From time to time, I get a request for what books would be good reading to learn about Eastern Christianity.  I have compiled this list of favorites.  I am very sure I missed a lot of worthwhile books but these are certainly a great start!

RECOMMENDED READING LIST FOR EASTERN CHRISTIANITY

Appleyard, G., Petras, D. M., & Saato, F. J. (1990). Shown to be Holy: An Introduction to Eastern Christian Moral Thought. McKees Rocks, Penn.: God With Us Publications.

Coniaris, A. M. (1985). Sacred Symbols That Speak: A Study of the Major Symbols of the Orthodox Church. Vol. 1. Minneapolis: Light and Life Pub.

Coniaris, A. M. (1987). Sacred Symbols That Speak: A Study of the Major Symbols of the Orthodox Church. Vol. 2. Minneapolis: Light and Life Pub.

Custer, J. S. (1994). The Old Testament: A Byzantine Perspective. Pittsburgh, PA: God With Us Publ.

Custer, J. S. (2004). The Holy Gospel: A Byzantine Perspective. Pittsburgh, PA: God With Us Publications.

Custer, J. S. (2005). The Apostolic Writings: A Byzantine Ferspective. Pittsburgh, PA: God With Us Publications.

Custer, J. S. (2011). Praying the Psalms in the Byzantine Church. Fairfax, VA: Eastern Christian Publications.

Festal Menaion. (1985). Uniontown, PA: Sisters of St. Basil the Great.

Frend, W. H. (1984). The Rise of Christianity. Philadelphia: Fortress Press.

Hart, R. M. (1991). The Icon through Western Eyes. Springfield, IL: Templegate.

Inexhaustible delights: The Holy Mysteries in the Byzantine Churches. (2003). Pittsburgh: God With Us Publications.

Lenten Triodion. (1995). Uniontown, PA: Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great.

Losten, B. H. (1995). Holy Things for the Holy:  Instruction on the Eucharist. Stamford, Ct.: Eparchy of Stamford.

McGuckin, J. A. (2004). The Westminster Handbook to Patristic Theology. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press.

Meyendorff, J. (1989). Imperial Unity and Christian Divisions: The Church, 450-680 AD   Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press.

Meyendorff, J. (1974). Byzantine theology: Historical trends and doctrinal themes. New York: Fordham University Press.

Meyendorff, J. (1982). The Byzantine Legacy in the Orthodox Church. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press.

Nouwen, H. J. (1987). Behold the Beauty of the Lord: Praying with Icons. Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press.

The Office of Matins. (1989). Uniontown, PA: Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great.

The Office of vespers. (1982). Uniontown, PA: Sisters of St. Basil the Great.

The Orthodox study Bible. (2008). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Papavassiliou, V. (2012). Journey to the kingdom:  An Insider’s Look at the Liturgy and Beliefs of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press.

Parry, K., & Hinnells, J. R. (2000). The Blackwell Dictionary of Eastern Christianity. Oxford, UK: Blackwell.

Pentecostarion. (1986). Uniontown, PA: Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great.

Petras, D. M., Kachuba, J. S., & Saato, F. J. (2005). Time for the Lord to Act: A Catechetical Commentary on the Divine Lturgy. Pittsburgh, PA: Byzantine Catholic Metropolia of Pittsburgh.

Raya, J. (1976). The Face of God: Essays in Byzantine Spirituality. Denville, NJ: Dimension Books.

Raya, J. M. (1995). Theotokos: Bearer of God:  Mary, Mother of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. Combermere, Ont.: Madonna House Publications.

Saato, F. J. (2006). American Eastern Catholics. New York: Paulist Press.

Shmeman, A. (1974). Great Lent. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press.

Slesinski, R. (2007). A Primer on Church and Eucharist: Eastern Perspectives. Fairfax, VA: Eastern Christian Publications.

Slesinski, R. (2011). The Holy Theophany: A Catechesis on the Mysteries of the Incarnation and the Holy Trinity. Fairfax, VA: Eastern Christian Publications.

Stephenson, P. (2010). Constantine: Roman Emperor, Christian Victor. New York: Overlook Press.

Stream of Living Water: Elements of Holy Tradition. (1988). McKees Rock, PA: God With Us Publications.