book recommendations

[AKBlessings]

What books would you recommend for a Catholic interested in knowing more about Orthodoxy? Preferably ones that are less likely to be blunt and offensive to someone who is not wanting to convert, just to understand more. And what would you recommend for someone who is Orthodox and wants to expand their knowledge of the faith and the Saints? Thank you for any suggestions!

 

[gzt]

For the Life of the World will be profitable for somebody in a liturgical tradition.

 

[Kristos]

For the Life of the World will be profitable for somebody in a liturgical tradition.

That is a great one!

 

[Kristos]

What books would you recommend for a Catholic interested in knowing more about Orthodoxy? Preferably ones that are less likely to be blunt and offensive to someone who is not wanting to convert, just to understand more. And what would you recommend for someone who is Orthodox and wants to expand their knowledge of the faith and the Saints? Thank you for any suggestions!

I think most commonly recommended book for inquirers or even Orthodox looking to learn more is "The Orthodox Way" by Kallistos Ware. It's fairly high level, so it doesn't get deep into "theology"... it's milk. If you want a more theological book, I would recommend "The Mystical Theology of the Orthodox Church" by Vladimir Lossky...it's meat. Nothing however can really replace experiencing the Church.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I would add "The Orthodox Church" by Met Kallistos as well. if memory serves he does very well showing the errors that creep into the West without being nasty about it.

I think your best bet though, would be to take your Roman friend to Church, let him/her talk to the priest and let that be the guide for what books to get.

 

[All4Christ]

I would add "The Orthodox Church" by Met Kallistos as well. if memory serves he does very well showing the errors that creep into the West without being nasty about it. I think your best bet though, would be to take your Roman friend to Church, let him/her talk to the priest and let that be the guide for what books to get.

I agree with the others about the book from Met Kallistos.

Another one of my favorite books about Orthodoxy is actually compiled by a non-Orthodox Christian. He compiled essays from Orthodox theologians, priests, writers etc. on various subjects within Orthodoxy. It's called "Eastern Orthodox Theology: a Contemporary Reader" by Daniel Clendenin

 

[AKBlessings]

Thank you all for your recommendations.

 

[Trying_to_be_Orthodox]

for easy reading:
Everyday Saints and Flavian (English edition) / ??????? (????? 1) ?? ?????????? ?????

 

[ArmyMatt]

Fr Hopko's Rainbow series is pretty basic, easy to read, and not polemical or nasty as well.

 

[Lukaris]

The Philokalia; volumes 1 & 2 are pre 1054 schism saints. In this situation you are introduced to Orthodoxy by saints that are also venerated in the Catholic Church.

see: Philokalia – the complete set of volumes : HolyBooks.com – download free ebooks

 

[buzuxi02]

'On the Incarnation', by St Athanasios.

Good in understanding on how the terminology about the Virgin Mary as 'pure' or 'spotless' originate. Usually just fancy ways of describing virginity so you will understand why Orthodoxy use them while are not being bound to a belief in the 'immaculate sinless and without stain' sense.

The acts of the 7 ecumenical councils found on ccel.org Not very entertaining but is the primary source on the christological dogmas and the arguments presented.

The Festal Menaion. The actual liturgical services of the 9 great feasts of Christ and the Theotokos that take place on the fixed cycle of the liturgical calendar. Since this is the actual worship texts, its another primary source. Translated into english by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware and Mother Mary.