The Life Of The Virgin Mary The Theotokos

The Orthodox Church's reverence for Mary the Mother of God can be a stumbling block for converts, and a fulfilling relationship with her can prove elusive for converts and lifelong Orthodox Christians alike. In this deeply personal but beautifully universal memoir, Brandi Willis Schreiber relates her own quest to know and love the Virgin Mary and to incorporate her as a vital participant in her spiritual life. Brandi's sparkling, vulnerable account invites the reader to join her in this quest.

Long overlooked by scholars, this seventh-century "Life of the Virgin," attributed to Maximus the Confessor, is the earliest complete Marian biography. Originally written in Greek and now surviving only in Old Georgian, it is now translated for the first time into English. It is a work that holds profound significance for understanding the history of late ancient and medieval Christianity, providing a rich source for understanding the history of Christian piety.This "Life "is especially remarkable for its representation of Mary's prominent involvement in her son's ministry and her leadership of the early Christian community. In particular, it reveals highly developed devotion to Mary's compassionate suffering at the Crucifixion, anticipating by several centuries an influential medieval style of devotion known as "affective piety" whose origins generally have been confined to the Western High Middle Ages.

"What is Christian hope?" According to the Longer Catechism, Christian hope is "the resting of the heart on God, with the full trust that he ever cares for our salvation, and will give us the happiness he has promised." Succinctly and authoritatively, this and many other questions were asked and answered in St. Philaret of Moscow's Longer Catechism, which he composed in order to assist the faithful in understanding the essentials of the Orthodox Christian faith and way of life. Totaling six hundred and eleven questions and answers, it organizes its subjects on the three pillars of Faith, Hope, and Love, and under each respective heading treats of the Creed, the Lord's Prayer and Beatitudes, and the Ten Commandments. This immensely valuable work has stood the test of time and will continue to be a resource for bishops, priests, deacons, laity, and catechumens, for teaching, learning, and reinforcing the truths of our faith. Also included is St. Philaret's Shorter Catechism, and also a profound and moving sermon by him on the Cross of Christ. Perfect for young and old, for individual study, small groups, and catechism classes, and for inquirers into the Orthodox faith, it is hoped that the trustworthy and sanctified voice of St. Philaret will continue to echo still, edifying and enlightening all those who take up and read.