Introducing the Orthodox Church: Its Faith and Life

by Anthony M. Coniaris

Here is a genuinely different and practical book for the inquirer and potential convert to Orthodox Christianity. It is different in a number of ways, all of which commend this volume to wide use by pastors whose task it is to introduce the members of their inquirers classes to an Orthodox way of life which will touch their lives in a full and complete way (Fr. Stanley Harakas). Chapters What We Believe About the One Apostolic Church, the Nicene Creed, Jesus, the Holy Trinity, the Divine Liturgy, Salvation, the Church Fathers, the Church Year, Symbols, the Sacraments, the Saints and the Theotokos, Life After Death, the Bible, Icons, Prayers for the Dead, and Prayer. Recently translated in Korean and Romanian.

Genres: Religion, Christianity, Theology, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Christian, Education

220 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1982

Reviews

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly straightforward introduction to the doctrine and thought of the Orthodox Church. As someone who is currently learning about this tradition from a Protestant background, I found it helpful to read. Many topics are addressed, with just enough information provided for each. The author makes an effort to summarize his main points at the end of each chapter. It contains many useful illustrations, as well as several quotations from early Christian writers, which are definitely worth reading for their own sake. My chief complaint is the awkward, and at some points, outright incorrect grammar or spelling mistakes (which is nothing too major, by the way).

[Raquel Iacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about orthodoxy, and I really enjoyed the book. Some of it was dense, like the details of how a church is physically set up. But the author wrote it very well—in an inspiring way that I want to learn more, not saying “this is what you should do blah blah”. I’m sure I’ll come back to it in the future.

[Dustin Lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthony Coniaris's Introducing the Orthodox Church was recommended by my local Orthodox church as a way to, of course, learn more about Orthodoxy. Coniaris covers all the initial aspects of the Church that I wanted to know (coming from a generally Protestant milieu) in articulate and easy-to-understand ways. He addresses many misconceptions of Orthodoxy, such as how the Church views icons, the veneration of saints and of Mary, the role of sacraments in one's personal faith, and the differences between Orthodoxy from Catholicism. Most important, Coniaris writes not as a theologian but as a participant in the heart of Orthodoxy; his purpose seems not so much to convey a system (though he often does that) but an attitude of approach to God. Primary throughout the book is one's individual relationship with and love for Christ--which all of the structures of Orthodoxy were given us to support.

All of this being said, there are some stylistic aspects that made the reading harder for me (though others may like them). The main one was how Coniaris often uses "It was once said..." or "A ceo of a popular company once said..." without references. Of course, it's not the book's purpose to give such references, and the phrasing is the same one might hear in a sermon, but it happened often enough that I started to skim such moments.

Beyond that minor gripe--which does convey a consistently casual and welcoming tone--the book is excellent and lives up to its name. Coniaris shows the attitude of Orthodoxy while laying out the scriptural and traditional foundations for the Church, and he gives several implicit and explicit recommendations for further reading. I'll definitely reference this book in future conversations with friends who don't know much about Orthodoxy.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offers a lot of good & basic information on the meaning and symbolism of the Orthodox Church. I was raised in the Eastern Orthodox faith, but surprisingly I did not know a lot of the information in this book. I knew the motion of the rituals, but did not understand the full symbolism behind them. Helpful.

[Callie Stockman · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stars are not indicative of the theology of the book but of the ability of the author to explain Orthodox Christianity.

[Mayra Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful journey into the Orthodox Church ❤️

Reading Introducing the Orthodox Church: Its Faith and Life by Anthony M. Coniaris felt like stepping into a sacred conversation, one that gently unfolds the beauty, depth, and living tradition of Eastern Orthodoxy with clarity and reverence. I didn’t just read this book, I experienced it.

Coniaris writes with the warmth of a pastor and the insight of a scholar, making complex theological concepts feel approachable without ever diluting their richness. From the sacraments to the liturgical life, from icons to the meaning of salvation, every chapter felt like a window into a world that is both ancient and vibrantly alive today.

What I appreciated most was how the book balances doctrine with devotion. It’s not just about what the Orthodox Church believes, it’s about how those beliefs shape a way of life, a rhythm of prayer, and a vision of the world that is deeply sacramental and profoundly communal. I learned so much, not only about the Church’s teachings but also about its heart.

Whether you’re Orthodox, curious about Orthodoxy, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of Christian spirituality, this book is a treasure. It’s the kind of read that stays with you, inviting reflection long after the final page.

I’m so grateful I picked this up. It was illuminating, inspiring, and, above all, beautiful.

[Kat B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-presented, informative book for those who are new to Orthodoxy or are curious to learn more details about the church, sacraments, and beliefs. I found this book incredibly helpful for my personal studies, in understanding some of the theological concepts more easily. I think it's a great book to have in your library to use for reference, or even for assisting in some of the basics of apologetics. For me, it was a good book to start with.

[Kyrie McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

New to Orthodox

My priest recommended this book to our Inquirers class because it's no frills. It teaches the basics of what the Orthodox believe and not any extra. Plenty of great quotations from Church fathers. Great read and I learned so much.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good!

Good read! Anybody untested in the orthodox church should read it. It is easy to understand and enjoyable to read

[James Standifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most concise I have found.

This is without a doubt the best introduction I’ve found. I wouldn’t end here but recommend a start here. Thanks

[Trevor Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straight forward and well laid out. Helps non-orthodox understand often confusing parts of Orthodoxy.

[Nino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing! For anyone who is considering Orthodoxy, please pick up this great read! Nothing but facts!!!

[Mason Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and easy read.

[Aaron Lariviere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very straightforward intro to the Orthodox Church. The amount and depth of information was helpful and not overwhelming. It gives you enough to further investigate if you wanted to dive in.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and accessible guide. I doubt I will ever return to it in full, but it is good for referencing and discovering other texts.

[Josh Sheak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this book upon recommendation of a member. I was curious to learn about the faith and to be informed of its key precepts. I thought this book did a good job giving a basic introduction to the faith. I found the devotion and strong beliefs of the faith to be beautiful.

I thought the author was clear in his purpose of explaining foundations of faith for the Greek Orthodox Church. In his attempt to be candid and relatable, the author at times uses trivial modern examples of what seem to be profound principles. These example do not flow well with the tone present in the rest of the text and may even serve to mitigate the feeling of reverence the author spends a large amount of time building.

I liked the book and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about Greek Orthodox faith.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very elementary and non-technical, using many stories and illustrations to make its points. It would be perfect for someone with little to no theological background, but I was hoping for a little more depth in some areas. Still, it is a great introduction, which is the intention of the author. It begins to get a little dry towards the end, but it is difficult to introduce many aspects of liturgical tradition in any other fashion. The book accomplishes its aim, which is to introduce the reader to the Orthodox faith.

[D.P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good at explaining the tenets of the Christian Eastern Orthodox faith. Written in a simple style with numerous (sometimes too numerous) examples to illuminate concepts. An excellent resource for someone thinking about converting, or simply interested in arguably the most ancient Christian church.

[Yanni · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice adult catechism for Orthodoxy - simplistic in places, but is designed to be fun, funny and accessible as is the American way. That said, it lacks the dreadful American habit of assuming your reader has an IQ <90 and an attention span and memory of 5 minutes, so isn't overly repetitive.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read and understand

[Andrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd recommend this book to those who desire to understand the liturgical life of the Eastern Orthodox Christian or someone who wants to review their understanding of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

[Lisa Wuertz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dry, but covers all the basics.

[Zaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are many better catechetical books out there.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good alternative to Ware's Orthodox Church .

[amy]

Helped a lot with understanding what Eastern Orthodoxy is to someone that doesn't know the meaning.