then maybe I can come back looking for more and for topics to concentrate in. Books that aren't watered down or dumbed down for the average guy, but at the same time don't quote sizeable sections of the Fathers in the original Greek. :p

I've got a library of theological books at home, and they're good, but they're Latin. Not that there's anything wrong with that, because I've read enough of them that I feel somewhat well versed in the ins and outs of Latin theology...somewhat--I'm always learning that there is more to it. But I have virtually nothing on Eastern theology. So I'd like to at once balance out the library at home and at the same time start learning more.

Hopefully that clears up what my intentions are. As far as Saint Vlad's goes, I've driven past it, it's not too far away from home, but I've never been there. Do they have a bookstore there, or do you just order from them? If they have the former, even recommendations here would help, since I don't just want to wander about aimlessly in the store. Thanks again!

Here is a list of some good history books, which may or may not be of any relevance:

Aristeides Papadakis, The Christian East and the Rise of the Papacy, 1071-1453 (bonus points to anyone who can figure out the significance of 1071).

John Meyendorff, Imperial Unity and Christian Divisions

Note: Last two are published by SVS

Warren Treadgold, The Byzantine Revival, 740-842
A little more in-depth, not strictly a theological history, but still essential knowledge.

Henri Daniel Rops-The Church in the Dark Ages-written by an orthodox Catholic historian sometime pre-Vatican II. Covers the period roughly 500-1000, and is very easy reading.

MK

[ 04-17-2002: Message edited by: Michael King ]

Dear Mor:

If you're looking for a good primer in Eastern ecclesiology (theology of the church), I would recommend John Zizioulos, Being as Communion also from St. Vladimir's Press. I used it extensively in my systematic courses during seminary. Solidly Eastern yet contemporary enough to be relevant. It is part of a larger "modern Greek theologian series" that they publish.

Hard to believe that you've not been to St. Vladimir's being so close to there. You'll have a heyday in the bookstore, as I always have. Just be careful not to become automatically "Russified" or recruited for the Moscow Patriarchate by going there. As a Ruthenian/Ukrainian, I had to through that in. No offense to all you Russophiles. LOL.

I concur with the reading suggestion on Taft. Almost a necessity for Eastern liturgy. With all the sources though, remember that they will primarily refer to the Byzantine liturgy and theology, more so than the Syrian of which you are an inheritant or other Eastern rites.

Just a further suggestion.

Fr. Joe

[ 04-17-2002: Message edited by: Joe ]

Mor -

What you want, from your own description, is the Light for Life catechetical series. I could not describe them better than by what you decribed you want.

In Christ,
ALity

You should probably just look up the bibliography of Bishop Kalistos (Ware)'s The Orthodox Church. I don't have it with me right now, but I am sure that, being a good introduction ot the Eastern Churches, it would have a material from all the basic and important sources, both historical and theological, on many topics.

Also read Archimandrite Robert Taft's stuff.

Daniil

Mor,

Try these books. They have footnotes and bibliographies to more specific works as you figure out where you want to go. You can either get them from interlibrary loan or at the bookstore if still in print. If you are in the university still, you can probably get articles via interlibrary loan for free.

The Experience of God - Volume One
Dumitru Staniloae
The first volume of a multi-volume majestic work on Orthodox theology by one of the most outstanding theologians of our day. A very illuminating account of the Orthodox faith.
0-917651-69-3 Paper $19.95


The Experience of God: Orthodox Dogmatic Theology, Volume 2: The World – Creation and Deification
Dumitru Stanilaoe
Covering themes of the creation of the visible and invisible world, with a section devoted to angels. With chapters on the creation of humanity, the Fall, and the existence of evil.
ISBN 1-885652-41-0 Paper $19.95

Eucharist, Bishop, Church
John D. Zizioulas
This highly-acclaimed classical study in Orthodox ecclesiology is now available in English. Eucharist, Bishop, Church is the historical and theological study that explains the origin and the structure of the church during the first three centuries. This fascinating book by Zizioulas is the foundational study reintroducing the concept of Eucharistic ecclesiology in our church today by demonstrating how the unity of the church is served by the ministry of the bishop and related to the celebration of the Eucharist.
Item W1140 $18.95

The Orthodox Way
Bishop Kallistos

Introduction to Eastern Patristic Thought and Orthodox Theology
Constantine Tsirpanlis
--this book even has a study guide! but it is now out of print, so you have to get it through the library or interlibrary loan!

In Christ,

anastasios

Dear Catholicos,

Michael King's suggestion for Meyendorff's "Imperial Unity" is a must read for all Oriental Orthodox Christians such as yourself!

It covers the ENTIRE scope of Christian Church history, including the Assyrians.

A lot of text, but it mesmerizes you as you go through it.

Robert Taft's book, already recommended by Adam, is also a must read for a Syriac Christian as he discusses the development of the Hours in all Eastern Christian Church traditions.

He discusses the Syriac Orthodox tradition in length, as he had a Syriac student who worked with him and who is now a priest in India.

That is where I found out about the Hours published by the Catholic Priest in India that you have.

Those two are must reads for you my friend!

Alex

The Path to Salvation by St. Theophan the Recluse is a excellent read.

Captivated By Your Teachings:
A Resource Book For Adult Maronite Catholics

By Father Anthony J. Salim
Tucson, AZ: E. T. NEDDER Publishing, 2001


This book is not only for Maronite Catholics but for all people who
want to know more about one of the rich Traditions of the Catholic
Church. There are many ways to be a Catholic. When people think of
Catholicism, they too often think that the Tradition of Roman
Catholicism is the only way that Catholics live out their faith
commitment. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. There
are in fact many Catholics whose spiritual, liturgical, historical,
even disciplinary Traditions are closer to the Eastern Traditions of
the Church and the Eastern origins of Christianity.


Fr. Salim has written a pastoral text that explains for the general
reader how the Catholic Faith is expressed in one of these ancient
Churches, the Syriac-Maronite Catholic Church. With theological roots
in ancient Antioch, third most important city in the Roman Empire,
and organized in defending the pivotal teachings of the Council of
Chalcedon, Maronite Catholics take their name and heritage from St.
Maron, a monk and holy man of Syria of the fifth century. Fr. Salim
has explored how this Eastern Church, which has never separated from
communion with the See of Rome, is renewing itself in light of its
proper sources and after the Second Vatican Council. A must for
anyone seeking to expand his or her knowledge of what it means to be
fully Catholic today.


Fr. Salim served as Parochial Vicar at St. Maron's Church in
Clevland, Ohio; as Administrator of St. Sharbel Maronite Mission in
Peoria, Illinoi; as Pastor of St. George's Church in Wilkes-Barre,
Pennsylvania; and as Pastor of Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Flint,
Michigan. Fr. Salim celebrated his 25th anniversary of Ordained
Priesthood on the 29th of June 2001. Fr. Salim is currently the
Director of Religious Education for the Eparchy of Our Lady of
Lebanon of Los Angeles. He also serves as Associate Director of the
Eastern (Churches) Conference of Diocesan Directors of Religious
Education (ECDD) and as Eastern Church Representative to National
Conference of Catechetical Leadership (NCCL).


The book's table of content hereing presented would help idetify its
content:


PART I: PREPARING FOR FAITH 1 Chapter 1: Seeing the light of Faith 5
Chapter 2: The Object of Faith: The Fathomless Mystery of the
Trinity..... 15
Chapter 3: God, the Father of Jesus 25
Chapter 4: Jesus the Christ, Divinity Joined to Humanity 33
Chapter 5: The Holy Spirit: Indwelling Love 51
Chapter 6: The Church: Koinonia/Community of Faith 57
Chapter 7: The Eastern Catholic Churches 81
Chapter 8: The Syriac-Maronite Church of Antioch 99

PART II: THE WORD OF GOD, FOUNDATION OF OUR FAITH........... 109
Chapter 9: The Sacred Scriptures 113
Chapter 10: Holy Tradition 123
Chapter 11: The Maronite Liturgical Year 133
Chapter 12: The Interpretation of Scripture 143


PART III: GOD'S KINGDOM: THE ALREADY AND THE NOT YET........... 153
Chapter 13: Mary, Mother of God, and Other Righteous and
Just........... 157
Chapter 14: Human Destiny 171

PART IV: OUR SACRAMENTAL AND MORAL FAITH LIFE..... 187
Chapter 15: The Mysteries of Initiation 193
Chapter 16: Initiation: Baptism I, Response to Sin........... 197
Chapter 17: Initiation: Baptism II, New Life in God 207
Chapter 18: Initiation: Chrismation 213
Chapter 19: Initiation: Eucharist 219
Chapter 20: The Worship That Is Due to God 231
Chapter 21: The Qoorbono/Divine Service of the Holy Mysteries: the
Prayer Par Excellence........... 241
Chapter 22: The Mysteries of Healing: Confronting Sin and Its
Effects........... 249
Chapter 23: The Mysteries of Healing I: Penance
(Reconciliation)........... 259
Chapter 24: The Mysteries of Healing II: Anointing of the Sick and
Dying........... 265
Chapter 25: The Mysteries of Vocation I: Ordained Ministry...........
271
Chapter 26: The Mysteries of Vocation II: Holy Crowning........... 283
Chapter 27: Living a Moral Life I: Biblical Morality........... 293
Chapter 28: Living a Moral Life II: Morality in Church
Tradition........... 309


CONCLUDING WORD 329

A SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY 331

APPENDIX I:
Our Maronite Customs 337
Introduction 339
Canonical Considerations: the Sacramental Mysteries 340
Baptism 340
Admission of the Candidate into the Church 340
Determining Ritual Church Status 340
Requirements for Baptism 340
Adult Initiation: the Catechumenate 341
Profession of Faith 341
Transfer of Ritual Church 342
Baptism in Danger of Death 342
Chrismation 342
Holy Eucharist 343
Regulations for the Communion Fast 343
How to Receive Holy Communion 343
Holy Crowning 344
A Brief Summary of Pastoral/Canonical
Considerations........... 344
The Betrothal/Engagement Ceremony 346
Annulment 346
Penance (Reconciliation) 347
Introduction 347
How to Go to Confession 347
Fasting 348
Regulations for Lenten Fast and Abstinence 349
How to Prepare for a Sick Call 349
Funerals 349
Service of the Incense (Wake Service) 349
The Jinnaaz Service 350
40-Day Memorial Service 350
Eastern Christian Duties 350
The Corporal Works of Mercy 354
The Spiritual Works of Mercy 354
Maronite Liturgical Customs and Objects 354
General Customs 354
Customs of the Liturgical Year 355
Commemorations for the Qoorbono 360
Anaphoras and Their Seasonal Use 361
Maronite Liturgical Music 362
Maronite Liturgical Art 362
Sacred Objects 363
Blessings for Various Occasions 364
Stipends (Stole Fees) 365

APPENDIX II: Our Prayer Tradition 367


The Sign of the Cross 370

The Lord's Prayer 370

Prayer of Praise (Doxology) 372

Prayer to the Mother of God 372

Hymn of the Trisagion 372

The Apostles' Creed 373

A Morning Prayer 374

Prayer before a Meal 374

Thanksgiving after a Meal 375

Act of Contrition 375

The Jesus Prayer 376

Prayer for the Faithful Departed 376

Night Prayer 377

Prayer for the Sick 377

Prayer before Holy Communion 378

Prayer for Vocations 378

The Rosary 379

APPENDIX III: Liturgical Observance/Doctrine Coordination..... 381
APPENDIX IV: A Glossary of Maronite Terms 387
APPENDIX V: The Documents of Vatican II 409

APPENDIX VI: Eastern Catholic Jurisdictions in the United
States ..... 413

APPENDIX VII: Summaries of the Books of the Catholic Bible..... 421

INDEX OF SCRIPTURE CITATIONS 435

INDEX OF LITURGICAL PRAYERS CITED 439

GENERAL INDEX 441

To invite Fr. Salim to discuss the book contact him at his parish
address at:
Fr. Anthony Salim
St. Maron Maronite Church
1555 S. Meridian Road
Youngtown, OH 44511
Tel. (330)-792-2371

For further information or to order this book call or write to:
E. T. NEDDER Publishing
PMB #299
9121 East Tanque Verde, Suite 105
Tucson, AZ 85749-8390
Email: sales@fillorders.com
Toll Free: 877-817-2725
Fax: 520-798-1514
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Mshiho, qdom min bet miteh, itraham 'alain,
(O Christ, risen from the dead, have mercy on us)