It is quite difficult to create an objective selection of the best Orthodox authors. The author whose books are read more often than others does not always write things that are truly useful for a Christian. For example, the works of the holy fathers are less popular than modern Orthodox prose. However, for people who are just getting acquainted with the world of Orthodox books, it may be worth starting with something simpler. And the rest will follow with time.
Our selection includes authors who are most popular in the Orthodox Zern store.
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Bishop Tikhon Shevkunov
Bishop Tikhon Shevkunov is the author of the book “Unholy Saints,” which has been the most popular collection of Orthodox stories for several years.
Genre: True stories
Main topics: modern Orthodox prose, about the meaning of life
Books of the fundamentals of Orthodox doctrine
For a better understanding of the organization of church life, a Christian should read the “Law of God” and the catechism.
Catechism. Saint Philaret Drozdov
Among the works that explain the structure of the Church and the meaning of divine services, it is better to choose the works of the following authors:
- Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskoy;
- Archimandrite Job Gumerov;
- Priest Daniil Sysoev;
- Saint Philaret Drozdov.
Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov
Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov is the most famous Russian theologian of the 19th century. He wrote “Ascetic Experiences,” in which he outlined his vision of fasting, prayer, and virtues. Also notable is his book “Fatherland,” which contains the teachings of the saint.
Canonized in 1988
Genre: Patristic literature
Main topics: instructions, the basics of Orthodoxy, the meaning of life, asceticism, death, prophecies, letters
Spiritual literature – library of books for free
SPIRITUAL READING
We need spiritual reading every day, like prayer. “Without reading it is stuffy and the soul is hungry,” says St. Theophan the Recluse. Good spiritual books are our best friends, our leaders, educators and mentors. They need to be read, re-read, studied, and extracts made from them. Through such books we talk with saints - bearers of the Holy Spirit of God.
Therefore, books should always be preferred to empty talk. A good spiritual library is the most valuable treasure on earth, the acquisition of which should not be spared either money or time. When a Christian notices his spiritual weakening, the fading of zeal, the cooling of prayer, then one of the best means for his encouragement and restoration of zeal is reading a good spiritual book: the charm of the spiritual beauty of the saints, their zeal, heights of spirit and high spiritual experiences involuntarily encourage us to what -Make sure to follow them.
At the same time, we must remember the truth contained in the words of the proverb that “a fly in the ointment spoils a barrel of honey.” And if sometimes for some reason, perhaps through negligence, we happen to be subjected to spiritual poison from reading literature unsuitable for a Christian, then here we must remember the words of St. Peter of Damascus, who writes: “When the Lord,” says St. Basil the Great will find a heart that is pure from all worldly things and teachings, then on it, as on a clean tablet, he writes His teachings. I say this so that no one will read it who does not serve to please God. And if anyone ever reads it out of ignorance, then let him strive to quickly erase the memory of this by spiritual reading of the Divine Scriptures, and moreover, what serves him for the salvation of his soul, depending on the dispensation of which he is worthy. Apart from the Divine Scriptures, let him not read anything at all. What is the need to receive an unclean spirit instead of the Holy Spirit? For in whatever word someone practices, the spirit assimilates it, although he does not see this matter as disgusting, as the experienced do.”
Unfortunately, the last piece of advice will probably only be implemented in our time by monks and those few Christians who will have the opportunity to lead an undistracted life. But everyone must remember the following instruction from Fr. John of Kronstadt: “You follow events in the outside world by reading secular works, magazines and newspapers. Do not lose sight of your inner world, your soul: it is closer to you and dearer to you. Read first and foremost the Gospel and the writings of St. fathers, for it is a sin for a Christian not to read the inspired scriptures. Everything worldly will end with the world: “And the world is passing away, and its lust” (1 John 2:17).
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Reading can be compared to medicine, but this medicine heals not the body, but the soul. But both the body and the soul are sick with various diseases. And for each disease its own special medicines are indicated, and for each soul such spiritual literature should be selected that would correspond to its illness.
Literature suitable for people of the contemplative type (Evangelical Mary) is not so suitable for people of the active type (Evangelical Martha), and vice versa. Old style books are not for everyone. Some “babes in Christ” will only be interested in spiritual stories, etc. As St. writes. Ignatius Brianchaninov: “You definitely need reading that matches your lifestyle. Otherwise, you will be filled with thoughts, although holy, but unfulfilled by the deed itself, arousing fruitless activity only in the imagination and desire; works of piety, befitting your way of life, will slip out of your hands.
Moreover, you will become a fruitless dreamer - your thoughts, being in constant contradiction with the circle of actions, will certainly give rise to confusion in your heart, and in your behavior uncertainty, painful, harmful for you and your neighbors.” Therefore, those who are still spiritually young and have little knowledge of literature should seek guidance from spiritually experienced people when choosing books to read.
* * *
Spiritual reading also helps us in the feat of prayer; when prayer becomes cold and absent-minded, then spiritual reading helps to revive it. Rev. writes about it this way. Isaac the Syrian: “At a time when your mind is distracted, prefer spiritual reading to prayer, since reading is the source of pure prayer.” If we are able to place ourselves in a healthy environment of spiritually living people who feed the soul with spiritual literature, then our mind will dwell in Divine truths, in bright thoughts that feed us with wisdom, faith, hope, love, humility and other virtues. Then our mind and heart will be immersed in the contemplation of the truth and Eternal beauty of the Son of God Jesus Christ and His Bride - the Universal Church. Truth will fill our minds and beauty will capture our hearts. Then, as if by itself, the command of St. Paul, so that we may think “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, whatever is excellent or praiseworthy” (Phil. 4:8).
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You need to read more on the day you receive communion, especially the New Testament, the Epistle to the Ephesians and the Apocalypse. Read books in the morning for a quarter of an hour before work; and then chew what you read all day long, like a sheep chewing its cud.
It's possible to copy from books, perhaps; you just need to internalize it. What is clear, then read. You need to read less, but understand. You can read the Gospel while sitting, but not at the appointed time.
Before communion, read St. Ephraim the Syrian about repentance. The reason you don’t like your father’s books is because they expose you. Let’s read the books, even if they fill them with oil and stain them, it’s okay, just look at who’s reading.
Trying to live piously, we must remember and never forget that everything we read and understand must be attributed to ourselves, and not to others; be prudently strict with yourself, and lenient with others. To be prudently strict means not to be stupidly embarrassed. We can see an example of this in children of different ages, who are shown leniency as they understand.
It is necessary to read the book of Abba Dorotheus and know it, just as a soldier knows the points of military service. Without this there is no affirmation in spiritual life, and a monk cannot live correctly. Just at least read the book. Even if you don’t remember anything, at that time (i.e. while reading) you will benefit.
It is better not to open books (to find out the unknown). In a troubled situation, first of all, read the Gospel in a whisper, but so that your ears can hear; read, even if you don’t understand anything. The words of the Holy Spirit drive away spiritual darkness, especially that of the enemy.
N. E. Pestov
Archpriest Artemy Vladimirov
Archpriest Artemy Vladimirov is known to the Orthodox audience thanks to the Internet. He has his own website and VKontakte group where you can watch and listen to his sermons.
The priest's books contain advice on education, family life, and confession.
Genre: Conversations with Father
Main topics: the basics of Orthodoxy, confession, question and answer, education, about children, teachings, pedagogy, family, sermons
Elder Paisiy Svyatogorets
The Monk Paisius the Holy Mountain is a Greek elder who performed miracles of healing and possessed the gift of prophecy. He took monastic vows on Mount Athos in the mid-20th century. Many people made a pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain to meet the elder. His teachings are collected in 5 volumes of “The Words of Elder Paisius.”
Canonized as a saint in 2015.
Genre: Patristic literature
Main topics: Athos, instructions, about prayer, about passions, virtues, education, about children, family
"Thoughts of a Christian"
Author: Holy Righteous John of Kronstadt
This is not a book in the literal sense of the word, but a spiritual diary - or rather, excerpts from it. They were written by one of the most revered Russian saints - the holy righteous John of Kronstadt, who died shortly before the revolution.
Divine services, everyday life, joys, illnesses, hardships - everything can be found on these pages. A holy man lives and writes holy. Therefore, every page is permeated with love for God and Love in general.
Thousands and thousands of Christians went to Saint John of Kronstadt for blessing and help. Everyone who spoke to him received healing or consolation.
Saint Righteous John of Kronstadt (1829-1909) is one of the most famous non-monastic pastors in the history of the Russian Church.
We also have the opportunity to come into contact with the elder. All you need to do is buy this book. On its pages you can meet this saint like this - at a distance and through time. And thus - through the lines of his diary - receive a kind of blessing!
Your Lord is Love, love Him and all people in Him as His children in Christ. Your Lord is Fire; do not be cold in heart, but burn with faith and love. Your Lord is Light; do not walk in darkness or do anything in darkness of mind, without reasoning and understanding or without faith. Your Lord is the God of mercy and bounty; be a source of mercy and generosity for your neighbors. If you do this, you will receive salvation with eternal glory.
from the book “Thoughts of a Christian”
Olga Rozhneva
Olga Rozhneva is known to readers from numerous publications on the Pravoslavie.Ru website. In her youth she traveled a lot.
After the death of her husband, Olga carries out obedience in the monastery of Optina Pustyn. Writes stories about people she meets. This is how the books “Optina Diaries”, “Kindred Souls” and many others appeared.
Genre: True stories
Main topics: modern Orthodox prose, churches and monasteries, shrines of Orthodoxy, memoirs, biographies
"Unholy Saints"
Author: Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov)
This is perhaps the best missionary book in the entire history of Christianity - if this quality is measured by circulation.
The first edition of the book was published in 2011 and immediately sold out. The same thing happened with the second and third editions, which were released next.
Now I can’t even believe it – in the Moscow metro you could meet a person with this book almost every day. It was read by both Orthodox Christians and even those who had never been to church.
The book passed from hand to hand. At first, someone alone in the family read it - and then he always tried to share it with loved ones - especially with those who do not believe in God or “doubt”. The book turned out to be so powerful - it was so “in tune with the times”!
Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov) is the author of the best-selling Orthodox book in history (not counting, of course, the Bible)
Metropolitan Tikhon (Shevkunov) spoke on his pages about the people he met during his life. These were the monks in the Pskov-Pechersk Lavra, where he labored for some time, and the elders whom he saw there or about whom he heard stories. Several chapters are devoted to laypeople - “the simplest” and celebrities.
It turned out to be a kind and full of love book. But the main thing (and this is probably why everyone loved her) is that there is not a drop of such artificial sweetness in her. This is just a book about goodness and miracles - which really happened. And in fact, they happen all the time around us!
To date, the book “Unholy Saints” has already been published in 2,500,000 copies and has been translated into many languages.
Natalia Sukhinina
Natalia Sukhina once worked as a secular journalist in the CPSU Central Committee. But after a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, she returned to Jerusalem as a deeply religious person. Since then, Natalia has been writing spiritual prose about the search for God and Christian shrines. The most famous books are “Don’t Sell the Pearl Necklace” and “Where the Happy Live?”
Genre: Orthodox prose
Main topics: modern Orthodox prose, about the meaning of life, novel, he and she
"Conversations on the Gospel of Mark"
Author: Hieromartyr Vasily Kineshemsky
This book can be called a very good textbook. Not in the sense that there are hundreds of boring pages hidden under the cover. Vice versa! This is one of the most lively and touching Orthodox books. It was written shortly before the war by the holy martyr Vasily of Kineshma.
Formally, these are conversations on one of the Gospels - written by the Apostle Mark. However, as in the case of the book “Elder Silouan,” comments on the Gospel story are only an excuse to systematically present Orthodox teaching.
And if Sophrony (Sakharov) wrote about Christianity from the depths of the Athonite hesychast experience and by that time was already in England, then Hieromartyr Vasily compiled this book in the Soviet Union - for his own spiritual children, Soviet people from villages, villages and small towns.
The result is a book that will definitely be close and understandable to every heart.
Archpriest Andrey Tkachev
Archpriest Andrei Tkachev is a Russian priest originally from Ukraine. He gives lectures on the Soyuz TV channel, communicates with VKontakte users, and posts new videos and articles on his website.
Andrei Tkachev's books are dedicated to the Christian view of modernity.
Genre: Conversations with Father
Main topics: sermons, conversations, the basics of Orthodoxy, teachings, modernity, family, he and she, about passions, about the meaning of life
Biography
Yulia Voznesenskaya lived a long, eventful life. It contained both sorrows and joys, which the writer met with true Christian humility and gratitude to the Lord.
Orthodox writer Yulia Voznesenskaya
Childhood
In 1940, a girl was born into the Leningrad Tarapovsky family. Already from the first days, an active and active nature was discernible in her, as she was constantly spinning in her crib. Noticing this, the parents named their daughter Yulia.
The Tarapovsky family belonged to the new Soviet intelligentsia. The father, who came from a family of hereditary Don Cossacks, received the profession of a military engineer. The mother, born in Bologoe, followed in her professional career in the footsteps of her parents, who worked as zemstvo doctors.
In 1945, Nikolai Tarapovsky was sent to serve in East Germany. His wife, along with their young daughter and son, followed him. The family returned to the Soviet Union in 1949. After graduating from high school, Yulia entered medical school, which she left after 1 year of study. Then she entered the Leningrad Institute of Theater, Music and Cinema. But after studying one course, I was forced to stop studying due to the birth of a child.
Interesting: having spent their childhood years in Germany, the Tarapovsky sister and brother spoke fluent German. After returning home, they continued to communicate with each other in a foreign language, but one day their peers in the yard called them fascists. From that moment on, Yulia Nikolaevna never spoke German again, even while in exile in Germany.
The beginning of a creative journey
In the early 60s. Yulia got married and moved with her husband to Murmansk. Her first steps in the field of journalism and poetry date back to this time. She was a correspondent for a local newspaper, which published her first poem in 1966.
Early works were favorably received by Soviet readers and received positive reviews among writers. T. G. Gnedich invited the young poetess to her literary association, which included many young Soviet authors. Voznesenskaya began to be published in various Soviet periodicals.
Book by Yu. Voznesenskaya “Thank you for your love”
In 1968, Soviet troops were brought into Czechoslovakia to suppress the uprising. Many young writers responded to this event with critical works. Among them was Yulia Voznesenskaya, who published the poem “Invasion.”
The consequence of this was a summons to the KGB for interrogation, during which the young woman was threatened with imprisonment. From that moment on, official publications for publishing the works of the young poetess became unavailable.
Activities of the “Second Culture”
In the 70s Yulia with her husband and sons Arthur and Andrey lived in Leningrad in a communal apartment on Zhukovsky Street. Frequent guests in their house were representatives of the young creative intelligentsia, who called themselves the “Second Culture” community. Active young people opposed themselves to the current regime.
In 1974, they tried to publish the collection “Mite” in the official press, including Voznesenskaya’s poem. The authorities did not allow the book to be published, which did not prevent it from spreading among caring people through samizdat.
In December of the following year, community members organized a rally and hunger strike, which they dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Decembrist uprising on Senate Square. Representatives of state security agencies held a conversation with the activists, once again threatening them with imprisonment.
But within a few months, young dissidents placed inscriptions on the streets of Leningrad denouncing the actions of the Soviet regime. Yulia Voznesenskaya and other active members of the community were detained. During interrogations, they refused to give any testimony and did not admit their involvement in the appearance of inscriptions on the facades of buildings.
In the late 60s, Voznesenskaya’s works were published in various literary magazines
In 1976, the poetess supported an exhibition of nonconformist artists who organized an exhibition of their works near the walls of the Peter and Paul Fortress. She was arrested, but almost immediately released. Representatives of the authorities offered her to voluntarily leave the Soviet Union, but received a refusal in response.
Camps and exiles
In December 1976, another search took place in Voznesenskaya’s apartment, during which a lot of dissident literature was discovered. The poetess was accused of anti-Soviet activities and sentenced to 4 years of exile. The city of Vorkuta was designated as the place for serving the sentence. She lived in the settlement for several months, but, having learned about the trial of her like-minded people, the woman fled to Leningrad to support her friends. For her escape, she was sentenced to two years in prison.
Interesting: in the camp, Julia continued to write. Her works of this time reflect not only the traditional themes of longing for home and loved ones, but also truthfully show the situation of women in Soviet colonies. And also at this time the first works of religious content appeared.
Emigration and life after
In 1978, Yulia Voznesenskaya returned from the camp, where her stay could not break her spirit. She continues to write essays in the spirit of nonconformism. With the active participation of the writer, the almanac “Women in Russia” is published. Many of the works included in the self-published magazine were based on Orthodox moral values.
The publication of the almanac coincided with the preparations for the Olympic Games in the country. The authorities sought to clear all large cities of “unreliable elements.” The poetess fell under this definition. During a conversation with KGB representatives, she was asked to leave the country. But Julia loved her country and did not want to leave it.
Then the authorities began to act through the already adult sons of the dissident. They threatened to send the eldest son to do military service in Afghanistan, and the youngest son was expelled from the technical school. Saving her sons, the woman decides to leave the country with them. On May 11, 1980, the Voznesenskaya-Okulova family left the Soviet Union.
Book by Yu. Voznesenskaya “Note to the Lord God”
For a short time they lived in Vienna. Then they moved to Frankfurt am Main, Germany, where they lived for 4 years. An active woman participated in the work of an organization that defends human rights around the world. In 1986 she moved to Munich. Here she became the editor of Radio Liberty.
At the end of the 90s. Yulia Nikolaevna lost her husband. Her stay at the Lesna Convent, located in France, helped her survive this sad time.
Illness and death
The writer returned to Germany at the beginning of the 21st century. Despite her advanced age, she continued to work actively not only in the literary field, but also as an Orthodox missionary. Soon Yulia Nikolaevna was diagnosed with cancer. Not wanting to disturb her loved ones, she hid information about her illness for a long time.
However, after three operations, the development of the disease could not be stopped. The woman began to consciously prepare for the end of her earthly journey. At the beginning of 2015, her last work was written - her own epitaph. Yulia Nikolaevna Okulova died on February 20, 2015. She was buried in an Orthodox cemetery in the suburbs of Berlin.
Archpriest Alexander Torik
Archpriest Alexander Torik is the author of the book trilogy “Flavian”. This book among Orthodox Christians can be compared in popularity with “Unholy Saints” by Tikhon Shevkunov. The churching of many people, judging by reviews, occurred along with the reading of Flavian. In his book, Father Alexander tried to present his entire 20 years of pastoral experience in an artistic manner.
Genre: Orthodox prose
Main topics: modern Orthodox prose, Athos, the basics of Orthodoxy
"Inspired at the Trinity"
Author, Archimandrite Tikhon (Agrikov)
In some ways this book is similar to Unholy Saints. Although it is more correct to compare them in reverse order, because the book “Inspired at the Trinity” was written much earlier - back in Soviet times. And someone thinks that she is better.
This book was written by Archimandrite Tikhon (Agrikov) from the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra and dedicated it to the monks of this monastery. Moreover, only to those who have already died. And the death of the hero is an integral and important part of every story, because death is the path to Eternity.
Someone he is writing about is an old man. Someone is a very young monk.
On the one hand, this book does not have the outward showiness of “Unholy Saints.” But the depth of the narrative here is incomparably higher. Every line is filled with love. Each page conveys the pure monastic spirit - with all its depth, joy and trials.
Therefore, if this text were a rating, we would still rank this book above “Unholy Saints.” Read it. Perhaps you will agree with us.
Yuri Vorobievsky
Yuri Vorbievsky is an Orthodox conspiracy theorist journalist. In the 90s he hosted the “Black Box” and “Secrets of the Century” programs on television. He is known for his books about the Athonite elders, with whom he communicated personally. Particular attention of the public was attracted by his book “The Invisible Elders” about monks who reached the highest degree of holiness.
Genre: Journalism
Main topics: Mount Athos, eldership, apocalypse, world government, politics, Freemasonry
“Letters of Archimandrite John (Krestyankin)”
Usually letters are difficult to read. At least - if you are not passionate about the personality of their author. The letters of Archimandrite John (Krestyankin) in this regard are a unique phenomenon.
Elder John was one of the most revered monks in Soviet and post-Soviet times. People also came to him from all over the country. Those who could not come wrote letters. And he, a strong-willed monk and seer, tried to answer everyone.
All his letters are simple and understandable. There are few words in them - only the essence. There are no fancy ideas or polite evasions in his letters. He answers people directly, sometimes even sharply - if he understands that only a firm answer without sentimentality can guide or save a person.
Archimandrite John (Peasant).
A big plus of letters is that they make it clear what question the person asked the elder with. This makes them not only more interesting, but also more useful. Some people ask about marriage, others about divorce. Some are about studying, others are about which path to choose. Some are complaining, some are confused...
Perhaps many of you will find answers to your own questions on these pages.
Without a doubt, this is one of the most useful Orthodox books.
