What is chrismation? Nicholas Denysenko breaks open chrismation as sacrament of belonging by exploring its history and liturgical theology. This study offers a sacramental theology of chrismation by examining its relationship with baptism and the Eucharist and its function as the ritual for receiving converts into the Orthodox Church. Drawing from a rich array of liturgical and theological sources, Denysenko explains how chrismation initiates the participant into the life of the triune God, beginning a process of theosis, becoming like God. The book includes a chapter comparing and contrasting chrismation and confirmation, along with pastoral suggestions for renewing the potential of this sacrament to transform the lives of participants.

Originally published in 1999, The Rites of Christian Initiation was haled for its clarity and comprehensiveness. Kalian McDonnell, OSB, called it the best overall treatment of Christian initiation available, and Paul Bradshaw predicted it would be the standard textbook on the subject for very many years to come." The current edition draws on new translations of early texts on baptism as well as recent scholarship on the early traditions in the East and West. It is sure to replace itself as the new standard reference on the rites of Christian initiation. Maxwell E. Johnson's expanded and revised text provides a more complete view of the history and interpretation of the rites in the Eastern Church, including two chapters that explore the pre-Nicene Eastern and Western traditions in detail. Revisiting the theology of baptism, this edition also provides more nuanced positions on the Eastern and Western traditions. Finally, recent liturgical developments in American Protestant churches, particularly Lutheran, as well as the ongoing development of the RCIA and confirmation practices of Catholics, made it necessary to revisit the place and meaning of these rites in the church today. Maxwell E. Johnson, PhD, is professor of liturgy at the University of Notre Dame and an ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He has published in Worship and is the editor of and contributor to Living Water, Sealing Spirit: Readings on Christian Initiation (Liturgical Press, 1995) and the revised and expanded edition of E.C. Whitaker, Documents of the Baptismal Liturgy (Liturgical Press and S.P.C.K., 2003), to which this study serves as a companion volume. "

This book employs Cognitive Literary Theory in an analysis of Conceptual and Intertextual Blending in the Gospel of Philip and the Exegesis on the Soul, read as Christian texts contemporary with the production and use of the Nag Hammadi Codices.

"Eastern Orthodoxy illuminated by the Gospel is one of the greatest books ever written about the Orthodoxy. Reading the book Eastern Orthodoxy illuminated by the Gospel is like climbing a high mountain, where your visual field gets expanded with each step, discovering new and exciting details, and finally gives an exceptional panoramic view that evokes the strongest feelings! Each new line is like a new stair leading to a highest top, from where you can observe the whole Orthodoxy. Orthodoxy from God's perspective. Light of the glorious Gospel and Christ's teachings shines like the sun throughout this book, illuminating a complete profession of faith of the Eastern Orthodox Church." Sladjan Djuric Author of the book Only Scripture, Serbia "I have never understood why Eastern Orthodox people practice or believe certain things. When I would ask, I would either get silence or a very confusing and superficial answer. Ivica's book made those mysterious things clear for the first time and helped me understand the essence and the roots of the Orthodox religion. Without exaggeration I think this is a first-class apologetic manual ever written. Everyone who is called to work with Orthodox believers should have this book because it can help them understand the people who practice Eastern Orthodoxy, and give them directions how to pray and preach the Gospel more efficiently (2. Corinthians 4:3-4, Ephesians 6:12).'' Jan Vareca Editor of a Christian e-magazine 'The trumpet of Zion', Serbia "Eastern Orthodoxy has been largely unknown in the West, but in the recent years there has been a surge of interest, particularly among Christians of Protestant/Evangelical orientation, many of whom wish to find out more about this mystical expression of faith that captivates by its ancient charm and connection to the early church fathers. The book Eastern Orthodoxy Illuminated by the Gospel by Ivica Stamenkovic will unlock the mysteries of Eastern Orthodoxy for the Western readers. A native of Serbia, a country with a strong Eastern Orthodox majority, Ivica had the advantage of studying Eastern Orthodoxy at its source. The product of his studies is a volume that deserves to be called nothing less than a textbook on Eastern Orthodoxy and probably the first of its kind available in the English language. His clear, scholarly approach leaves no stones unturned. Needless to say, a study such as this one has been long overdue in the West. Even though scholarly, the book is by no means "dry" and is an enjoyable read, cover to cover." Alex Jovanovic Pastor of Mooretown Brethren in Christ Church Sandusky, Michigan, USA

Protestantism: The Greatest Lie Satan Ever Told! is an Orthodox Christian apologetics work addressing the claims of salvation through Protestant beliefs and teachings.

Recounts the history of Orthodox Christianity, and discusses Orthodox beliefs, practices, and forms of worship