“Brings to light the hidden life of prayer and asceticism quietly shaping the soul of our continent.”

~ from a 5-star review at STM Press

“A beautiful and original photographic pilgrimage across North America… the story of a profound journey… I highly recommend it.”

~ Paul Kingsnorth, writer

“It’s a book every Orthodox Christian should have displayed in their home.”

~ Abbot Tryphon of Vashon Island

Laudes Breves:

“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

“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

“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

“Thank you for this treasure, absolutely beautiful… I’ve made sure our church book library has a few copies in stock. It’s so beautiful I want to make sure all our inquirers and catechumens see it for a glimpse of the larger Orthodox world that is out there.” — Laurence M., California

“Beyond whatever expectations I may have had. It is simply wonderful – a treasure for Orthodox everywhere! I cannot wait to read it prayerfully and learn of new (to me) monasteries at which to retreat. This book is very much worth the wait.” — Paul R., Kansas

Video Review by Abbot Tryphon of Vashon Island:

Published on YouTube May 8, 2025

Quotes from Abbot Tryphon’s endorsement:

“One of the most beautiful books I’ve come across in a very long time…”

“In many ways this has more of an impact for evangelism than handing someone a book about the Orthodox Church and its teachings…”

“A coffee table book that will draw the attention of everyone, including non-Orthodox, by its beauty…”

Viewer comments from Abbot Tryphon’s Video:

“It’s an absolutely beautiful book and such a blessing that it could be made.” — @NavelOrangeGazer

“I have a copy and the photos are stunning!” — @orthostephen

“I have the book now and it is a beautiful work of art.” — @guvnc1

“Many of my friends and family are drawn to art books and photography books on castles, ruins, cathedrals, etc. They’ll easily spend $100-200 on books of this genre. How beautiful it is to see such a book specific to the living faith of Orthodoxy!” — @cliffordduhh45

In-Depth Reviews:

“A truly inspirational photographic journal… Allows us to enter discreetly into each monastery to see, sense, and feel the life being lived there… to ponder those questions we have about the mystery of life… The breathtaking beauty of this work will truly bring glory to God.”

~ From the Introduction by Mother Christophora, abbess of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania

This review speaks of the ‘deep sense of stillness’ and the ‘hidden life’ behind the photographs:

A profound and beautiful revelation of Orthodox monastic life in our midst —

The North American Thebaid is far more than a pictorial book—it is a spiritual encounter. From the first page, I was struck by the sheer beauty of the photography, the reverence of the compositions, and the deep sense of stillness captured in each image. It is stunningly produced, but beyond its visual richness, what moved me most was the profound realization that Orthodox monasticism is not a distant tradition—it is fully alive and flourishing here in North America.

This book brings to light something many of us may not see clearly: the hidden life of prayer and asceticism quietly shaping the soul of our continent. Every page invites reflection, and I find myself returning to it again and again—for inspiration, for encouragement, and for a renewed awareness of the spiritual treasures in our own backyard.

It is a gift to the Church, and a witness to the presence of grace all around us. Glory to God for this beautiful work! – Anthony*

This next reviewer notes the essays as well as the photographs:

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

NOTE: Asterisks [*] following reviewer names denote 5-star reviews posted by Verified Customers at St. Tikhon’s Monastery Press Online Store. Other reviews are either public comments posted at this website, or personal emails or texts sent to the photographer.