Cherished Books!

[ronyodish]

Hi,

Which books on Eastern/Oriental Christianity do you cherish most, and presently have in your collection, or hope to have some day?

I do not mind who participates in this thread, so long as the cherished books in question have to do with Eastern/Oriental Christianity.

I have several books that I cherish, but here are 4 examples that I have in my collection:

A couple of books, written in Chaldean-Aramaic:

Pshytta New Testament

Hudra (Chaldean Breviary)

A couple of books, written in English:

The Book of Before & After

The Church of the East

Ok, now, your turn!

God bless,

Rony

P.S. If you are able to link a picture to the book, that would be great for the rest of us to see what the book looks like, if not, that’s alright, you can just give us the name of the book.

 

[Diak]

Do you mean books about Eastern Christianity or prayer/liturgical books? I’ll try to distill my list to less than 100:

Works of the Fathers:
On the Incarnation by St. Athanasius
On the Holy Spirit by St. Basil
The Triads by St. Gregory Palamas
Hymns on Paradise by St. Ephraim the Syrian
On the Holy Icons by St. Theodore the Studite
On the Divine Liturgy by St. Germanos
On the Holy Images by St. John of Damascus
St. John Chrysostom on Marriage and Family Life (a collection)
On the Priesthood by St. John Chrysostom
The Longer Rules of St. Basil
The Philokalia and Writings from the Philokalia on Prayer of the Heart
The Art of Prayer by St. Theophan the Recluse
Salt of the Earth (life of Blessed Isidore of New Gethsemane) by St. Pavel Florensky
Little Russian Philokalia Volume I: St. Seraphim of Sarov
LRP Volune IV; St. Paissius Velychkovsky
LRP Volume V: St. Theodore of Sanaxar
St. Maximus the Confessor (Von Balthazar)

Books written about Eastern Christianity:
Origins of Christian Mysticism by Olivier Clement
Face of God by Archbishop Joseph Raya
Way of the Pilgrim
Iconostas by St. Pavel Florensky
Eastern Christianity: The Byzantine Tradition by Fr. Lawrence Cross
Metropolitan Andrey by Cyril Korolevsky
Leonid Feodorov by Paul Maillieux
“Our Father” by Fr. Ivan Luzetsky
Vasyl Vsevelod Velychkovsky by Fr. Stepan Bacholowsky
Crisis and Reform by Fr. Borys Gudziak
Mohyla’s Catechism
Metropolitan Andrew by Cyril Korolevsky
Confessor between East and West (Biography of Patriarch Josyp) by Jaroslav Pelikan
The Spirit of Eastern Christendom by Jaroslav Pelikan
The Orthodox Way by Kallistos Ware
Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church by Lossky
Theology of Icons by Lossky
Our Faith by Casimir Kucharek
The Sacramental Mysteries: A Byzantine Approach by Kucharek

Liturgical Commentaries:
Instruction on Applying the Liturgical Prescriptions of the Eastern Code of Canons
Ordo Celebrationis
The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom in the Kyivan Metropolitan Province by Metropolitan Lawrence Huculak
The Byzantine-Slav Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom by Fr. Casimir Kucharek
Evening Liturgy in the Orthodox Church by Uspensky
Liturgy of the Hours in the East and West by Taft

Liturgical Books:
The Divine Liturgy: An Anthology for Worship by Galadza et. al.
The Horologion
Old Orthodox Prayer Book
Festal Menaion
Psalter from the OCA in Canada or Holy Myrrhbearers
Gospel and Epistle lectionary of Bishop Fan Noli
Lenten Triodion
Pentecostarion
Book of Akathists

 

[ronyodish]

Do you mean books about Eastern Christianity or prayer/liturgical books?

Diak,

Either one, or both, is fine by me

By the way, that’s an impressive list!

God bless,

Rony

 

[mlouise007]

Not really what you’ve asked, Rony, but as a Roman Rite Catholic if I had only one book to share with another RC I’d say Bread & Water, Wine & Oil: An Orthodox Christian Experience of God at present. I keep coming back to it.

Under hope to acquire are a couple of the books you suggested to me in another thread Spiritual Treasures from the Chaldean Tradition, and The Book of Before & After partly because probably all of the Eastern/Oriental Christianity books I have are Byzantine Catholic, Russian or Greek Orthodox.

I love just reading parts of the Divine Liturgy.

 

[ronyodish]

Not really what you’ve asked, Rony, but as a Roman Rite Catholic if I had only one book to share with another RC I’d say Bread & Water, Wine & Oil: An Orthodox Christian Experience of God at present. I keep coming back to it.

Marylouise,

Sounds like an interesting book on the Holy Mysteries! The only piece of Eastern Orthodox literature on the Holy Mysteries that I’ve read, cover to cover, was a book by Fr. Alexander Schmemann, called: For the Life of the World. I wrote a summary of the book, and gave my own reflections on it, as part of a theology class on the Sacraments. Other than that, I’ve read some pieces of EO information on the subject, here and there, mostly online, but that’s about it.

Under hope to acquire are a couple of the books you suggested to me in another thread Spiritual Treasures from the Chaldean Tradition, and The Book of Before & After partly because probably all of the Eastern/Oriental Christianity books I have are Byzantine Catholic, Russian or Greek Orthodox.

If you end up getting them, I hope you will find them enjoyable. The Spiritual Treasures book is a small book, with very light prayers, but the Book of Before and After is bigger, and has a good amount of prayers during the weekdays and weekend.

My hope is that one day, the whole Hudra of our Church of the East will be translated into English, which is a massive collection of hymns and prayers, but until that day, these smaller publications are quite helpful for our English-speaking Assyro-Chaldeans.

God bless,

Rony

 

[Diak]

Those are only the English ones, and I forgot three of Schmemann, For the Life of the World, Great Lent and Of Water and Spirit, and two from Lev Gillet, Year of Grace of our Lord and Jesus: A Dialogue with the Savior that should have been in there as well.

I would have to add another 20 or so Ukrainian, about a dozen Slavonic and another half-dozen Greek.

I also love my English Agpeya, I would love to be able to pray it in either Coptic or Amharic.

 

[Pani_Rose]

One that is totally worn out and on our second one, a Raya - Byzantine Daily Worship. :byzsoc:

 

[Seamus_L]

I’d also recommend "Hear Me O Lord"which is published by the Basilian Fathers.It includes the Byzantine Rite liturgical year, the Divine Liturgy, Vespers, Matins Resurrection Matins Parastas, Molebens and Akathists, not to mention, the Holy Rosary, Stations of the Cross, troparion for the Immaculate Conception, Prayers for the Souls in Purgatory, and novenas to the Sacred Heart and St Therese of Lisieux.

 

[yeshua]

I have a first edition set of Archdale King’s Rites of Eastern Christendom in mint condition with flawlessly intact dust jackets.

My library is quite proficient in all things Maronite–in Syriac or otherwise–having amassed quite the collection of texts liturgical, theological and historical. Most of my other books regarding the Orient are on along the same vein but instead regard the other Oriental traditions and the Assyrian/Chaldean tradition, as well as books on EO v. OO v. CC. dialogue.

Very little is Byzantine outside of the aforementioned topic of dialogue, as well as group studies regarding Eastern and Oriental rites that naturally include the Byzantine family (King, Attwatter etc.).

Most cherished, however, is my Maronite shimo. It has been passed down in my family for generations and—according to my grandmother—dates back to the late eighteenth century. While not in the best condition, I am simply grateful it survives to this day considering the history through which it has passed.

 

[Diak]

I’d also recommend "Hear Me O Lord"which is published by the Basilian Fathers.It includes the Byzantine Rite liturgical year, the Divine Liturgy, Vespers, Matins Resurrection Matins Parastas, Molebens and Akathists, not to mention, the Holy Rosary, Stations of the Cross, troparion for the Immaculate Conception, Prayers for the Souls in Purgatory, and novenas to the Sacred Heart and St Therese of Lisieux.

As a member of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church I wouldn’t recommend this text at all; there are many more authentic prayerbooks in the Kyivan-Ukrainian tradition rather than this one which includes much innovative material from the 20th century borrowed directly from Latin sources and is not at all representative of the authentic received liturgical or spiritual tradition from the time if the Union.

One that is totally worn out and on our second one, a Raya - Byzantine Daily Worship.

Yes, I am still on my first but it has been taped, glued, and put back together many, many times. It was my very first all-English prayerbook.

 

[ronyodish]

I have a first edition set of Archdale King’s Rites of Eastern Christendom in mint condition with flawlessly intact dust jackets.

This is a classic, but unfortunately I don’t have a copy of it. Gorgias press has brought it back in print, but it’s a bit pricey. I don’t know, maybe I’ll get it one of those days!

My library is quite proficient in all things Maronite–in Syriac or otherwise–having amassed quite the collection of texts liturgical, theological and historical. Most of my other books regarding the Orient are on along the same vein but instead regard the other Oriental traditions and the Assyrian/Chaldean tradition, as well as books on EO v. OO v. CC. dialogue.

Pretty cool! I have some stuff on the Maronites, and by Maronites. I think my most cherished work by a Maronite scholar that I have in my collection would probably be the one by Joseph Assemani, the well known Bibliotheca Orientalis. Though, I only have Volume III of the collection. Maybe one day I can complete the whole set, but again, it’s way too expensive.

Very little is Byzantine outside of the aforementioned topic of dialogue, as well as group studies regarding Eastern and Oriental rites that naturally include the Byzantine family (King, Attwatter etc.).

I do have Attwatter, and have some specifically Byzantine ones. Diak and Pani Rose mentioned Archbishop Raya, and I have a book by him called The Eyes of the Gospel. Now, I haven’t actually read it yet, but it’s sitting there on the shelf starring at me!

Most cherished, however, is my Maronite shimo. It has been passed down in my family for generations and—according to my grandmother—dates back to the late eighteenth century. While not in the best condition, I am simply grateful it survives to this day considering the history through which it has passed.

Nice! Hope you pass it on to the next generation!

Yeshua, thanks for the post.

God bless,

Rony

 

[mlouise007]

Marylouise,
The only piece of Eastern Orthodox literature on the Holy Mysteries that I’ve read, cover to cover, was a book by Fr. Alexander Schmemann, called: For the Life of the World. I wrote a summary of the book, and gave my own reflections on it, as part of a theology class on the Sacraments.
Rony

Rony- Thanks for that link as I recognized the cover. My copy is yellow with a blue cross. I read it years ago, tho now I’ve pulled it out I see the yellow highlights stop about 2/3 though the book so looks like I got sidetracked and didn’t finish it. No reflection on the content. I often don’t finish books, even those I like very much. Have it on my current read pile now. -ML

 

[yeshua]

This is a classic, but unfortunately I don’t have a copy of it. Gorgias press has brought it back in print, but it’s a bit pricey. I don’t know, maybe I’ll get it one of those days!

It is quite the classic, though I am happy to hear Gorgias is bringing it back, albeit expensive like most of Gorgias’ stock. I happened to find my own set off of an old professor friend of mine who said that it would do no good sitting on his shelf, along with some quip about the chronic disinterest of academia in Eastern Christianity.

Pretty cool! I have some stuff on the Maronites, and by Maronites. I think my most cherished work by a Maronite scholar that I have in my collection would probably be the one by Joseph Assemani, the well known Bibliotheca Orientalis. Though, I only have Volume III of the collection. Maybe one day I can complete the whole set, but again, it’s way too expensive.

A full set of Bibliotheca Orientalis would be quite expensive, though in every way worthwhile! I too hope to have a complete set one day. How is your Latin?

I do have Attwatter, and have some specifically Byzantine ones. Diak and Pani Rose mentioned Archbishop Raya, and I have a book by him called The Eyes of the Gospel. Now, I haven’t actually read it yet, but it’s sitting there on the shelf starring at me!

Yes, I recognize my library is a bit of an exercise in confirmation bias, though it has served me in a professional as well as persona mannerl. I would hope to expand my Byzantine library, Archbishop Raya is one of author of note, as you mentioned. I do have a copy of Archbishop Zoghby’s We Are All Schismatics, but as I said, beyond Attwatter et. al. I don’t have much. Meyendorff has come highly recommended. I know I am asking an Assyrian/Chaldean but your one of the most erudite EC’s I know, any recommendations from you in things Byzantine would be most appreciated.

Nice! Hope you pass it on to the next generation!

I have every intention of doing so. I would like to try and make better use of it beyond my family line, it is more of a treasure than most realize. Most Maronites will never encounter a shimo in their lives, let alone know what one is in this country. With the chronic dispassion that infects most Maronites in this country, however, I am afraid it would do no use outside of my family’s hands.

Yeshua, thanks for the post.

Thank you for the thread, Rony. I have missed your (name removed by moderator)ut and insights.

Peace and God Bless.

 

[yeshua]

While on the topic of cherished books, I know a good many have tried to get their hands on a copy of Chorbishop Seely Beggiani’s Early Syriac Theology: With a Special Reference to the Maronite Tradition. A copy has come available through Abebooks.co.uk for a price that is well under what it normally runs for, that is, if the title surfaces in the first place. In any case, I know of a few people here in times past who have expressed interest in acquiring the book.

 

[Patchunky]

I started reading FINDING A HIDDEN CHURCH by Fr. Christopher Zuger at ikon camp last week. I finally had to stop as I was emotionally exhausted.

The book is the account of the Ruthenian and Ukrainian Catholic church during the Communist occupation. It’s 9 years of research and 1 on 1 interviews with eye witness and others by Fr. Zuger.

It is a wonderful book and very eye opening; The story of martyred Bishop Peter Oros gave me at least 1 sleepless night.

We were staying in a former Roman Rite seminary that is HUGE. I was reading the story of the martyrdom of Bishop Oros who was arrested and then shot by the Communists.The local peasants had found out where the body of Vladyka Oros had been buried and began making pilgrimage to the site.

The “authorities” found out and moved the body. For 3 nights the people of Irshava heard the voice of Vladyka singing the Divine Liturgy but on the 4th night silence. In 1992, one of the militia men who had helped move Vladyka’s body said that they had buried Vladyka’s body under concrete in the police station to stop the singing.

Well, we were staying at this deserted seminary building and sharing another wing of the complex with a group of pilgrims from Brooklyn who were originally from Hatii. The I read of Vladyka’s martyrdom, the pilgrims also had an all-night vigil in the chapel with stunning a capella singing. I woke up in the middle of the night hearing the singing and nearly flipped out All I could remember was reading about Vladyka Oros and his singing…

I’m better now…

Oh, Vladyka Oros’ body was recovered and carried in procession to his new resting place, his village of Bilky.:byzsoc:

Zo svatimy u pokoj, Vladyka!

 

[Aramis]

I started reading FINDING A HIDDEN CHURCH by Fr. Christopher Zuger at ikon camp last week. I finally had to stop as I was emotionally exhausted.

It’s pretty awesome. It also goes into some good details of the tribulations of the families of clerics.

 

[ronyodish]

Hi,

I had forgotten about this thread. Here is a quick post to our Maronite brother, Yeshua

A full set of Bibliotheca Orientalis would be quite expensive, though in every way worthwhile! I too hope to have a complete set one day. How is your Latin?

Not so good, though I can recognize some common and basic Latin words. Good thing about the Bibliotheca Orientalis is that all the three languages (Syriac, Arabic, and Latin) are present in the volume, which makes it a little easier to read, by comparing one with the other. It would have been nice if English was included as well.

Yes, I recognize my library is a bit of an exercise in confirmation bias, though it has served me in a professional as well as persona mannerl. I would hope to expand my Byzantine library, Archbishop Raya is one of author of note, as you mentioned. I do have a copy of Archbishop Zoghby’s We Are All Schismatics, but as I said, beyond Attwatter et. al. I don’t have much. Meyendorff has come highly recommended. I know I am asking an Assyrian/Chaldean but your one of the most erudite EC’s I know, any recommendations from you in things Byzantine would be most appreciated.

Yeshua, thank you for the compliment. I also value your contributions on the Maronite Church, and Eastern/Oriental Catholicism in general. As far as Byzantine material, I would recommend the Light for Life catechetical volumes:

Light for Life Part One — The Mystery Believed
Light for Life Part Two — The Mystery Celebrated
Light for Life Part Three — The Mystery Lived

I am waiting on the release of the particular catechism of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, which I think will be a nice collection to my small Byzantine library. It will probably be my main recommendation of a Byzantine Catholic book.

Thank you for the thread, Rony. I have missed your (name removed by moderator)ut and insights.

Peace and God Bless.

You’re welcome brother, and God bless you,

Rony

 

[5Loaves]

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Sounds like an interesting book on the Holy Mysteries! The only piece of Eastern Orthodox literature on the Holy Mysteries that I’ve read, cover to cover, was a book by Fr. Alexander Schmemann, called: For the Life of the World. I wrote a summary of the book, and gave my own reflections on it, as part of a theology class on the Sacraments.
Rony

Rony-
I’ve just noticed that Fr Deacon Michael has an ongoing series on Ancient Faith Radio based on For the Life of the World. I’ve only listened to the first four. I may skip ahead and see how the series goes further into the book.

 

[Diak]

Also along the lines of Patchunky’s recommendation, is Passion and Resurrection by Fr. Serge Keleher which tells in larger context the attempted liquidation of the Kyivan Church. The book I already mentioned about Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky, with an autobiographical section, continues to bring tears to my eyes when I read it (as it does to my wife), and actually being present at the enthronement of his relics and hearing the first-hand accounts of the survivors myself was one of the most moving experiences in my life.

 

[5Loaves]

The** book I already mentioned about Blessed Vasyl Velychkovsky**, with an autobiographical section, continues to bring tears to my eyes when I read it (as it does to my wife), and actually being present at the enthronement of his relics and hearing the first-hand accounts of the survivors myself was one of the most moving experiences in my life.

I’m not seeing that reference. Can you give it again?