Suggested Resources about the Orthodox Faith
This page includes many resources that can help you learn about Orthodoxy. But the best thing you can do, when you are ready, is to visit a local church. Here is where you can find a local Church.
Books
The Orthodox Study Bible
https://store.ancientfaith.com/orthodox-study-bible/
In addition to a good translation, this Bible includes helpful footnotes and some interspersed articles. Highly recommended.
Essential Orthodox Christian Beliefs
https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy
Free, online, good introduction and overview
The Religion of the Apostles: Orthodox Christianity in the First Century
Stephen De Young
Know the Faith: A Handbook for Orthodox Christians and Inquirers
Fr. Michael Shanbour
Welcome to the Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity
Frederica Mathewes-Green
The Orthodox Way
Metropolitan Kallistos Ware
The Church in History Series
Formation and Struggles: The Birth of the Church (33-200 AD)
Imperial Unity and Christian Divisions (450-680 AD)
Greek East and Latin West (681-1071 AD)
The Christian East and the Rise of the Papacy (1071-1453 AD)
This is a fantastic series on Church History that provides great context and a broader view than just Western Europe.
Videos
Orthodox Christianity 101: Finding The Church Jesus Built
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbDsxw-e0m3mIkapUEZ_-5BEOr19F4t73
This is a great (though a little old) intro and quick overview of Church history. Start with the first video.
The Schisms: A Tale of a Family (6 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeqaA2-UlzQ
Who Started the Great Schism (23 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r73ixUECwHs
Christian Conflicts, East and West: A View from the East
https://patrickhenryreardon.com/christian-conflicts-east-and-west/
Why the Cross?
https://patrickhenryreardon.com/why-the-cross/
Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism
https://youtu.be/NTLs9QlZzV4
Orthodox Christian Catechism 2022 (15 video series)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtKtLDj8n9-_CHMUTejxZsSQzOwJzBNvq
Acquiring the Orthodox Phronema
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuDz_hd2SdE
For Roman Catholics: Quick Questions & Answers on Orthodoxy
https://saintpaulemmaus.org/for-visitors/for-roman-catholics/
Short video followed by Q&A’s that help answer questions from a Catholic perspective
Advice for Beginners in Orthodoxy
https://youtu.be/jUzgrIahs6w?si=jKa4mc8CV5URxKW9&t=116
Articles
Basic Teachings and Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.acrod.org/orthodox-christianity/teachings-faqs
Really good, short overview of Orthodoxy with good FAQs underneath
10 Differences between Orthodox & Catholic Churches
https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/differences-between-orthodox-and-catholic/
Especially the part on the Filioque and Absolute Divine Simplicity
What is Orthodoxy?
https://stelizabethorthodox.org/what-is-orthodoxy
A good, short overview of “What is Orthodoxy?”
For Roman Catholics: Quick Questions & Answers on Orthodoxy
https://saintpaulemmaus.org/for-visitors/for-roman-catholics/
Short video followed by Q&A’s that help answer questions from a Catholic perspective
12 Things I Wish I’d Known
https://www.frederica.com/12-things/
Thoughts about some practical things you’ll notice when attending the Liturgy
How does God guide the church?
https://nootherfoundation.ca/how-does-god-guide-the-church/
Do Faith to Have Faith
https://glory2godforallthings.com/2013/12/13/do-faith-to-have-faith/
How is the Orthodox Church organized and held together as one worldwide Church?
https://www.oca.org/questions/teaching/how-is-the-orthodox-church-organized-and-held-together-as-one-worldwide-chu
Chieti Document
This document is a brief, joint statement by the Catholic Church and Orthodox Church that provides some agreed upon details about how the early church developed and operated.
Hands up!
Surrender to Jesus Christ therefore includes surrender to His Body the Church.
https://nootherfoundation.ca/hands-up
Websites
Orthodox Church in America
Today’s Scripture Reading
Lives of the Saints
Ancient Faith
https://www.ancientfaith.com
Home to many podcasts, an online store, and more great content
No Other Foundation
https://nootherfoundation.ca
Glory to God for All Things
https://glory2godforallthings.com
Podcasts
Paradise and Utopia
https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/paradiseutopia/
Reflections on the history of Christian civilization
At the Intersection of East and West
https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/eastwest/
The first set of episodes offer a good history of early Christianity
No Other Foundation
https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/nootherfoundation/
Fr. Lawrence Farley offers brief commentary and analysis on topics related to Orthodoxy, theology, morality, the Scriptures, and contemporary culture.
Glory to God for All Things
https://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/freeman/
Fr. Stephen Freeman