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As someone deeply drawn to the rich spiritual heritage of Eastern Christianity, I can’t recommend The Publicans Prayer Book enough. Published by Sophia Press for the Melkite-Greek Catholic Eparchy of Newton, this beautifully crafted book has become an indispensable part of my daily prayer life, offering a profound and comprehensive treasury of Byzantine prayers that feels both ancient and accessible. It has completely changed the way I pray. As a disclaimer, I was raised a Roman Catholic in a very loose sense. I am still on paper a Catholic, but I do have some issues with certain theological ideas and things that have gone on in the institution. Studying the Byzantine-rite has opened my eyes up to a way of praying and set of traditions that allow me to be comfortable in my convictions as a Christian.
From the moment you hold it, the quality shines through: richly leather-bound with gold embossing, gilt edges, silk ribbons, and high-quality archival paper in a convenient pocket size (4.5×6.5 inches). The two-color printing (black text with red rubrics) and classic graphics reproduced from antique liturgical books make it not just a prayer book, but a work of art that invites reverence. What truly sets it apart is its depth—over 900 pages in the latest fourth edition, packed with traditional prayers handed down through generations. It includes:
Whether you’re Byzantine Catholic, Orthodox (many Orthodox users praise it, noting only minor adjustments needed), or a Roman Catholic or Protestant exploring Byzantine spirituality, this book is a “fellow-traveler” on the path to deeper communion with God. It’s more than a prayer book—it’s a complete spiritual guide that helps fulfill the call to “pray without ceasing.”
From the moment you hold it, the quality shines through: richly leather-bound with gold embossing, gilt edges, silk ribbons, and high-quality archival paper in a convenient pocket size (4.5×6.5 inches). The two-color printing (black text with red rubrics) and classic graphics reproduced from antique liturgical books make it not just a prayer book, but a work of art that invites reverence. What truly sets it apart is its depth—over 900 pages in the latest fourth edition, packed with traditional prayers handed down through generations. It includes:
- Complete morning and evening prayers, plus prayers throughout the day and for various needs (illness, travel, the departed, purity, for our enemies, and more).
- An entire section dedicated to the practice of the Jesus Prayer, which I truly believe is the second most important prayer a Christian can say after the Lord’s Prayer.
- A simplified Small Horologion for praying the canonical hours at home—perfect for families or individuals wanting a taste of the Divine Office.
- Nine canons and akathists, including the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete/Canon of Repentance, the Paschal Canon, and the Akathist to the Mother of God.
- Expanded sections like the canons for the Twelve Great Feasts, the Service of the Twelve Psalms, and additional patristic texts (e.g., St. Athanasios on praying the Psalms).
- Wisdom from the Church Fathers on a number of topics, such as prayer and living in God’s presence.
- An appendix discussing spiritual aids for living Life in Christ that includes things like the Ten Commandments, Beatitudes, Corporal Works of Mercy, Spiritual Works of Mercy, and Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
- An appendix discussing the characteristics of Byzantine spirituality.
Whether you’re Byzantine Catholic, Orthodox (many Orthodox users praise it, noting only minor adjustments needed), or a Roman Catholic or Protestant exploring Byzantine spirituality, this book is a “fellow-traveler” on the path to deeper communion with God. It’s more than a prayer book—it’s a complete spiritual guide that helps fulfill the call to “pray without ceasing.”
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