Customer Reviews

Prayer Book: The Jordanville Orthodox Prayer Book with Gilded-gold Page Edges

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This was the first prayer book I purchased when I began to explore Orthodoxy. In retrospect I probably would have been wiser to start with the little red prayer book, as the depth and breadth of the prayers in the Jordanville Prayer Book were a little overwhelming. I had to learn to take it in small bites.

That said, after a short break and recalibrating, this is my prayer book of choice. The prayers are beautiful and firmly within the Tradition of Holy Orthodoxy. I was deployed overseas some time ago and had nothing but the Scriptures and this book of prayers to get me through. I prayed the Liturgy on Sunday mornings and followed the orders for morning and evening prayer each day. It wasn't the same as home, but it kept me connected to the prayers of the Church. In all, I can't recommend this prayer book highly enough; particularly if you're mature in Orthodoxy or have been exploring and are ready to jump in with both feet.

This book is, without question, the most popular English-language Eastern Orthodox Prayer Book, and for good reason. It's durable (mine - a gift when I first converted - is over 40 years old), it has all the prayers found in a traditional Russian Orthodox Prayer Book (but is still fairly compact in size), and it is well-translated into classical liturgical (i.e., King James style) English. The contents include Morning and Evening Prayers, the Prayers before and after meals, the Akathist Hymn, the Prayers and Canons of Preparation for Holy Communion, and much else. With the Bible and a good Psalter, it's all that's needed to carry out the rich traditions of Orthodox private prayer in full.

Beautifully bound this prayer book first struck me as archaic in language and dense in structure. However, after using it for a few weeks it has grown on me more and more. I have even carried it with me on the train to pray silently.

The prayers are profoundly devotional and reverent, and reflect a sound Orthodox theology. The prayers also say exactly what I would want to say myself if I were extemporarily creative enough. The confessional prayers are heartfelt supplications to mercy with a real knowledge of human failings.

Having got used to this prayerbook I cannot imagine ever dispensing with it.

My husband wanted his own special prayer book after he converted to orthodoxy, so I bought this for him as a confirmation gift. He loves it!

This prayer book is formal; I would not take this with me everywhere. It is thicker with gilded page edges and a gold embossed cover. The print is rather large, so this might be better for those with trouble reading smaller print (like so many other prayer books utilize, especially the smaller ones to fit as much in as possible on those small pages for pocket convenience).

It is quite expansive with prayers, the divine liturgy, church protocol, and just about anything else. I would consider it your orthodox handbook.

It is from the Russian monastery in Jordanville NY.

I highly recommend this prayer book as a special gift for anyone wishing to expand their spiritual life.

Highest quality. Unlike other reviews of similar editions of this prayer book, this has highest quality binding as well as gold gilding on pages that does NOT rub off (I tried). I missed this prayer book after it disappeared and my priest suggested another prayer book to replace it. I truly do not think a person can be too "inexperienced" to purchase and regularly read from this. Remember, in Orthodoxy, we never attempt such an endeavor without the guidance of our priest, who then helps us established our personal "prayer rule". So, when this arrives, bring it to your priest (even if you are an inquirer or a catechumen) and ask him to bless it on the altar. He will then be aware that you have it, and when the time has come for him to return it to you, make a point of asking for specific guidance as to what prayers you should commit to reading (when and how often).

This Prayer Book is from the Russion Orthodox perspective but written entirely in English. It provides the common prayers used in the Orthodox Litergical Life, daily prayers of the hours as well as the prayers of Easter week. It is a great companion for the Bible in your "closet time". Orthodox, Catholic or any denomination of christian can enjoy these traditional prayers of the early Church.

Excellent Book and Excellent Book Seller!!!