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    The Orthodox Liturgy

    The Orthodox Liturgy

    The Divine Liturgies of Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Basil the Great and the Divine Office of the Presanctified Gifts, together with the ordering of the Holy and Divine Liturgy, the Office of Preparation for the Holy Communion and the Prayers of Thanksgiving after the Holy Communion.

    The present translations have been made from the Old Church Slavonic service-books (in consultation with the corresponding Greek texts). Save for a few instances where the original requires the Septuagint Version of the Old Testament, they look to the language of the Authorized King James Version of the Bible or the almost contemporary Book of Common Prayer—liturgical English at its noblest. Spelling, punctuation and the use of capital letters likewise conform. Of ‘an innumerable multitude’ of possible references those suggested in the footnotes are either direct quotations or they give the source of a word or phrase having the same weight and gravity, and offering comparable associations.

    The pre-Reformation Prymers have similarly proved a fount of inspiration in the work of adaptation from, and into, the genius of the two languages, Old Church Slavonic and liturgical English.

    £24.00

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    The Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete

    The book of the Great Canon with the life of Saint Mary of Egypt is a new translation into English. The text of the Great Canon of Saint Andrew follows the language of the Authorized King James Version. These texts had been by Rosemary Edmonds, the translator of the most important works of Saint Sophrony. For the first time, these texts are being published and made available by our Monastery.

    £16.00

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    The Unseen Discipleship to Christ

    The fear of God becomes a word of spiritual edification, divine consolation, and strength. A characteristic example is that of the Apostle Paul, who confessed to the Corinthians: ‘And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.’ It is the fear of God that made the Apostle Paul a great preacher.

    £23.00

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    Audiobook: Remember Thy First Love

    New Audiobook

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    Total listening time: 17 hours, 3 minutes

    £16.00

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    Popular Books

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    Thank you for continuing to release Fr. Zacharias’s writings. They are incredibly encouraging personally and very helpful for pastoring. As a mission-planting priest, these books have enabled me to connect the hard work we are doing here with God’s desire for our salvation. I hope Fr. Zacharias is able to continue publishing for a long time.

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    Fr. Joel WilsonAnnunciation Orthodox ChurchMO, USA

    The spiritual inheritance passed down from St. Silouan to St. Sophrony to Fr. Zacharias is invaluable as it speaks with such clarity to the needs of our time. That has been my experience – first as a seminarian, and now as a young priest. I routinely draw on the publications of the work of St. Silouan, St. Sophrony, Archim. Zacharias, & Archim. Peter – both for myself and for my pastoral work in the parish. The way these publications speak of the Gospel and the fulness of the life in Christ has been uniquely helpful to me personally and in my work as a priest.

    I would also like to offer my thanks for the physical quality and overall appearance/aesthetic of the books themselves. The clothbound hardback with stamped text & logo makes for a superior look and feel for the books. The high-quality paper, uncrowded pages, and even the font, all contribute to the unparalleled reading experience. I appreciate that the books available in hardback will lay flat. Additionally, I have greatly appreciated recent publications – such as At the Doors of Holy Lent – that included two-color text and a ribbon bookmark.

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    Fr. Anthony SaundersSt. Elizabeth the New Martyr Orthodox ChurchIN, USA

    The books published by the monastery are tremendous blessings. The quality and content are a feast in the wilderness for which, I know as the manager of our church bookstore, many are grateful and growing in faith and faithful knowledge and awareness.

    In addition, thanks to you, Father Peter, Father Zacharias, the translators, and all at the monastery involved with the Sunday talks and the decision to make the recordings available for those unable to listen in real time.

    The quiet considerations and careful attention to grace filled details manifest in the ministries and outreach of the monastery reveal the inspiring obedience to Saint Silouan and Saint Sophrony present in your midst.

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    Rebecca MyerlySt. Mary’s Greek Orthodox ChurchMN, USA

    I have read everything available from Archimandrite Zacharias, and yet every time I embark on reading his latest work, it’s like I’m clinging to a tiny but precious thread that leads all the way to eternity. I am forever grateful for his wisdom and utterly penetrating insights into the nature of Orthodoxy and God’s infinite love for His children, even when they turn away or don’t realize His presence. More than ever, the world needs a voice like Archimandrite Zacharia’s.

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    Robert David VivianMI, USA

    I have recently purchased Christ, Our Way and Our Life from you and I am so very glad that I have. As an Anglican it is one of the most powerful works that I have ever read. Although I am only part way through, it has illuminated my thought with a clarity that I have not felt outside of Holy Scripture. I give my genuine thanks.

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    DavidStaffordshire, UK

    Thank you for the beautiful books you offer. They are always among my favorites to read. When I first came across Saint Sophrony’s writings I was fairly new to Orthodoxy and was astounded by how beautiful and precise were his descriptions which helped me immensely to understand what I was going through. The further distillation of his teaching by Father Zacharias is even more beautifully accessible to people searching for much needed inspiration living in a tired, worn down world.

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    Erin MariaOR, USA

    I received the parcel last week and I was extremely glad! Thank You for all the little bookmark presents, that I will pass on to others, to “disseminate” my joy also 🙂 But more, I want to thank Fr Zacharias for his new book, The Otherness of Love, which is a real inspiration even for us, those who are living in the world with families and children. I found many answers to some questions I have been tormented with for years, such as the question of the authority in education, and I never found the way until now. This book is so “other” than any other book I’ve read! I thank Fr Zacharias again and again for his kenosis which enriches us all!

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    AncaBucurești, Romania

    Truly, these books are hidden treasure. I have a good amount of them already and Lord willing will try to purchase the rest of them. They will be books that can be read over and over and are filled with much spiritual guidance and theology. Truly underrated and not talked enough about! I pray that this monastery gets more recognition so their books may be read by many in here America!

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    Nektarios CorralizaSt.Katherine Greek Orthodox ChurchAZ, US

    I am always amazed and happy at how quickly the books arrive and the packaging is absolutely perfect. Thank you very much for the icon bookmarks that accompany the books, they come along with me through the text and prayers. These books are holy words for me. Reading these books brings peace and grace. Often, when I am in difficult situations, I read one or a few sentences and I am comforted and find answers. It’s like the fathers are speaking directly to me. Thank you all for your work and for bringing such great help into the world.

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    CorneliaZürich , Switzerland

    Just received today the wonderful book Hesychasm by Father Zacharias. I was waiting for it to arrive, it was a joy to discover the parcel.

    Such a beautiful book and such precious contents. Please thank Father Zacharias for his writings. I also have his Remember Thy First Love book, in French translation, it was a Christmas gift in 2020 from my Godmother who is a nun. I have books by Saint Sophrony in excellent French translation and look forward to reading more in the English versions.

    Thank you for the lovely packaging and Saint Sophrony bookmark, lovely surprise, the book is so beautifully printed and presented it is a joy and blessing to receive and read it. It will be a joy to order other books from you when possible.

    Again thank you, and gratitude for the Zoom conferences of Father Peter and Father Zacharias.

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    Fiona SeraphimaCôte-d'Or, France

    I have really enjoyed all the books I have received from your bookshop. Working through the website was easy, and I was surprised at the speed of delivery since I am in the US. I received the package a while back, but remember no defects, and the books all are in great condition. Having been a bookstore manager for 17 years, this is a sign that the packaging was well done. No bent corners is always a plus. Thank you for your excellent offerings and service. I do appreciate the email updates as well, especially because they are not overwhelming in number.

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    Joanna JaquetteOR, USA

    The content of these books is the breath of life! All of us readers are grateful for the clear exposition of spiritual truth. The effort to produce these books and capture these talks is a priceless ministry from the monastery to those of us “in the world.” May God continue to bless you in this ministry.
    Shipments from Essex to us here in the US have been without damage or loss and for the most part arrive in short time.
    As for the online bookstore ministry, it is a valuable means of outreach and, to me, the value lies in the easier access to the books and materials produced by the monastery. The website is the one place to go to find all that is available from the monastery press. Thank you!

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    RichardPA, USA

    The writings of St. Silouan, St. Sophrony and Fr. Zacharias touch me so deeply in my heart and soul they bring tears to my eyes, especially St. Sophrony’s books. The depth of their spiritual understanding comes from knowing our Loving God and experiencing the struggle we each have as human beings, to stay on the narrow path in this life that leads us to our true spiritual home. At times, I am astounded at their ability to put in to words the divine wisdom that they have been given and hold in their hearts, that I just sit and stare in to space hands clasped to my heart, tears pouring down my face in gratitude for their bearing of their souls for the benefit of all who read their books and their own personal unending pursuit of surrendering their will to our Loving Jesus. They are truly blessed and serve as a blessing to all humanity. God bless all of us. ????????

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    Debra BerryWY, UK

    Archimandrite Zacharias books are like a good movie- I cannot stop reading them!!!!

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    Costakis NeocleousGA, USA

    I was born in Christ throughout the writings of Saint Silouan and Saint Sophrony, when I was 17 years old and when I knew nothing about what means to have faith in Christ. After that, my life completely changed. I want to thank you all, to the entire community of the Monastery who make possible the Sunday talks and special thanks to Father Zacharias and Peter for whom I feel very grateful because through their writings and talks they really help me to learn such profound and useful things about how to consolidate my spiritual life. From no one have I heard such a high teaching about life in Christ as from them.
    With deep and profound gratitude,
    Sister Ecaterina

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    Sister EcaterinaRomania, RO

    Exceptional books come from Essex Monastery! Saint Sophrony’s and Saint Silouan’s writings are a true testament of humbleness and love. This Monastery is a true treasure to Great Britain. May the prayers of Our Most Holy Theotokos reach everyone at Saint John’s the Baptist Monastery. God bless!

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    Oana AndronicRomanian Orthodox Parish of LiverpoolMerseyside, GB

    Book Reviews

    What the Readers Say

    264 reviews
    Review for: The Wondrous and Paradoxical Ethos of Monasticism The Wondrous and Paradoxical Ethos of Monasticism
    Erin Maria
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    We become what we are, that is, what we choose to give our heart towards. There is a cadence of grace that fills this book; it is a book to be taken slowly, thoughtfully and gratefully. Every paragraph reads like a gospel of the Life we seek in Christ.
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    Review for: The Orthodox Liturgy The Orthodox Liturgy
    Richard
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Splendid Translation Work

    A copy of The Orthodox Liturgy arrived last week exactly as promised and beautifully packed to match a beautifully made book. My initial mistake was to look through the main text of the book and skip the Preface. I soon realised the error of my ways and spent useful time thinking of the splendid wisdom of the translation work. I was most encouraged by references to the Book of Common Prayer and the Authorised Version of the King James Bible: I was introduced to both a little over seventy years ago and, in my Ministry in the CofE, I continue to use both of these sources. In recent years, I have used the Liturgy of S Basil the Great, but we are urged not to take the booklets out of the Chapel. On my next visit to that Order for a Quiet Day, I shall take this book with me to compare. Sadly, they are closed for building works now so this will not happen that soon – a joy for the summertime I suspect. I am impressed by the scholarship displayed here and the simple way that you have explained the usage of material. On the point of the book itself, the text font and size are perfect and the use of red text very helpful. The quality and weight of the paper on which this is printed is outstanding and merely holding this open confirms the feeling that this is no ordinary volume but something precious to the Lord. The helpful presence of the Glossary is an added bonus. Thank you.
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    Review for: The Orthodox Liturgy The Orthodox Liturgy
    James Ambrose
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Beautifully put together edition!

    As with all the monastery’s publications, this doesn’t disappoint. This is a re-print of the long out of print service book, beautifully bound and presented, a book worth treasuring.
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    Review for: On Prayer On Prayer
    Grahame Sturt
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    On Prayer by Archimandrite Sophrony - a richly illuminating and thoroughly practical guide to prayer

    St Sophrony shares his long and deep experience as a disciple of Christ in a way that embraces and challenges his readers. His constant drawing from the wells of Scripture and commentary truly inspires. This is a book that invites constant re-reading, reference and sharing.
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    Review for: At the Doors of Holy Lent At the Doors of Holy Lent
    Fr Robert Strange
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Just what I needed for Lent. Spiritually nourishing on every page I have read so far. Thank you very much. 5 star
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    Review for: The Ineffable Folly of Divine Love The Ineffable Folly of Divine Love
    Philip Seddon
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Pure Gold Dust

    I leave Archimandrite Zacharias’s The Ineffable Folly of Divine Love to last, not just because I have previously offered an extended review of two of his earlier works, and not only because of his astonishing ability to ‘invent’ such extraordinarily thought-provoking titles, but also because once again, we find pure gold-dust. He speaks, writes and reads like any one of us, but, whether with gentleness, authority, simplicity, amusement, profundity or strong challenge, whether in terms of personal anecdotes or multiple quotations from the Orthodox tradition and Liturgy, he speaks from, and to, and of another world which is our true Home. He speaks from within the heart of Christ, and he answers questions without hesitation, because he wants us to be drawn by and into The Ineffable Folly of Divine Love.
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    1 person found this helpful
    Review for: The House of Our Father The House of Our Father
    Philip Seddon
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Stupendous Work of Art and Prayer

    The House of Our Father is a simply stupendous work of art and prayer in itself. Profound Theological and Iconographic Texts by Archimandrite Peter, Sister Gabriela and Archimandrite Zacharias alone constitute inspired and moving meditations on the Being of the Church (building and people), and repay repeated reading; the photographic material - the 'Colour Plates,’ the 'Iconographic Program’ (sic), the ‘Odyssey of Techniques’ and the multiple complications and construction of everything, is simply awe-inspiring to read and pore over, both in detail and scope. The faces - the faces! - in close-up are astonishing, powerful, personal, overwhelming, humbling - not least those of the Seraphim. I was also touched to discover (p. 17) that, of the two major inspirations for St Sophrony's circular church, the first, the Round Church in Cambridge, was where I worshipped and heard Scripture expounded as an undergraduate; and secondly, the Rotunda in Thessaloniki was right next to the hostel when my wife Debbie and I stayed on our first visit there in 2010. And I learnt a new word: ‘Cosmatesque,’ as in ‘the Cosmatesque Floor’ (the word derives from the Cosmati family of the 12th-13th centuries in Italy), the stunning central marbled floor area of decorative geometric inlay stonework, with its circles and squares, 'wheels within wheels' (as it seems) and triangles and lozenges, in an astonishing range of coloured marble. That is the one area where I would have loved more detail, not only because of the clearly intended complexity of the design (all emerging from the inspired mind of St Sophrony), but because I learnt from one of the builders that most of the stonework had been collected by Sisters scouring London scrapyards and carrying everything back in vans, ready to turn scraps into beauty! (Perhaps a small separate booklet could tell that story?! …)
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    1 person found this helpful
    Review for: Calendar 2026 Calendar 2026
    Philip Seddon
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    A daily gift of beauty

    The calendar - beautifully gift-wrapped, along with the books - is a daily gift of beauty: lovely photos, notes of all the major feasts and moving quotations (which incidentally help a New Testament Greek scholar read modern Greek!) all constitute a call to prayer as we enter and leave our house. September and November, in particular, strike me powerfully: ‘Christ became double for the sake of man, assuming his nature. Likewise, when man exchanges his life for the life of God he also becomes double in nature;’ and ’The word of Sacred Scripture has infinite depth and encompasses "life eternal," yet it remains "sealed with seven seals" for those who approach it solely by the power of the mind.’
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    Review for: On Prayer On Prayer
    James Ambrose
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    An incredible book, perfumed by the spirit of prayer. I purchased this for a colleague at work, and he said it was of such depth, that he could only read a little at a time. I’ve found with all the works of St. Sophrony they need to be contemplated slowly to be able to penetrate into the depths of his words.
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    2 people found this helpful
    Review for: Saint Silouan the Athonite Saint Silouan the Athonite
    Adam Garber
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    This book is a timeless classic for Orthodoxy. It really speaks to the heart. If I'm ever asked questions about Orthodoxy I cannot help but think of this book. For lack of better words, the life of St Silouan shows us the goal and fruit of the Christian life.
    Was this helpful?
    1 person found this helpful

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