Plus first reviews of The North American Thebaid Book

Dear Fellow Pilgrims,

I happened to open the St Tikhon’s Press website today to grab the link for the NA Thebaid Book for this post, and was happily surprised to find several new reviews had been added over the last week. But before I post some of those, I wanted to share with you this comment (paraphrased), expressed to me in person by a monastic at one of the monasteries featured in the book:

This is the perfect book to have for Bright Week. After six weeks of Lent and another Holy Week, we don’t want any more reading, but would love a nice, big picture book to accompany us through Bright Week.

Order from St Tikhon’s Monastery Press for delivery by Pascha!

I feel honored by the growing number of reviews from early supporters of the Thebaid Project, and from customer comments posted at St Tikhon’s Press website. Here are some examples (STMP reviews are noted by an asterisk [*] instead of customer’s state):

“The book is beyond what I expected it to be. All I can say is Wow! And Glory to God! I already have people in mind that I will be sharing this book with and also displaying it in our church bookstore.” – Mary C., Washington

“I received the book today.  It’s a work of art!  The size and weight of the book alone give it gravitas.  This work will raise the consciousness of Orthodox Americans regarding the often neglected ministry of monasteries in our midst.”  – William D., Ohio

“Absolutely stunning – The quality of the book was amazing. The photos were breathtaking. I am so incredibly pleased with this book!” – Karen S. *

“Wonderful presentation of American Orthodoxy – Great book to share with non-Orthodox.” – Joseph W. *

“Perfection – I continue to enjoy this sacred and spiritual journey. It is truly magnificent and inspiring.” – Dimitri N. *

“Beautiful book! – Well worth the price.” – Rev. Luke U. *

“Congratulations for completing this monumental task. – This book is a treasure to be shared with future generations. The photography is Stellar! You’ve created a gift to the World. Blessings!” — Rev. John V., Alabama

This slightly longer review discusses some of the features of the book, and touches on the Thebaid Project behind it:

Glory to God! You will NOT be disappointed! – Photography is exquisite, and the essays are most welcomed. To see the essay by my Spiritual Father, Hieroschemamonk Ambrose was a great surprise! You will find yourself picking this book up over and over again, and wanting to visit these monasteries. I am so glad that I had made the purchase years ago, and when it arrived the other day, I was ecstatic to say the least! Thank you Zosimas for your years of labour on this project, and St Tikhon’s Press for publishing it. 5 stars is simply not enough! Glory to God! – Archpriest Seraphim R. *

This next review expresses some thoughts on the delays in bringing the book to print:

Congratulations on the publication of your beautiful book – It was definitely worth the wait and waiting for it was very Biblical and very monastic… 

I anticipated it for a long time and wondered ‘”when will we ever see it!?” but then humbly waited through the delays.  Then it comes in God’s timing,  and the feeling of humility from having to wait is a real blessing (not being in control all the time, not having things arrive exactly when we want them. Our modern demands versus everything coming from God’s hand).

There is certainly a blessing and feeling of grace and beauty in all the pages. It is much more than I expected.  – M.K., Alabama

My thanks to the above supporters and all of you who have waited so patiently for this book to arrive. I realize some of you are still waiting, and I ask your continued patience for just a little bit longer as I continue handling the distribution of preorders in Cincinnati, Birmingham and elsewhere. Also, be sure to watch the schedule here on my website for upcoming book signings and talks. I’m looking very much forward to seeing many of you in person, and soon!

I hope you all have a profound and sacred Holy Week, and a most radiant Pascha/Easter!

May your pilgrimages be blessed!

Ralph/Zosimas