To be read before baptism:

– Wisdom for Today from the Early Church: A Foundational Study, by David Ford

– Know the Faith, by Fr. Michael Shanbour

– Thinking Orthodox, by Dr. Eugenia Constantinou

– On the Incarnation, by St. Athanasios

– Father Arseny, 1893-1973: Pries, Prisoner, Spiritual Father, translated by Vera Bouteneff

– The Way of the Pilgrim and the Pilgrim Continues His Way, by an Anonymous author

– The Illnes and Cure of the Soul in the Orthodox Tradition, by Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos

– The Mountain of Silence, by Kyriacos Markides
Important note: This is an incredible book, introducing readers to basic Orthodox spirituality, spiritual principles, and many modern Saints of the Church. Everything said by Fr. Maximus in the book is completely Orthodox and worthy of attention. The author (Markides), however, takes a modern, syncretistic viewpoint that often skews Fr. Maximus’ words. Markides’ interpretation is not only faulty; it is, at times, dangerous. Please disregard his analysis and stick with Fr. Maximus’ words directly. Note especially that Markides’ chapter on the difference between Eastern and Western Christianity is particularly problematic.

To be read in the year following baptism:

Note: These can be read during catechumenate period as well

– Knowledge of God, by Harry Boosalis

– God’s Revelation to the Human Heart, by Fr. Seraphim Rose

– The Field, by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov

– Wisdom from Mount Athos: The Writings of Staretz Silouan, by Archimandrite Sophrony

– The Truth of our Faith, by Elder Cleopa

– Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus

– From I-ville to You-ville, by Mersine Vigopoulo; a children’s book, but one that should be read by every Orthodox Christian!