The Synaxarion: The Lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church (Complete Set)

The lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church by Hieromonk Makarios of Siomonos Petra, Mt. Athos. The Complete Synaxarion consist of 7 hardcover volumes, with 6 volumes, each one covering two months of the liturgical calendar (arranged in sequence by calendar date), and with over 550 pages in each volume, illustrated with numerous icons, miniatures, and ornaments from Byzantine manuscripts, some of these latter painted by the nuns of Ormylia.

Each volume gives brief biographies of many of the saints commemorated each day of the month, an explanation of any major feasts celebrated during the month, plus spiritual readings. Combining detailed historical research and idiomatic text, which spare pietistic flourishes that might otherwise heap honey on existing sweetness to be tasted in the lives of all Orthodox saints, distinguish these translations. In this book, there are mediaeval saints long forgotten and now rediscovered, such as St Sabas of Vatopedi (5 October), alongside others who attained sanctity in confrontation with characteristically twentieth-century manifestations of evil, such as St Gorazd, Bishop of Slovakia and the Czech Lands (4 September), who was shot by the Nazis in 1942. They, and this book, are the best possible companions for the private devotions of Orthodox Christians, and indeed of all those faithful who wish to live in the Church’s tradition.

"With joy, We have learned of the publication of the Synaxarion in the English language whereby the Saints who surround us as a cloud will become better known by Christian brethren of differing tongues to their edification in Christ."
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

"When we read the Synaxarion, we are truly led in spirit into the Kingdom of God. The present edition of the Synaxarion is not the result of any kind of plan or project, for it appeared naturally, as a birth in the desert, an unexpected offspring. We humbly pray that this Synaxarion may yield a scent of Paradise to the souls of its readers and move them to give thanks to God."
Archimandrite Aimilianos, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Simonos Petra

"The purpose of the Synaxarion is to provide everyone, of whatever age or state in life, with spiritual nourishment, through a meeting with the saints commemorated each day, which may serve as a preparation for prayer."
Hieromonk Macarios of Simonos Petra

Published by: Sebastian Press

Volume I: Introduction, September, October
Translated from French by: Christopher Hookway
Language: English
Number of pages: 581, hardbound
Number of color reproductions: 23
ISBN: 978-960-518-418-6

Volume II: November, December
Translated from French by: Christopher Hookway
Language: English
Number of pages: 621, hardbound
Number of color reproductions: None
ISBN: 960-86143-1-7

Volume III: January, February
Translated from French by: Christopher Hookway
Language: English
Number of pages: 664, hardbound
Number of color reproductions: 5
ISBN: 960-86143-5-X

Volume IV: March, April
Translated from French by: Mother Maria (Rule) and Mother Joanna (Burton)
Language: English
Number of pages: 575, hardbound
Number of color reproductions: 8
ISBN: 960-87487-2-0

Volume V: May, June
Translated from French by: Mother Maria (Rule) and Mother Joanna (Burton)
Language: English
Number of pages: 690, hardbound
Number of color reproductions: 8
ISBN: 960-518-247-5

Volume VI: July, August
Translated from French by: Mother Maria (Rule) and Mother Joanna (Burton)
Language: English
Number of pages: 690, hardbound
Number of color reproductions: 10
ISBN: 978-960-518-305-9

Volume VII: Appendix, General Index
Translated from French by: Mother Maria (Rule)
Language: English
Number of pages: 245, hardbound
Number of color reproductions: 1
ISBN: 978-960-518-306-6