Resources
The Epistrepho Library
A carefully selected collection for those beginning again.
Orthodox Christianity possesses an extraordinary depth of Scripture, theology, worship, and spiritual wisdom. Epistrepho does not attempt to reproduce that tradition here.
Instead, this library gathers a small number of trustworthy resources from Orthodox churches, theological schools, clergy, scholars, and educational institutions for those rediscovering the faith and seeking a thoughtful path back into Orthodox Christian life.
Beginning Again
Repentance, return, mercy, and spiritual renewal.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew — Ecumenical Patriarchate
Catechetical Homily for the Opening of Holy and Great Lent
A reflection on repentance, prayer, humility, forgiveness, fasting, and renewed life in Christ, presenting them as interconnected dimensions of Orthodox Christian life.
Read ResourceOrthodox Academy of Crete
Living Orthodoxy
An exploration of Orthodoxy through liturgy, spirituality, monasticism, iconography, parish life, theology, and lived Christian experience.
Explore ResourceVolos Academy for Theological Studies
Introducing Eastern Orthodoxy: Past, Present, Future
A Greek theological seminar covering theosis, monasticism, icons, Divine Liturgy, repentance, patristic tradition, and Orthodox ecclesiology.
Read ResourceRediscovering Orthodoxy
Understand what you are returning to.
Hellenic College Holy Cross
Eastern Orthodoxy and Christian Vocation
A substantive essay exploring Orthodox Christian identity, vocation, worship, spiritual life, and living the faith in contemporary society.
Download PDFHoly and Great Council — Crete, 2016
Encyclical of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church
An official conciliar text addressing the identity, sacramental life, mission, and witness of the Orthodox Church.
Read Official Council DocumentHoly and Great Council of the Orthodox Church
The Mission of the Orthodox Church in Today’s World
An official Orthodox text describing the Church’s mission and witness in the contemporary world and the believer’s responsibility to live the faith actively.
Read Official Council DocumentPrayer & Interior Life
Begin practicing the faith again.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew — Ecumenical Patriarchate
Prayer and the Jesus Prayer
A reflection on prayer as a way of life, including the traditional Orthodox practice of the Jesus Prayer.
Read ResourceOrthodox Church in America
Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving
A practical and coherent introduction to three foundational Orthodox spiritual disciplines, including prayer, the Lord’s Prayer, the Jesus Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Read ResourceHoly and Great Council of the Orthodox Church
The Importance of Fasting and Its Observance Today
An official Orthodox conciliar teaching on the place and purpose of fasting in contemporary Christian life.
Read Official Teaching on FastingWorship & Sacramental Life
Return to the life of the Church.
St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College — Australia
The Divine Liturgy of Our Father Among the Saints John Chrysostom
An English translation of the Divine Liturgy prepared by a specialist committee, with the Greek text drawing primarily from the Simonopetra Monastery edition on Mount Athos.
Read Liturgical TextSt Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College
Divine Liturgy — Theological Study
An academic and theological introduction to the Divine Liturgy in its historical, theological, liturgical, and pastoral dimensions.
Explore ResourceRev. Dr. Alkiviadis Calivas — Holy Cross / Greek Orthodox tradition
Holy Communion: The Gift of Eternal Life
A substantial theological essay explaining the Eucharist and its central place in Orthodox Christian life.
Read ResourceScripture & the Fathers
Go deeper into Scripture and the living tradition of the Church.
Ecumenical Patriarchate
Theological, Historical and Other Texts
An official collection of theological texts, patriarchal homilies, historical resources, and Church documents.
Explore Patriarchal ResourcesVolos Academy for Theological Studies — Thanasis N. Papathanasiou
Light from the Kingdom of God Today: Social Justice in the Church Fathers
A theological lecture exploring how the Fathers understood the Kingdom of God, Christian responsibility, and social justice.
Read ResourceA Complementary Orthodox Resource
Pater Imon
Pater Imon is an independent Orthodox Christian resource focused on helping readers better understand the prayers, Scripture, language, and traditions that shape Orthodox Christian life. It may be especially useful for those who want to revisit foundational elements of the faith alongside the resources collected here.
Explore Pater Imon →For Deeper Study
For visitors who want more academic or theological depth.
Department of Theology
School of Theology — National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
A major Greek academic institution for Orthodox theology, Scripture, patristics, Church history, and ecclesiastical tradition.
Explore Academic Orthodox TheologyChurch of Cyprus
Theological School of the Church of Cyprus
A Greek-language Orthodox theological institution whose curriculum includes Scripture, Church history, liturgical theology, patristics, and Orthodox theology.
Explore Theological StudyVolos Academy
Volos Academy for Theological Studies
Selected advanced theological material for visitors who want deeper study in contemporary Orthodox theology, patristics, ecclesiology, and Christian thought.
Explore the AcademyNew to the journey?
You do not need a long reading list. Begin simply.
Read the Gospel of Luke.
Attend one Divine Liturgy.
Learn the Jesus Prayer.
Read one reliable introduction to Orthodox Christianity.
Speak with a parish priest when you are ready.
A note on resources
Epistrepho curates material from established Orthodox churches, theological schools, clergy, theologians, scholars, and educational institutions. These resources are offered for learning and spiritual renewal and are not a substitute for participation in a parish or guidance from an Orthodox priest.