Book Nook

The Book Nook is a ministry of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Pacific.  Its purpose is to provide quality Orthodox literature to local Orthodox and non-Orthodox inquirers free of charge.  We want to help people learn about the Orthodox Faith and grow in their relationship with God.  

Taking:  If there is a book you are interested in, please feel free to take it.  If you wish to keep it for your own, then consider it yours!  We only ask that you commit yourself to reading the book. Please limit yourself to one new book per week.

Giving:  If you would like to share the book with others, then you can return it to the Book Nook so that we can pass it on. If you have other Orthodox books to share, we welcome them. And, of course, we are grateful for cash contributions to help us replenish our stock of good books.

To reserve a book please email:  r-arakaki@hawaiiantel.net

Thank you and God bless!

The Book Nook ministry team

 
1)  The Orthodox Church  by Timothy (Kallistos) Ware.  
Description — One of the best introductions to Orthodoxy.  Written by an Oxford University professor, it is not easy to read but nonetheless it provides an excellent overview of Orthodox Christianity.  Readers looking for an easier introduction should consider “Becoming Orthodox” by Peter Gillquist or “From Baptist to Byzantium” by James Early.  
 
2)  Becoming Orthodox  by Peter Gillquist.  
Description — Written by a former staff member of Campus Crusade, the book describes how a group of two thousand Evangelicals discovered the Ancient Faith of the Apostles and as a group entered the Orthodox Church.  This book is written in a way that many Evangelicals and Protestants can understand.  
 
3)  The Orthodox Way  by Timothy (Kallistos) Ware.  
Description — This book gives the reader a look into the heart or spirituality of Orthodoxy.  The book complements Ware’s “The Orthodox Church.”  Very deep, not an easy read, but very rewarding.
 
4)  The Mind of the Orthodox Church  by Metropolitan Nafpaktos of Hierotheos.  
Description — A direct, straightforward introduction to what the Orthodox Church believes and the Orthodox way of life.  
Note: this copy has been highlighted by the previous owner.  
 
5)  Guide to the Divine Liturgy  by Robert Krantz.  
Description — This book can be useful for those who don’t quite understand what is going on in the Sunday service.  The book’s right side contains the text of the Liturgy and the left side has commentaries on the meaning or significance of the Sunday worship service in Orthodoxy.  
 
6)  One Flew Over the Onion Dome: American Orthodox Converts, Retreads & Reverts  by Joseph Honeycutt.  
Description — Written in a humorous, tongue-in-cheek manner, Father Joseph discusses what happens when zealous converts to Orthodoxy meet life-long cradle Orthodox Christians.  Despite the occasional culture shocks both offer something of value to the other.  
 
7)  A Faith Fulfilled: Why Are Christians Across Great Britain Embracing Orthodoxy?  by Michael Harper.  
Description — Michael Harper was long known as a leader in the charismatic renewal in the Church of England and a stalwart Evangelical who worked under John Stott.  Distressed by the Church of England’s slow drift toward theological liberalism, Michael Harper found safe harbor in the Ancient Faith of Orthodoxy.
 
8)  Facing East: A Pilgrim’s Journey Into the Mysteries of Orthodoxy  by Frederica Mathewes-Green.  
Description — Written like a year-long journal, the book is full of anecdotes that describe the life and the joys and tribulations of an American Orthodox Christian.  This book is useful for those who wonder what it is like to live an Orthodox life style.
 
9)  At the Corner of East and Now: A Modern Life of Ancient Christian Orthodoxy  by Frederica Mathewes-Green.  
Description — A sequel to Facing East, this book also provides reflections on the Baby Boomer generation against contemporary American society and against Ancient Orthodoxy.  
 
10)  Food, Faith, and Fasting: A Sacred Journey to Better Health  by Rita Madden.  
Description — Fasting is an integral part of the Orthodox life style.  Many American converts who grew up on American consumerism or who struggled with diets often wonder how to integrate fasting with spiritual growth.  There is an Orthodox saying: “Fasting without prayer is just a diet.”  This book provides practical tips from both a nutritional and spiritual standpoint.  Rita and her husband, Todd, moved to Hawaii a few years ago and are faithful members of the local Russian Orthodox parish.  
 
11) From Baptist to Byzantium  by James Early.
Description — James Early studied at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, then served as a Baptist missionary to Serbia.  While in Serbia he discovered the Ancient Faith of Orthodoxy.  This would in time lead to his converting to Orthodoxy and becoming an Orthodox priest.  The book will be helpful for Baptists and Evangelicals who have questions about Orthodoxy.