An Akathist (Greek for "Standing Up") is a type of extended devotional hymn used both in church and at home. This first volume contains six Akathist hymns to the Lord Jesus Christ (to our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ, the Divine Passion of Christ, the Precious Cross, the Tomb and the Resurrection of the Lord, the Resurrection of Christ, and for Holy Communion; four Akathist hymns to the Mother of God (to the Most Holy Theotokos, the Dormition of the Theotokos, the Joy of All Who Sorrow, and the Kursk Root Ion of the Sign); and twelve to various saints (St. Alexis the Man of God; the Holy Great Martyr George, St. Herman of Alaska, St. John the Baptist, St. John of Kronstadt, St. John the Theologian, the Holy Archangel Michael, St. Nicholas, the Holy Great Martyr Panteleimon, St. Seraphim of Sarov, St. Simon the Zealot, and for the Repose of the Departed. Also contains music for typical akathist refrains.

Zion in the Old Testament is a type of the Holy Mother of God. As God chose to dwell in Zion and thus blessed and glorified her, so God also chose to dwell in Mary and to bless and glorify her. In the New Testament, Jerusalem is revealed as both a virgin and a mother¿just like the Holy Theotokos. This akathist draws on scriptures that reveal this image of Mary as Zion, so that we may see anew Christ's Gospel work revealed in the Old Testament.

An Akathist (Greek for "Standing Up") is a type of extended devotional hymn used both in church and at home. This second volume contains Akathist hymns for the Ascension and Nativity of Christ, an Akathist to the Holy Spirit, for seven different icons of the Mother of God, and the following other Saints: St.'s Ambrose of Optina, Anthony & Theodosius of the Caves of Kiev, the Father's of Athos, Basil the Great, Hieromartyr Cyprian, the New Martyr Elizabeth, Faith, Hope and Love with Sophia their mother, John of Shanghai, Juliana the Merciful, the Apostle Luke, Mary of Egypt the Apostle Matthew, new Martyr Maximus Sandovich, Fr. Moses of the Carpathians, the Elders of Optina, Photius of Constantinople, Theophan the Recluse and the Holy Martyr Zlata of Mglen. Beautifully bound and printed. In traditional English.

Eventually, everyone comes to dwell in darkness for a time. That is when we need to turn to Jesus, the only Light of the world and the only rescue for those in pain and despair. We break through the darkness by offering praise to God. This akathist is offered to all who sojourn in the darkness, with the prayer that they will use such praises as this to break through.

The Akathistos Hymn, the most famous work of Byzantine hymnography, has been enshrined in the Orthodox liturgy since the year 626, and its image of the Virgin Mary has exerted a strong influence upon Marian poetry and literature. Anonymous, undated and highly rhetorical, the hymn has presented a challenge to scholars over the years. This study has been undertaken by an innovative method. The approach brings new insights to the era which brought forth the hymn, and the metaphorical image of the Virgin becomes conceptually accessible to the modern-day reader. The investigation leads to the conclusion that the Council of Ephesus (431) constitutes the most likely historical context for the hymn's composition. The book will be of value to all scholars of early Byzantine and Marian studies.

Matushka Olga was the wife of a Yupik priest in an Alaskan village. She was not only mother to her own eight surviving children, but also spiritual mother to those in her parish. Olga served quietly, working as midwife in her village and constantly caring for the needy. She had a special gift in working with those who suffered abuse, especially sexual abuse. After her repose on November 8, 1979, many people experienced her coming to them in dreams, bringing her healing gifts. Matushka Olga¿s sanctity reveals the possibilities for genuine theosis and holiness, even for those living in the world.

The very popular prayerbook for Orthodox youth, Hear Me, has now been revised to include more prayers, answer more questions, and tackle additional difficult subject matter that our young people are constantly faced with. At 4" x 6" the prayerbook is designed to fit their lifestyles better, in a trim and smaller new volume that is both handsome to carry and easy to slip into a pocket, purse, or backpack. The mission of Hear Me remains the same: to inspire young people to pray, to challenge Orthodox youth in their walk with Christ, to offer encouragement, help answer questions, give direction, and ultimately be an added guide in finding one's own path toward theosis.

An account of the life of the Virgin Mary, from her birth through her early years and education at the Temple to the Annunciation.